Product Specs: 100% organic cotton grown and woven in Turkey, 600 GSM, 54″ x 27″
Best Waffle Towel: Onsen Waffle Bath Towel Set
Why We Love It: If you can’t get enough of the towels and robes you find at bathhouses and spas, Onsen’s Waffle Bath Towels are the option for you. Not only are they fast-drying, but they’re tightly woven to ensure your jewelry won’t pull or snag. These are soft, but not so soft that you still feel damp after drying off. Bonus: They can easily double as beach towels, too. (We’ve done it.)
Product Specs: 100% USA-grown extra-long-staple Supima cotton, 31″ x 57″
Best Quick-Drying: Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Bath Towel
Why We Love It: Pottery Barn’s Turkish towel sounds sophisticated because it is. The special method that the Turkish cotton is woven makes its fabric 10X more absorbent than regular cotton terry. Still, the towel stays super smooth, pill-resistant, and remarkably strong. The extra-large 40″ x 72″ monogrammable design is available in several tranquil colors. You can count on Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Oeko-Tex certification, too.
Product Specs: 100% organic long-staple Turkish Cotton, 550 GSM, Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, 55″ x 28″
Best Eco-Conscious: Parachute Classic Towel
Why We Love It: Parachute promises the fluffiest of fluff with its soft and absorbent Aerocotton technology. The 100% Turkish cotton towel set comes with a washcloth, hand towel, bath towel, and bath sheet that dry quickly and maintain their thickness and softness with each wash. The towels also feature a modern-looking ribbed dobby design and come in grounding colors like Moss, Bone, Dusk, and Coal. We also love how Parachute’s products are free of synthetic dyes and are shipped using carbon-neutral transportation. As of 2022, the company is also Climate Neutral Certified.
Product Specs: 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, 700 GSM, Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, 56″ x 30″
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of towels are best for my skin?
We’ve written before about how a super-soft microfiber towel is ideal for your hair because the gentle, low-friction material can efficiently wick away moisture without roughing up the cuticle. But when it comes to skin care, Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, says that soft fibers like cotton are great for reducing harmful friction on the skin. A higher GSM (grams per square meter) is ideal, as that amps up the absorbency and softness. And Shereene Idriss, MD, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, agrees. “When it comes to choosing the best towel for your skin, you want to look for soft, gentle towels made from natural fibers like cotton, especially if you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis,” she says.
How often should I wash my bath towel?
The general rule of thumb is to swap out your bath towel every three to four uses, especially if you’re an avid exerciser or you live in a pollution-heavy city. “Every three to four uses is a safe frequency to avoid a fungus among us,” says Dr. Idriss. “This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew that can thrive in damp towels.” Now, if you lead a low-key life or simply don’t have the time, in-unit washer, or towels to wash them that frequently, once per week is satisfactory.
Can I use a bath towel on my face?
This is an oft-debated question for those who prioritize skin health and convenience, but ultimately, Dr. Idriss suggests a separate face towel. “Using a bath towel on your face is an absolute no in my book,” says Dr. Idriss. “Your face deserves better than that! In fact, I have seven different face towels — one for every night of the week. You don’t want to introduce grime back onto your face and you should treat your face better than your tush.”
