I finally upgraded my bath towels and I wish I’d done it sooner

Turns out, finding the best bath towels is more transformative than you’d think. Not in a life-changing kind of way – but suddenly your bathroom feels fresher, softer, and you’ll feel all the more smug for it. After years of limp old cotton towels (one gifted, two stolen from a shared house), I finally upgraded. And honestly? The difference is immediate. Fluffier, yes – but also quicker to dry, better on skin, and far less likely to end up smelling damp after a day on the rail.

The latest generation of towels is anything but basic, swapping standard terry for thoughtful design and elevated comfort. We’re talking rich textures, striking patterns, and generously sized styles that easily pull double duty as beach towels or even impromptu picnic throws. Suddenly, your towel is as much about style as it is about function.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best of the best – from super soft Egyptian cotton sets with that luxurious feel, to quick-drying Turkish cotton towels that actually fit in a small washing load. We’ve looked at everyday hand towels, oversized bath sheets, the fluffiest face cloths, and full bath towel sets that make your airing cupboard look seriously satisfying. There are breathable bamboo blends for sensitive skin, plush spa-worthy picks, and durable designs that hold up in the washing machine week after week.

If you’re wondering what actually makes a towel “good”, it mostly comes down to GSM – that’s grams per square metre for the uninitiated. The higher the number, the heavier (and usually more absorbent) the towel. But it’s not always about weight. We’ve included some lower-GSM styles that are soft, fast-drying and ideal if you’re short on space – or patience.

We also paid attention to the details: how the towels feel after a few washes, whether they fray, how fast they air dry, and whether they actually do their job (you’d be surprised). Style matters too – we’ve got minimalist neutrals, crisp white towels, textured waffle towels, and chic striped numbers that give a full bathroom glow-up.

Essentially, if your current towels are stiff, thin, or making you question your standards – this is your sign. A good quality, absorbent towel isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a daily upgrade you’ll feel every time you step out of the shower.

Meet the experts:

How we test bath towels

At GLAMOUR, we’re all about giving our readers honest, independent, and utterly trustworthy reviews. That means recommending not just the prettiest bath towels, but the ones that actually deliver on comfort, quality, and everyday practicality.

Each bath towel in this edit has been tested for quality, absorbency, size options, drying time and pre- and post-wash softness before being scored out of 10.

Our testers’ looked out for signs of wear, pilling, and snags to ensure we outlined any drawbacks. The result? A selection of high-quality bathroom towels to suit everyone’s needs from hotel-style towels to towels suitable for children.

After more interiors content? Head this way for beach towels, bath trays and bath mats – and over here for the best duvet and best mattresses for your best night’s kip yet.

For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.

Ahead, the best bath towels of 2025.