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12 best bath towels for absorbency, colour-fastness and wrapping yourself in
Ideal for that luxury hotel feel at home
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
Having the best bath towels at home is one of those little luxuries that can make all the difference. And when you look after them properly, they can last for years.
But just because a towel is soft to the touch in the shop, there’s no guarantee it will stay like that, wash after wash. That’s why our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute spend time reviewing the market-leading brands in the lab, as well as sending them out to our panel to test at home.
Here are our winners at a glance, but keep scrolling for the full reviews, as well as our expert buying and care guide.
Best bath towels to buy in 2025
To find the best bath towels, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts recruited a panel of at-home testers to try out both light and dark-coloured options from a wide variety of brands, over a period of two weeks. Our experts also put them through multiple washes in the lab, checking for any shrinkage, colour fading and absorbency. You’ll find a full breakdown of how we test below our reviews.
All prices and dimensions quoted below are for a bath sheet.
Pros
- Highly absorbent, doesn’t feel excessively wet even after drying thick hair
- More environmentally and socially responsible choice
Cons
- More of an investment
Score: 95/100
Combining bamboo with cotton to silky-smooth effect, these towels were a hit in the lab and with our testers at home. They scored full marks for absorbency and for how well they washed, keeping their shape nicely. Testers were also impressed with their colourfastness.
The towels shed a little initially, but overall, our panel found the thick design made showering a treat. And they liked the loop that helps when hanging them up in the bathroom.
Panda deserves an honourable mention for its environmental efforts too; the towels boast an Oeko-Tex Made in Green accreditation, which means that they have been made using sustainable processes and in socially responsible conditions.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Hand towel, bath towel and bath sheet |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 100 x 150cm |
| Colourways available | 3 |
| Fabric | 65% cotton, 35% bamboo |
| GSM | 600 |
Pros
- Soft and snuggly
- Very absorbent
- Range of tasteful colours
Cons
- Green and grey colours fade at the border
Score: 92/100
Our runner-up, these pure cotton towels shone for their stellar absorbency, leaving our panel of testers dry in no time. They were soft too, and you can choose between a timeless array of shades to find your bathroom’s perfect colour match.
In the lab, there was a small amount of fading and shrinkage detected by our experts, but nothing that would be too noticeable in day-to-day use. In fact, the well-sized and snuggly design is now a mainstay in our panellists' bathrooms.
For added peace of mind, the towels are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, which means the organic claims have been independently verified throughout the supply chain.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet and shower mat |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 90 x 150cm |
| Colourways available | 6 |
| Fabric | Cotton |
| GSM | 550 |
Pros
- Super soft to the touch
- Contemporary ribbed design
Cons
- Some users found them less plush and snuggly than non-ribbed towels
Score: 90/100
The White Company is always our go-to for hotel-quality furnishings, and these towels didn’t disappoint. Our panel described them as “super soft with a luxurious feel”, adding that the stitching and construction remained pristine throughout testing.
Our in-house testing reinforced our panel’s findings; the towels had a perfect score in our absorbency and shrinkage tests, and dropped less than a point in our fading tests because the darker towel dulled a smidge. Overall, if you’re looking to invest, these premium towels should provide inviting comfort for many showers to come.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, super jumbo |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 100 x 150cm |
| Colourways available | 4 |
| Fabric | Cotton |
| GSM | 500 |
Pros
- 29 colourways to choose from
- Doesn't shrink
Cons
- Some users reported shedding of fibres
Score: 90/100
With no fewer than 29 colours to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the right shade for your bathroom. But that’s far from the only reason our testers rated this towel; it scored full marks for its impressive absorbency and in our shrinkage tests, maintaining its shape well after washing.
There was some minor fading detected by our machine and our panel noted some initial shedding, but this isn't unusual with brand new towels. Our testers liked the coverage provided, declaring the towels soft and fluffy (even after a few washes!) and said they’d continue to use them after the test period had ended.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Face cloth, guest towel, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, extra-large bath sheet |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 165 x 90cm |
| Colourways available | 29 |
| Fabric | Cotton |
| GSM | 700 |
Pros
- Chic packaging – great for gifting
- Fun striped colourways
Cons
- Rich colours faded more than others, but not enough to be noticeable
Score: 90/100
With their striped design, these towels will bring the beach to your bathroom (or look classy on the sand). They’re thick and super soft, so they felt gentle against our testers' skin.
They excelled during our in-house tests too, maintaining their vibrant colour, holding their shape, and absorbing water well.
And they’re Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, so you can wrap up safe in the knowledge that there are no chemicals next to your skin.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 100 x 150cm |
| Colourways available | 3 |
| Fabric | Cotton |
| GSM | 600 |
Pros
- Larger than a standard bath sheet
- Luxury feel at a reasonable price
Cons
- Needs slightly longer to dry
Score: 90/100
This towel aced our lab tests, scoring perfect marks for its impressive absorbency, colourfastness and reliability in the washing machine. It's also impeccably finished, with no loose stitches or threads detected.
It proved a hit in our panellists' bathrooms as well– they found it lightweight and soft, praising how its generous size wrapped around the body. Again, there are a lot of colours to choose from, pleasing your design sensibilities as well as being soft on your skin.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Guest towel, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, face towel |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 90 x 170cm |
| Colourways available | 8 |
| Fabric | Cotton |
| GSM | 600 |
Pros
- Absorbent and colourfast
- Great for bathroom or beach
Cons
- Less thick than others
Score: 89/100
Available in eight chic colour combinations, this striped towel is another reliable buy. Our panel found it soft and stylish. Some said it wasn’t the thickest towel they’ve used, but all found it well-sized for maximum coverage and comfort.
In our wash tests, our experts noted mixed results. The towel scored full marks for its absorbency, and impressed with its lack of fading, but they measured some slight shrinking. That said, washing on a cooler temperature, rather than the suggested 60C, should limit this.
On balance, it’s a towel that will look just as good hanging in your bathroom as it will on the beach.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Bath towel, bath sheet |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 100 x 150cm |
| Colourways available | 8 |
| Fabric | Cotton |
| GSM | 500 |
Pros
- Good value buy
- Some users thought the ribbing helped dry them more efficiently
Cons
- Some found the ribbed texture somewhat rough to use
Score: 87/100
If you’re concerned about fading, these are the towels to plump for, as our software didn’t detect any loss of colour after multiple washes. They also scored full marks for their effective absorbency and lack of shrinkage.
Our panel said the towels felt soft and gentle against the skin, liked how they wrapped around them and were impressed with the clear care instructions provided. They’re a great value buy.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 150 x 100cm |
| Colourways available | 4 |
| Fabric | Cotton |
| GSM | 500 |
Pros
- Heavyweight material feels luxurious
- Doesn’t take long to dry despite thickness
Cons
- Hanging loop is on the end of the towel, so it may touch the floor
Score: 82/100
Whether you’ve enjoyed a soak or are stepping out of the shower, these are a treat to snuggle up in. They’re absorbent, wash well and come in an array of timeless colours. They're also thicker than most of the other towels we tested – something our panel felt gave them a luxurious feel.
While pleasingly fluffy, the towels did shed to begin with, but this should stop before too long, especially if you wash the towels a few times before use. We also detected some fading via our in-house testing. This aside, the premium texture and weight of these towels make them a high-quality buy, which, according to our panel, “felt like hotel towels”.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, jumbo bath sheet |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 100 x 160cm |
| Colourways available | 9 |
| Fabric | Cotton |
| GSM | 700 |
Pros
- Excellent value
- Great absorbency
Cons
- Fibre shedding is particularly noticeable in dark colours
Score: 82/100
If you ever wonder whether the towels you see on your weekly shop are worth adding to your trolley, then our testers have the answer, and it’s a simple “yes”. These felt soft to touch, absorbed water well and washed reliably too, with minimal shrinkage, while maintaining their fluffy feel.
They weren’t as colourfast as some and did molt to begin with. But overall, our panel were pleased with the towels and given their low price, they are a savvy buy.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Hand towels, bath towels, bath sheets |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 100 x 150cm |
| Colourways available | 11 |
| Fabric | Cotton |
| GSM | Unspecified |
Pros
- Lightweight for its size
- Unique velvety softness
Cons
- Smaller than most bath sheets
- Feels a little thinner than others
Score: 81/100
Made with a combination of cotton and modal, these towels were so soft, testers described them as “velvety”. They fared well in most in-house tests, standing out for a lack of shedding. But we did detect some shrinkage after a few washes.
That said, the bath sheet is sizeable so should still provide good coverage. It’s also lightweight, which may come in handy if you’re travelling and want to take your own towel with you. It’s not the cheapest we tested, but its luxury finish certainly makes it an appealing pick.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 86 x 150cm |
| Colourways available | 5 |
| Fabric | 65% cotton and 35% modal |
| GSM | 600 |
Pros
- Five-year guarantee
- Thick, heavyweight fabric
Cons
- Needs to be washed several times to become absorbent
- Loses fluffiness after a few washes
Score: 81/100
Panellists described this bath sheet as “soft, thick and fluffy” and loved its generous size, commenting that it covered the whole body well. There was limited shrinkage in our lab wash tests too, so you can be confident it will stay that size, use after use.
It took until its fifth wash to perform in our absorbency test though, so definitely follow the guidelines on washing your towel before use. However, this will mean having to sacrifice that soft-to-touch feel as it lost some of its fluffiness once it had gone through the wash multiple times.
We also noticed the darker coloured towels began to fade around the edge so stick to lighter colours if you’re concerned about that.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | Face cloth, wash mitt, guest towel, hand towel, bath towel, extra-large bath towel, bath sheet, supersize bath sheet |
|---|---|
| Bath sheet dimensions | 90 x 150cm |
| Colourways available | 40 |
| Fabric | 100% cotton |
| GSM | 600 |
How we test towels
To find the best towels for your bathroom, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute combined in-house lab tests with at-home reviews. They sent out light and dark towels from each brand to a panel of readers to try out for a minimum of two weeks.
The panel then filled in a detailed survey, noting how soft the towels were before and after washing, what they thought of the size, and whether they were absorbent enough to dry them well. We also asked if they'd recommend them to others.
Back in the lab, our experts compiled the findings from the survey, and carried out some tests of their own. They repeatedly washed each towel, measuring them before and after to check for any shrinkage.
They also used a digital colour measurement tool to look for any fading and noted whether it was visible to the naked eye too.
Finally, they analysed the absorbency of each towel, timing how long it took for the fabric to become saturated.
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we have extremely high standards when it comes to the products we recommend – and bath towels are no exception. The rigorous test protocols we used for this review, which are a combination of in-lab wash tests and user surveys, were designed by our highly experienced homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd.
All the data and feedback has been analysed and collated into an easy-to-digest article by the GHI's senior homes writer, Megan Geall. Megan has tested and written about hundreds of homes products, and has a knack for picking out the information shoppers need to make a quick, informed decision.
No one can buy the Good Housekeeping Institute seal of approval, and many products fail to meet our standards. Our in-depth, independent testing sets us apart from the overwhelming number of product reviews out there – and means you can shop with confidence.
What to look for in a bath towel
It’s easy to be lured in by the towel that feels the softest in the shop. But once you wash them, everything can change (especially if you're washing away leftover fabric softener from the manufacturing process), so to get beyond a towel’s first impression, this is what to look for.
Thread count
Unlike with the best bedding, a towel’s thread count is measured in grams per square metre, also known as its gsm. The higher the gsm, the more luxurious your towel will typically feel — look for those ranging between 500-700gsm.
Fabric
Most towels on our list are made from 100% cotton, as it’s soft and absorbent. The Inside Story towel above contains modal, a fabric that’s derived from wood pulp and is designed to mimic cotton.
Design
How your towel is made also impacts its longevity. Look for double-turned edges with double stitching, as this extra reinforcement will reduce fraying.
Size options
Having the right size towel will also make your washing experience more enjoyable. Options range from face cloths to extra-large bath sheets. A bath towel or sheet is the ideal size for wrapping around you after a bath or shower. These are their typical dimensions (although this will vary slightly by brand):
- Bath towel: L140 x W70cm
- Bath sheet: L150 x W90cm
- XL bath sheet: L180 x W100cm
All the towels we tested were bath sheets but if you’re shopping in person, it's worth wrapping one around you in-store to see which size you prefer.
How often should you buy new towels?
There's no clear rule on how long you should keep your towels. Visible signs that they need replacing include fraying and holes. Similarly, if you don’t feel like they're drying you well, then it may be time to swap them out of your rotation.
They don’t need to go straight in the bin, though. Look for local textile recycling bins that will reuse them. You can also use them for drying your pets or take them to animal shelters who will happily repurpose them.
Is it normal for new towels to shed?
Shedding is common with new and even old towels. It's also more likely with darker colours due to the dyeing process. Washing your new towels before use will help minimise this, but note that it usually takes a good 10 washes, according to our towel washing guide, before the shedding subsides.
How do you keep towels soft?
This all comes down to how you wash and dry them. Limit using fabric conditioner when washing your towels, as this can reduce their absorption.
Instead, to keep towels soft, shake them out after they’ve been washed before placing in a tumble dryer or on a washing line. If you place them outdoors, avoid direct sunlight, as the UV rays can cause fading.
Once dried, shake your towels out again, and try not to leave them to dry for too long (be it in the sun, in a tumble dryer or by a radiator) as this can leave them feeling crispy.
A build-up of limescale also affects softness, particularly in hard-water areas. So, keep your washing machine clean by regularly running an empty cycle on the hottest temperature, placing a cup of distilled white wine vinegar in the detergent drawer.
The verdict on bath towels
Our highest scoring towel is the Panda Bamboo Bath Sheet, acing our lab tests and proving a hit with our at-home panel.
But, it only comes in three colours – and let’s be honest, having a towel that matches your bathroom decor is almost as important as having one that’s soft. So, if none of those shades work for you then we recommend checking out our runner-up, Christy's Organic Turkish Cotton Towels, which come in a range of shades (as well as being super absorbent).
And if you still can’t find the right match, then both the John Lewis Egyptian Cotton Bath Sheets and the Dunelm Egyptian Cotton Towels come in over 40 colourways.
22 August 2025: This article was restructured for clarity, and we added pros and cons for each product to help you find the right one for you. We also checked stock levels and prices.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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