After a hot shower, a scratchy towel is less than ideal. Wrapping yourself in a fluffy, warm bath towel feels significantly better. You don’t have to visit high-end stores to find quality towels. High-quality options are available on Amazon, similar to their offerings of kitchen gadgets and travel accessories. With so many choices available, it can seem daunting to pick the right one.
Whether you are looking to save money or indulge, knowing what to look for is essential. Interior design experts shared their top tips for shopping for towels. Using their advice, I compiled a list of highly-rated towels on Amazon, which were also tested by NBC staff in the Best of Bed and Bath Awards.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: $32.28 (was $38.99)
- Best Budget: $28.99 (was $39.99)
- Best Splurge: Price not provided (was $78.00)
These selections are based on expert guidance, as detailed below. Sign up for NBC Selected’s newsletter, The Selection, for smarter shopping decisions.
High-Quality Towels Reviewed
Brooklinen’s towels come in a set of two for under $90 and feature an 820 GSM. “I’m thrilled with my Super-Plush bath towels,” remarks former NBC Selected managing editor Leah Ginsberg. “They are thicker, softer, and more absorbent than others, and they add style to my simple bathroom.”
NBC Selected updates editor Mili Godio says, “I bought affordable bath towels from Amazon for guests. They’re great quality for the price, and come in a pack of four.” These towels are equally absorbent and long enough to wrap around fully. They have a 600 GSM, made from 100% cotton, available in 15 colors and multiple sizes.
Expert Insights on Towel Selection
To identify key features for bath towels, conversations took place with interior designers and a Brooklinen design expert. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Absorbency: Choose towels from materials like Egyptian or Turkish cotton, known for moisture absorption. GSM, which stands for grams per square meter, measures fabric weight. Lower GSM (under 400) means lighter towels, while higher GSM results in thicker, more absorbent towels.
- Certifications: Seek out towels with Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® certification to ensure they’re free of harmful chemicals, advises Katie Elks, Brooklinen’s Design Director.
- Color and Design: Amazon offers a wide variety of options, making it easier to find towels in any style or color. While white towels provide timeless appeal, different colors and patterns can match your bathroom’s style.
Towel Shopping Advice
When purchasing towels, consider these expert recommendations:
- Feel: Some prefer fluffy towels, while others like thinner versions. Towels with higher GSM offer maximum absorbency and take up more space. Waffle towels feature raised threads for lightweight, quick-drying options with lower GSM.
- Quantity: Determine how many towels your home needs. For a couple, four to six towels allow rotation between uses and laundry. A family of four might need eight to twelve to avoid shortages.
- Budget: Decide your price range before browsing. Numerous price options exist on Amazon. There are affordable yet high-quality mid-range towels available.
Meet Our Bedding Experts
The experts advising NBC Selected possess specialized training and experience. We ensure all expert advice is given independently, free from undisclosed financial interests:
- Mina Lisanin: Interior designer, founder of ML Interiors, New York City.
- Katie Elks: Design Director at Brooklinen.
Why Trust NBC Selected?
Bethany Heitman, commerce editor at NBC Select and experienced journalist covering beauty, home, and lifestyle, interviewed two towel experts and gathered options from Amazon based on their guidance. Stay updated with NBC Selected’s comprehensive coverage of tech, tools, wellness, and more by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.