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The 11 best bath towels 2024?

by Laura

bath towel
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Whether in the swimming pool, in the wellness area or simply at home after a shower – everyone needs bath towels. Bathing is even more fun with the right towel.

The best is yet to come:

BeyondSurfing presents the best models from over 521 bath towel offers 2024.

Avoid buying mistakes:

You can also find out how to recognize good quality and what you should avoid when buying.

In a hurry? Our favorite bath towel:

AmazonBasics beach and bath towel*
Why are these bath towels better?

  • Very good price-performance ratio
  • Beautiful block stripe design in 4 colors
  • Professionally hemmed edges for greater robustness
  • Suitable for washing machines and tumble dryers

“The AmazonBasics bath towels are very pleasant on the skin. Considering the price, the quality is (almost) unbeatable.” – Katharina Pfeiffer (★★★★★)

Bath towel Checklist

  • What is it suitable for? Bath towels are not only suitable for the bathroom at home, but also for the sauna, wellness area, beach or swimming pool.
  • What features? Different bath towels can differ significantly from one another in factors such as size, thickness, design and durability.
  • Which material? In addition to traditional cotton towels, microfiber bath towels are becoming increasingly popular.

Also interesting: The most popular swim bags 2024.

These are the top 11 bath towels in 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. 2-pack AmazonBasics beach towel

Advantages

  • Very good price-performance ratio
  • Beautiful block stripe design in 4 colors
  • Professionally hemmed edges for greater robustness
  • Suitable for washing machines and tumble dryers

Disadvantages

  • Bath towels can be very fluffy at first
  • May stain or fray in the washing machine

Summary

The 2-pack of bath towels with a pretty block stripe pattern is available in 4 different colors. They are made from ring-spun pure cotton.

The bath towel feels soft and cozy on both sides. The edges are professionally hemmed to make the robust bath towel even more durable.

The bath towels are large enough to wrap around yourself or use as a base when lying down. They are also very absorbent, can be machine washed and tumble dried on a low setting.

Important: The first wash should be done separately to prevent lint from forming.

Conclusion

Although you get higher quality and durability with other models, you pay less here. The bath towels are therefore perfect if you are looking for a set of simple towels for your next vacation.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 2 | Size: 76 x 152 cm | Thickness: N/A | Material: Cotton (terry cloth) | Weight: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 84% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The bath towels are of good quality and feel very soft. The colors are pretty and don’t fade in the sun. The bath towels dry quickly. They do not pull threads and do not stain.

Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

The bath towels tend to fluff. For some customers, they also frayed quickly during washing. Overall, some customers rate the bath towels as not very durable. The blue towel seems to stain slightly in the washing machine.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Do the bath towels fluff?
Especially at the beginning, fussiness can occur. The manufacturer recommends washing the bath towels separately before using them for the first time. This helps to reduce lint formation.
Are the bath towels big enough to lie on?
The bath towels are each 152 cm long, so they may not be long enough for the whole body. If you don’t mind feet in the sand, they are still good for lying on.

2. nirvanaShape microfiber bath towel

Advantages

  • Extremely light and compact
  • Quick-drying microfiber
  • Incl. Zippered corner pocket and carrying bag
  • 100-day money-back guarantee

Disadvantages

  • Skin feeling takes some getting used to at first
  • Not as fluffy as cotton bath towels/li>

Summary

The NirvanaShape bath towel comes with lots of practical extras. The material is soft and comfortable against the skin.

Even after repeated use, the hand towel still proves to be very absorbent and quick-drying. It can absorb up to 8 times more water than a terry towel of a comparable size.

Thanks to the integrated corner pocket with zipper and press studs, the towel is also suitable for use in the gym, on the beach lounger or as a base for a yoga mat.

Conclusion

The NirvanaShape microfiber towel is not Amazon’s No. 1 bestseller in the towel category for nothing.

The bath towel is a practical companion for all occasions, is easy to transport and dries very quickly

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 1 | Size: 5 sizes selectable | Thickness: N/A | Material: Microfiber | Weight: 222 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 96% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The bath towel is perceived as super practical, with a fair price-performance ratio and quality that keeps its promises for a long time. It feels pleasant on the skin and offers a wide range of uses. Some customers have not used any other towels for years.

Around 2% are neutral about the product, while 2% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some customers find the towel too thin.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

3. 2-pack Julie Julsen bath towel

Advantages

  • Thick natural cotton
  • Tested for harmful substances according to Ökotex 100
  • Double pack for a low price

Disadvantages

  • Small blemishes possible due to B-goods
  • Bath towels may initially stain when washed
  • Low absorbency

Summary

The bath towel in high-quality hotel towel quality is made from 100% natural cotton. This is absorbent, quick-drying and very durable.

The thick fabric feels fluffy against the skin. The materials are also kind to the skin and hypoallergenic. The bath towel has been tested for harmful substances in accordance with Ökotex 100.

It is machine washable and suitable for tumble drying. There are numerous different colors to choose from.

The bath towel has a hanger and a decorative border that does not shrink even when washed. This means the bath towel always retains its shape.

Please note that these bath towels are B-goods. Small weaving faults or uncut threads may therefore occur. Apart from that, however, there are no restrictions in terms of quality.

Conclusion

These bath towels are ideal if you don’t mind a few small blemishes. Purchase a double pack of very good towels for a low price thanks to B-goods.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 2 | Size: 100 x 150 cm | Thickness: 500 g/m² | Material: Cotton | Weight: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 94% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Although they are B-goods, the bath towels are very well made. Often there are no visible defects. The bath towels are colorfast and do not fluff. They retain their shape after washing and are generally very hard-wearing. The fabric is thick and soft. This ensures a pleasant feeling on the skin.

Around 3% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Bath towels can stain, especially during the first few washes, so it is best to only wash them with similar colors. Some customers found the bath towels not absorbent enough.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the bath towels withstand frequent machine washing?
Yes, the bath towels can withstand frequent washing without any problems.
Do the bath towels have hangers?
Yes, the bath towels each have a hanger in the middle of the short side.

4. Fleuresse terry towel bath towel

Advantages

  • Very thick material
  • Tested for harmful substances according to Ökotex 100
  • With striped border and hanger

Disadvantages

  • Initially heavy fluffing
  • Absorbency not ideal
  • Bath towels may stain on first wash

Summary

The high-quality bath towel made of pure cotton is thick, absorbent and retains its shape. It is very soft and feels pleasant on the skin. It has a classic striped border and a hanger.

The edges are trimmed to prevent fraying. This makes the bath towel particularly hard-wearing and durable. Oekotex 100 certification means that the bath towel is proven to be free from harmful substances.

The bath towel is available in various modern plain colors. It is suitable for the washing machine and tumble dryer.

Conclusion

The bath towel is slightly more expensive than other models, but is of very good quality. If you’re looking for something long-lasting, you’ve come to the right place.

Please note, however, that there may be a lot of fluffing at first, which sometimes only subsides after repeated washing.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 1 | Size: 90 x 200 cm | Thickness: 550 /m² | Material: Cotton | Weight: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 82% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The bath towel is of high quality and has a good grip. It does not fray and retains its shape even after several washes. The colors are beautiful. The material is highly absorbent and fluffy.

Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The main point of criticism is the fluffing, which was very heavy for some customers and often only subsided after frequent washing. According to some customers, the bath towels do not absorb water ideally and are therefore only absorbent to a limited extent. The colors do not always correspond exactly to the illustrations. They may stain during the first wash.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the fluffing of bath towels be contained?
Yes. Linting is a problem, especially at first, but subsides after several washes.

5. BeMaxx microfiber towel set of 2

Advantages

  • Extremely light and compact
  • Quick-drying microfiber
  • Set consists of a large bath towel, cooling towel and carrying bag

Disadvantages

  • Skin feel takes some getting used to
  • Not as fluffy as cotton bath towels
  • Moisture absorption capacity is limited

Summary

The microfiber bath towel scores particularly well in terms of absorbency and quick drying. It can absorb three to four times its weight in water and dries 10 times faster than an average cotton towel.

The microfiber is breathable, sand-repellent and sweat-absorbent. Despite its decent size, the bath towel can be folded up very small and weighs very little.

One corner of the bath towel has a practical zippered pocket for valuables. There is a loop for hanging in another corner.

Together with the large bath towel, you get a smaller cooling towel that is perfect for sports or hot days. A small carrier bag is also included in the delivery, in which both towels can be stored.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a high quality microfiber bath towel with a very good price-performance ratio, this is the one for you. A small cooling cloth is also included.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 2 (1 bath towel, 1 cooling towel) | Size: 70 x 140 cm (bath towel); 40 x 70 cm (cooling towel) | Thickness: N/A | Material: Microfiber | Weight: 285 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 98% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers find the bath towel extremely practical. It dries quickly, doesn’t take up any space in your swim bag and feels pleasant on the skin. Moisture is immediately absorbed by the body so that drying is quick. The bath towel is a good size and the smaller towel has a nice cooling effect.

Around 2% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

The feel of microfiber bath towels differs significantly from cotton towels and can take some getting used to at first. It lacks the cozy effect of normal bath towels. Although the bath towel is absorbent, its capacity for absorbing liquids is quickly exhausted when you dry yourself with it. This makes the bath towel good for on the go, but less suitable for drying off after showering.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can you dry yourself well with the bath towel?
Yes, the bath towel is very absorbent and therefore perfect for drying off. However, the feel on the skin is very different to cotton towels and may take some time to get used to.
Is the bath towel suitable for the sauna?
Yes, you can use the bath towel for the sauna without any problems.

6. 4-pack Utopia Towels

Special Offer

Advantages

  • Set of 4 bath towels in different colors
  • Zero-twist construction prevents fraying
  • Soft, absorbent and durable

Disadvantages

  • Slight fluffing at first
  • Initial discoloration possible during washing

Summary

This set includes 4 XXL bath towels with block stripes in different colors. This gives you a varied bath towel set for the whole family.

The bath towels are made from ring-spun cotton. This is very absorbent and therefore enables quick drying. Nevertheless, it is lightweight and breathable. The bath towels are extremely soft and pleasant to the touch.

The professionally hemmed edges contribute to the high quality and long durability. The use of an additional combing process called zero-twist construction has considerably reduced fraying of the bath towels.

You can easily put the bath towels in the washing machine and tumble dryer. To prevent lint, the manufacturer recommends washing separately.

Conclusion

Here you get 4 very good bath towels at a top price. Ideal for anyone who wants to buy a supply of bath towels or to equip the whole family.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 4 | Size: 76 x 152 cm | Thickness: N/A | Material: Cotton | Weight: 2.27 kg (total weight for 4-pack)

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 88% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The bath towels are perfect for everyday use as well as for the beach or swimming pool. They feel fluffy, do not fluff and dry quickly. They retain their shape when washed and are of very high quality overall.

Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

Initially, the bath towels may fluff slightly, but this soon disappears after the first few washes. Some customers experienced slight discoloration of the bath towels in the washing machine.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the bath towels be washed together with other clothes?
The manufacturer recommends washing separately to prevent lint. The towels may also stain slightly, at least initially. They should therefore be washed separately, especially in the first few washes.

7. set of 2 Zollner bath towels

Advantages

  • Renowned German manufacturer
  • Outstanding quality
  • Tested for harmful substances according to Ökotex 100

Disadvantages

  • Initially fluffy

Summary

Zollner bath towels are used by numerous hotels and restaurants throughout Germany. The demands on quality and workmanship are correspondingly high.

Made from 100% cotton, these bath towels are extremely absorbent, very robust and super soft on the skin. The bath towels also have a double safety seam for extra durability.

The plain white bath towel is visually enhanced by a border. The bath towel carries the Ökotex 100 certificate for freedom from harmful substances.

Zollner bath towels are suitable for tumble dryers and are machine washable up to 95°. Even with frequent washing, there are no negative effects on the material strength. Each bath towel has a practical hanger.

Conclusion

If you are looking for high-quality bath towels in hotel quality from a well-known German manufacturer, then this 2-pack is just the thing.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 2 | Size: 100 x 150 cm | Thickness: 550 g/m² | Material: Cotton | Weight: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 86% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers particularly praise the very good quality of these bath towels. They are soft, durable and retain their shape. They also have a pleasant size and thickness.

Around 3% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Initially, the bath towels may fluff a little, but this disappears after the first wash.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Where are the bath towels made?
Zollner manufactures its products in Germany.

8. dock & bay bath towel microfiber

Advantages

  • Consists of 30% recycled materials
  • Dries faster than cotton
  • Lightweight and compact

Disadvantages

  • Less fluffy than cotton
  • May stain on first wash

Summary

The microfiber bath towel is particularly suitable for travel, camping or other excursions. It is lighter than cotton towels and can be folded compactly. Packed in the bag supplied, it measures just 20 x 15 cm.

Microfiber is extremely absorbent and dries the skin in a very short time. The material does not retain any unpleasant odors and dries around three times faster than conventional cotton bath towels.

The Dock & Bay cloth is sand-free. This means that sand and dirt do not get stuck and can be easily shaken out. 30% of the material in this bath towel comes from recycled plastic bottles.

The feel on the skin is different to cotton, but the bath towel is still velvety soft and pleasant to the touch. The scarves are available in various summery colors.

Conclusion

The range is suitable for anyone who is looking for a solid but inexpensive bath towel for on the go and is also environmentally conscious. The bath towel made of microfiber and recycled plastic is lightweight, compact and of good quality.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 1 | Size: 90 x 200 cm | Thickness: 220 g/m² | Material: Microfiber (80% polyester, 20% polyamide), recycled plastic | Weight: 480 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 89% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The quality of the microfiber bath towel is impressive. It dries quickly, is very absorbent and is the perfect size. When folded, it is extremely space-saving. The colors are beautiful and remain radiant even after washing.

Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The microfiber bath towel is less fluffy than cotton, so you have to get used to the feeling. The bath towel may stain during the first wash, so it should first be washed separately or with darker colors.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

How do microfiber bath towels feel when reviewed against cotton towels?
Microfiber feels smoother and less fluffy than cotton, more comparable to suede.
Is the recycled plastic noticeable on the skin?
No, they don’t feel any of the recycled plastic. It has no negative effect on softness or skin feel.

9. soltako beach towel

Advantages

  • Very light for cotton
  • Soft, quick-drying material
  • Suitable for washing machines and tumble dryers

Disadvantages

  • Too thin for hard surfaces

Summary

The cotton bath towel comes in eye-catching, summery colors: blue and white stripes or stripes in several different shades of blue. The high-quality material is soft, absorbent and durable.

Compared to average cotton towels, it is very light and dries quickly.

The bath towel is suitable for both the washing machine and tumble dryer. Even after frequent washing, the color or shape of the bath towel does not change.

Conclusion

For all those who are looking for a thin and therefore very light and quick-drying bath towel, but prefer to use products made of cotton rather than microfiber.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 1 | Size: 200 x 200 cm | Thickness: 400 g/m² | Material: Cotton | Weight: 1100 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 85% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers praise the good quality and high-quality workmanship of the bath towel. Although it is relatively thin, it is still very absorbent and soft. It is easy to clean. The vibrant colors do not fade and do not stain even when washed.

Around 10% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

The bath towel is very thin and therefore not comfortable on hard surfaces. It attracts dirt.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Is the bath towel a microfiber or a cotton product?
The bath towel is made of cotton and has a correspondingly fluffy feel. However, it is thinner than most cotton towels, which can have a negative effect on comfort.

10. Jilda Tex beach towel

Advantages

  • Velour front for lying on, terry cloth back for drying off
  • Pop, colorful design
  • Tested for harmful substances according to Ökotex 100
  • Suitable for allergy sufferers

Disadvantages

  • Some small weaving faults or unraveling of the seams
  • Linting and discoloration possible before first wash
  • Machine washable up to 40° only

Summary

The XXL bath towel from the German home textiles brand Jilda Tex is particularly eye-catching thanks to its bright colors. You have a choice of several colorful, modern patterns that are guaranteed to stand out on the beach or in the pool.

The material is cotton and both sides of the bath towel are different. One side is made of pleasantly soft velour and is perfect for lying on. The other side is absorbent and breathable terry cloth, which allows you to dry yourself quickly and effectively.

The skin-friendly bath towel is suitable for allergy sufferers and has been tested for harmful substances in accordance with Ökotex 100.

The bath towel can be washed at 40° in the washing machine. It is also suitable for the tumble dryer.

Conclusion

If you like colorful and eye-catching designs, take a look at this bath towel. Not only does it look great, but it also impresses with its high quality.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 1 | Size: 90 x 180 cm | Thickness: N/A | Material: Cotton (terrycloth and velour) | Weight: 699 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The colorful bath towel looks just as trendy as the picture promises. It has a good size and thickness as well as very comfortable material. The shape and soft skin feel are retained even after frequent washing.

Around 3% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

For some customers, the bath towel had weaving faults or the threads quickly began to unravel. Lint or discoloration may occur before the first wash.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

What design does the back of the bath towel have?
The front and back of the bath towel each have the same design.

11. Lumaland Premium set of 3 bath towels

Advantages

  • Soft and absorbent cotton
  • Thick and comfortable on the skin
  • Suitable for washing machines and tumble dryers

Disadvantages

  • Staining and fading during washing is possible
  • Lint before the first wash cycles
  • Relatively small for a bath towel

Summary

The bath towel is available in a set of 3, and you can choose between different bright colors. The terry cloth material is very absorbent and is comfortable to hold thanks to its thickness. The skin feels extremely soft and cuddly.

The size of the bath towel is perfect for drying off. The good workmanship ensures a durable product.

The bath towel is easy to care for. It can be machine washed at up to 60° and put in the dryer afterwards. A practical hook on each bath towel makes it easy to hang up in the bathroom.

Conclusion

3 bath towels with a very good price-performance ratio. It is particularly suitable if you are looking for small bath towels for drying off.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 3 | Size: 70 x 140 cm | Thickness: 500 g/m² | Material: Cotton (terry cloth) | Weight: 1.37 kg (total weight for set of 3)

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 71% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The bath towels feel very soft and comfortable, especially as they are relatively thick. Nevertheless, they dry relatively quickly. The absorbency is excellent. The bath towels retain their shape when washed.

Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 22% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

Some customers complain about heavy staining during washing; this seems to be a problem with the dark red bath towel in particular, but is mentioned less frequently with other colors. The colors may fade due to frequent washing. The bath towels often fluff at the beginning.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Is the bath towel also suitable as a carpet pad in the outdoor pool or on the beach?
The bath towel is relatively small at 70 x 140 cm and is therefore less suitable for tall adults to lie on. However, it is sufficient for smaller people or children.

Bonus: Betz Palermo bath towel

Advantages

  • Soft and absorbent cotton
  • Suitable for washing machines and tumble dryers
  • Various colors available

Disadvantages

  • Too thin for use on hard surfaces
  • Colors fade in the sun
  • No hanger on the long side

Summary

The XXL size terrycloth bath towel is perfect for bathing, wellness and sauna visits. You can choose between several colors, from light pastel shades to dark anthracite.

The fluffy soft cotton is highly absorbent. This allows you to dry off quickly. The bath towel is also hard-wearing and durable.

The bath towel can be machine washed at 60° and is suitable for tumble drying. It is equipped with a double border around the edge and a towel hanger.

Conclusion

The price-performance ratio of this bath towel is hard to beat. For a relatively low price, you get a high-quality bath and sauna towel.

You may only need a thicker product for lying on pebble beaches or other hard surfaces.

Product details

Number of pieces in set: 1 | Size: 100 x 200 cm | Thickness: 360 g/m² | Material: Cotton (terry cloth) | Weight: 721 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 89% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The vast majority of customers praise the excellent price-performance ratio. The cotton is of good quality and designed in beautiful colors. The lightweight material does not fluff and feels fluffy. The size is also positively emphasized. The bath towel is long enough to wrap yourself comfortably in.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The bath towel is too thin for use on hard or stony surfaces. The color fades in the sun. The hook for hanging up the towel is only on the short side, so that the towel often hangs on the floor due to its length; another hook on the long side would be desirable.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Where is the bath towel hanger located?
The suspension is located in the middle of the short side.
How well does the bath towel withstand machine washing?
The bath towel is machine washable and withstands this very well. Even after frequent washing, it shows no significant signs of wear.

Bestsellers: The most popular bath towels

What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

(**Last update 2024-11-18)

Buy a bath towel:
How to make the right decision

bath towel

Deciding on the right bath towel seems relatively simple at first.

What many people don’t know:

Due to the seemingly endless choice and the sometimes considerable differences in quality, comfort and price, the purchase should be carefully considered.

How to make the right choice:

In the following buying guide, BeyondSurfing explains what is important when it comes to bath towels and how to find the right product.

What you need to consider when buying a bath towel

When buying a bath towel, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:

  • Material
  • Size
  • Thickness
  • Absorbency
  • Design
  • Price

The material of bath towels?

The material from which bath towels are made plays a decisive role in their comfort and absorbency.

Cotton is most commonly used, but microfiber is also becoming increasingly popular for bath towels.

The classic: cotton bath towels

The bath towels you find in hotels or spas are almost always made of cotton. The same applies to the majority of towels for normal household use.

This popularity is justified because cotton has many advantages. Cotton towels are:

  • Water-absorbing
  • Durable and robust
  • Easy to clean
  • Soft and fluffy
  • Heavy in wet conditions
  • Take a relatively long time to dry
  • Take up a lot of space
The new trend: microfiber bath towels

Microfiber bath towels are particularly practical for trips or travel, as they are lighter and take up less space than cotton products:

  • Light
  • Space-saving
  • High suction power
  • Dry quickly
  • Sand and dirt-free
  • Consists of synthetic materials (plastic)
  • Less comfortable against the skin than cotton
  • More difficult to clean

Although they are very thin, they have high absorbency and are generally just as suitable for drying as cotton. In addition, little sand and dirt usually gets stuck.

However, their disadvantage is that they are less comfortable, as microfiber bath towels do not have the thickness and fluffiness of cotton. They are also more difficult to clean as they are often not machine washable.

Pay attention to skin compatibility and freedom from harmful substances.

If you have sensitive skin or allergies, make sure that the bath towels are made of anti-allergenic materials.

In addition, bath towels should always be free of harmful substances. You can recognize this by the Ökotex 100 certificate.

The right bath towel size?

Bath towels are available in various sizes. Which one you choose depends on the intended use and your height.

Bear this in mind when making your choice:

Larger bath towels also take up more space during transportation.

These are the standard sizes of bath towels:

If you mainly use the bath towel to dry yourself off, the standard size of 75 x 150 cm is sufficient. This is usually long enough to wrap the bath towel once around the body.

But be careful:

If the bath towel is also to be used as a carpet pad for the lounger or the beach, it is better to choose a bath towel measuring 100 x 180 cm. This allows you to spread out comfortably on the bath towel without landing partially in the sand.

How to take your height into account

A standard bath towel may not be long enough for very tall people. Then go for an XXL size, such as a 150 x 200 cm bath towel.

On the other hand, a bath towel for children or even babies is often considerably smaller than the standard size. A bath towel measuring 50 x 100 cm may be sufficient.

Pro tip: XXL bath towels can also be very practical if you want to use the bath towel as a lounger for several people.

The right bath towel thickness?

towel_large_thickness
The thickness of a bath towel is crucial to its comfort and feel-good factor.

As a rule:

The thicker the bath towel, the softer and cuddlier it feels.

Thicker is not always better

Sometimes it makes sense to sacrifice a little comfort in exchange for other benefits.

BeyondSurfing recommends thinner bath towels for the following situations:

  • Long transport routes: Do you use the bath towel on vacation, on the beach or at the bathing establishment? A thin towel takes up less space and weighs less.
  • Use on sandy beaches: While you will probably prefer a thicker bath towel on pebble beaches or other hard surfaces, a thinner one will suffice to lie comfortably on soft sandy beaches.
How can I tell the thickness of towels?

The thickness of towels is indicated by the g/m². This measure indicates how much material was used per square meter.

The following values serve as an initial guide:

  • Thick cotton bath towels: 500 – 650 g/m²
  • Thin cotton bath towels: 350 – 450 g/m²
  • Microfiber bath towels: 200 – 250 g/m²

Absorbency of bath towels?

A bath towel that does not absorb water is not suitable for drying off. Absorbency is therefore an important quality factor.

So you don’t have to lie on a wet bath towel for long:

On the other hand, it is desirable if the bath towel dries quickly after drying.

Absorbency and drying speed?

With cotton bath towels, thicker towels are usually more absorbent and therefore more efficient at drying. On the other hand, they take longer to dry again afterwards.

Watch out: Before buying, consider whether high absorbency or quick drying is more important to you.

Microfiber as a good compromise?

Microfiber bath towels are designed to be both highly absorbent and quick-drying. They are therefore a good option if both points are important to you.

Bath towel design?

towel_design
Most manufacturers offer their bath towels in many different colors, from neutral to brightly colored. Patterns and motifs or even sayings are also possible.

Which design you prefer is above all a question of taste. However, you should keep a few characteristics of the different colors in mind.

The right choice of color:

  • Dark bath towels: Dark bath towels absorb more heat when exposed to sunlight. If you want to use your bath towel outdoors, light colors are therefore better to keep you cool.
  • Light-colored bath towels: On the other hand, light-colored bath towels attract dirt more or show it more.
  • Eye-catching colors: At the beach or in crowded swimming pools, bright colors are often helpful for finding your bath towel among all the other towels.
Pro tip: Individualized bath towels

Some manufacturers also offer the option of having your bath towel personalized with embroidery. There is certainly no danger of confusion with a bath towel with a name like this!

How much do bath towels cost?

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a good bath towel. Prices range from just a few $ for bath towels from discount stores or offers from online retailers such as Amazon to prices of 25 to 30 $ for branded products.

The price depends on:

  • Material
  • Size
  • Manufacturer
  • Quality

Is it worth investing in a more expensive bath towel?

High-quality bath towels are more expensive, but generally also more durable than very cheap products. So if you want a bath towel that will last for several years, it’s worth spending a little more.

Good brands with reliable quality include:


Zollner, Julie Julsen, Ciffre, Vossen


Good to know:

To save a little money per towel, you can often buy bath towels in sets of 2 or 4.

Watch out: Avoid hotel stores

If you need a bath towel for your vacation, be sure to buy it before you travel. Almost all hotel stores sell bath towels, but these are usually overpriced and not of good quality.

Bath towel tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test

Consumer Reports has not yet dealt with the subject of bath towels.

Öko Test conducted a test for sauna towels in 2018. 16 terrycloth and hammam towels and 1 sauna towel made of waffle piqué were tested.

The result:

As a result, 14 sauna towels received the grades Very Good or Good. Only one sauna towel was rated as satisfactory and another as unsatisfactory. The latter was a sauna towel made from organic cotton.

But be careful:

Despite the overall good results, chemical softeners were found in 14 sauna towels. Although these are not harmful to humans, they are difficult to break down biologically.

How to act in an environmentally friendly way:

If you value environmentally friendly products, you should avoid sauna towels with chemical softeners.

Cleaning bath towels

towel_xxl

Bath towels are generally very easy to care for. The vast majority can be washed in the washing machine without any problems.

However, some bath towels, especially products made of microfiber, may also need to be hand washed.

How to clean bath towels properly:

Always pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions on machine washability and the maximum temperature at which the bath towel can be washed.

Can bath towels go in the dryer?

Many bath towels are suitable for tumble drying. However, this type of drying can have a lasting negative effect on softness.

Pro tip: How to avoid fluffing

With many bath towels, it is helpful to wash them separately before using them for the first time. This counteracts lint and reduces the risk of staining other laundry.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

What is a bath towel?

A bath towel is a large towel that is suitable for swimming pools, beaches or spas. It can also be used to dry off after showering at home. It should be large enough to lie comfortably on or wrap around your body.

How much does a bath towel weigh?

The weight of a bath towel depends on its size, thickness and material. Cotton bath towels weigh around 500-750g, microfiber bath towels can weigh less than 300g.

How often should you change a bath towel?

It is recommended to change a bath towel after every third use. It should also be allowed to dry completely after each use, as more bacteria colonize wet bath towels.

Conclusion: The most popular bath towels reviewed

Bath towels are a seemingly simple product that has an astonishing number of differences and characteristics.

You will find the right bath towel in no time at all:

If you follow the instructions in BeyondSurfing’s buying guide, you will be happy with your choice for a long time to come.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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