A decent bath towel should last five to 10 years – and some even longer. But even the best towels eventually look and feel tired, showing signs of undone seams, damaged loops and fading colours. What was once plush and cloud-like feels unsubstantial and can remain damp after use. That’s your cue to buy a new one.
Consider whether you like a dense, weighty feel or a lighter, fluffier towel. Towels can vary anywhere between 300gsm and 900gsm (grams per square metre) and the lower the number, the lighter the towel (300-400gsm is considered lightweight, 400-600gsm medium-weight and 600-900gsm heavy-weight). Also think about whether you prefer traditional hotel-type towels, or if you are up for trying something less conventional, such as a waffle weave or hammam-style towel.
Regardless of type, the best towels will get you dry quickly, without feeling soaking wet after use. It should dry out speedily too – nobody likes going back to the towel they used that morning only to find it’s damp and mildewy. As for costs, while cheaper towels tend to be made with synthetic fibres that don’t last as well, you can occasionally find some good materials even for under a tenner.
1. The White Company Hydrocotton Towel
£26 ,
The White Company
This lavish, ribbed hydrocotton towel is made using a “low twist” process that keeps it fluffy, light and exceptionally absorbent. It is also quick to dry out after use, as well as staying super-soft even after being washed and washed. We like the range of five colours – all neutrals – but it’s not for those that like the premium, denser feel.
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2. Marks and Spencer Luxury Egyptian Cotton Towel
£16 ,
M&S
This is one of our favourites because it absorbs moisture well and feels as soft as some towels three times the price. It also stays feeling luxurious for years on end, thanks to the mature cotton fibres and there’s a wider variety of colours than all the other brands we looked at. A great option for people who prefer lightweight, fluffy towels. Also available in three different sizes.
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3. Design Project by John Lewis
£20 ,
John Lewis
It’s the waffle construction that stands out with this two-tone, Japanese-designed bath towel. Not only does it look fresh and modern, but the hollow core means it’s nice and light and dries remarkably quickly. Don’t wash it at higher than 40 degrees, and bear in mind it’s not for those who prefer their towels really fluffy. Also available in three other sizes.
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4. A by Amara Nolita Towel
£11 ,
Amara
This masculine-looking, textured cotton towel weaves grey, purple, black into a pleasing geometric pattern that also feels nice and soft against the skin, as well as boasting superb absorbency. Made in Portugal, it’s heavier than some of the other towels we tried but no less fluffy for it – and best of all, its price has been slashed in half. Available in two other sizes.
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5. Christy Caspian Towel
£16.80 ,
House of Fraser
This elegant towel is covered with an unusual raised and textured pattern, made from 100 per cent cotton with a soft velour finish. It’s the kind of pattern you see regularly in North African markets, giving an exotic look to any bathroom. It absorbs water well without staying wet several hours later. Also available in a smaller size.
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6. Cox and Cox Cross Woven Towel
£35 ,
Cox & Cox
This 100 per cent cotton towel is ideal for those who want a plain colour (it’s available in blush or grey) but with a highly textured finish. Made in Denmark, you can even buy accessories to match. We thought it might not be much cop at drying out except on the raised surface, but we were very pleasantly surprised.
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7. Downland Set of Two Bathsheets
£9 ,
Very
We had high hopes for this bargain set (yes, you get two towels for the price, despite costing under a tenner) because of the large number of high customer ratings online. And we weren’t disappointed, with a softness usually only found in much pricier towels. It’s medium weight, good at drying and is available in an attractive range of colours. But it is prone to fraying quicker than others.
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8. Linen Me Waffle Bath Towel
£34.99 ,
Linen Me
We were intrigued by this really thing towel that looks more like a throw. But actually, the lightweight linen waffle weave was good at wicking moisture away from the body (rather than just pushing it around as some thin towels do) as well as quickly drying out itself. Although not quite as luxurious against the skin as some, this has its own benefits as the bumpy surface stimulates circulation to leave your skin feeling refreshed after use. Available in one other size.
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9. Wrappers Delight
£34 ,
Stuff of Dreams
This fine cotton offering is a version of the lightweight hammam towel. Handmade in Tunisia using traditional methods, it is available in two colours and can also be used as a blanket, shawl or wrap. When in towel mode, it dries quickly – useful for travelling or if you don’t have much drying space. Fear not if you think it feels a bit coarse to start with – it is tightly woven to become softer with each wash.
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10. The Modesty Company Classic Wrap
£49.50 ,
The Modesty Company
If you like to wrap your towel around you while you get on with anything from drying your hair to doing your make-up, but you get fed up with it nearly falling down every time, then you’ll love this ingenious towel wrap with velcro fastening. Available in three sizes and four colours for the trim, it’s nice and soft and washes like a dream. Plus it comes in a posh giftbox.
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11. Dunelm Flora and Fauna Towel
£20 ,
Dunelm Mill
You don’t see many great-looking floral-inspired towels about, and when you do, they tend to come at a premium cost. Not so with this bargain option that’s ideal for brightening up otherwise dull and plain bathrooms or matching with other flower themes. The pure cotton stays soft, especially with a bit of help from tumble drying it after washing, although it’s not quite as durable as some. Also available as a bath towel.
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