Regardless of your personal preference, it’s hard to argue that the best Turkish-cotton bath towels signal a spa-inspired bathroom. Known for their soft, long fibers, you can find two varieties of this Mediterranean treasure: the peshtemal, a flat-woven, lightweight towel with tassels that was once used in Ottoman hammams, and the more ubiquitous fluffy terry towel that is known for its durability, plushness, and absorbent powers. The Turkish-towel category has evolved over the years—from lightweight waffle weaves to cloudlike terry fabrics up to 800 GSM (grams per square meter)—and we’ve tried dozens to bring you the best for your bath routine.
Our Top Picks for the Best Turkish-Cotton Bath Towels
Our top picks are lauded for their quick-drying qualities. (Yes, we pay attention to how long it takes for each towel to dry between uses.) AD editors and contributors also follow care instructions closely, so we can confirm that these towel collections hold up over routine use. Here, six hand-picked bath towels you’ll want to stock up on.
Best Turkish-Cotton Towel Overall
Specs
- What’s Included: Two bath sheets
- Colors/Prints Available: Eight solid colors, six stripe options
- Care Instructions: Machine wash cold. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Unexpected color combinations for the stripe prints
- Zero-twist construction adds softness and speeds up dry time
- Locker loop for easy hook hanging
Downsides
- Prints are more expensive than solid colorways
Brooklinen is known for using long-staple cotton in their bedding, so it’s no surprise that the brand doesn’t take shortcuts when it comes to selecting the strongest, smoothest yarns for their Super-Plush towels. Made with Aegean Turkish cotton that uses zero-twist construction for extra softness, this is one post-bath staple you’ll want to have on hand. “If you want to feel cocooned in a cloud, this is it,” says contributor Jasmine Desiree in her best bath sheets review. “They’re thick, cushiony, and insanely soft—but somehow still manage to look elevated.” The texture feels more like a robe than a towel, which makes sense since Desiree owns the robe version too. The volume is the result of 770 GSM cotton, which is all about superior absorbency. Thanks to the locker loops in the middle of the towels to hang them up, you can also speed up your dry time.
The Plushest Option
Specs
- What’s Included: Two bath towels
- Colors/Prints Available: Eight solid colorways
- Care Instructions: Machine wash in cool water with like colors using mild laundry detergent. Avoid washing with items that have zippers, Velcro, hooks, or other sharp objects that could snag or pull the loops. In the event of a snagged loop, cut it with scissors. Avoid contact with skin care products to prevent discoloration. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low or hang dry
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Extra thick for excellent absorbency
- Long-staple cotton enhances construction
- Luxurious feel
Downsides
- Only neutral colorways available
You’ll have to get on the waitlist to get your hands on the Quince Turkish Classic Bath Sheet Bundle that our reviewer compares to high-end hotel towels. As a worthy alternative, this Turkish Ultra Plush bath towel set is made of the same material. At 800 GSM, these are the plushest towels on this list. Yet, the long-staple cotton is designed to absorb without soaking up all the water. This means they are relatively fast drying so you don’t ever have to experience that damp feel the next time you come out of the shower. You’re going to want to order the matching hand towels, especially for anyone who needs extra pampering during the harsh winter months.
The Most Affordable
Specs
- What’s Included: Four bath towels
- Colors/Prints Available: 16 solid colorways
- Care Instructions: Machine wash in cold water before your first use. This allows the premium cotton fibers to open up and give the towels better absorbency. Tumble dry on low heat or hang them to dry. Don’t use fabric softener, dry sheets, and/or bleach
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Budget-friendly price point
- High-quality feel
- Colors available in vibrant jewel tones
Downsides
- May not last as long as some more premium options on our list
For those looking for Oeko-Tex-certified Turkish bath towels at a reasonable cost, Chakir delivers. “These are really as good as it gets when it comes to towels at this price point,” says shopping director Rachel Fletcher, who tested these white bath towels and has been impressed with their durability and absorbency. “They’re soft and fluffy, visually they are the perfect classic white towel—if that is the look you’re going for—and, as someone who doesn’t love a gigantic bath sheet, these are very well-sized and dry quickly.” This bath towel set is a perfect Amazon purchase when you’re expecting last-minute guests. And they only get fluffier wash after wash.
Best Waffle Weave
Specs
- What’s Included: One towel
- Colors/Prints Available: Five solid colorways
- Care Instructions: Machine washable. For the first wash, add half a cup of white vinegar to the wash water, along with about half the recommended amount of laundry detergent. The vinegar will help set the colors and remove any residue on the towels. Dry them thoroughly on a low heat setting. Use wool dryer balls to help keep the fabric soft and to reduce drying time.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- 240 GSM makes this towel very light and super soft
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Quality construction is long-lasting
Downsides
- Hanging on hooks can stretch out the shape
At 240 GSM, this Parachute waffle option is one of the lightest Turkish-cotton towels on this list. A closer look reveals a delicate honeycomb-weave construction that rivals that of any luxury spa towels. “These towels are really exceptional in terms of craftsmanship, which is immediately evident in the feel,” says Fletcher in her best waffle towels review, noting that this style appeals to her sensitive skin. “I have tried many waffle towels in the past and these ones are by far the softest.” Since these are thinner than a typical plush towel, they are more airy, yet still absorbent towels. The design, which includes a ¼-inch self hem, delivers a clean look that suits a modern bathroom. Due to the naturally stretchy nature of the waffle weave, use a towel bar in lieu of hooks to maintain its shape.
Best for Bold Colors
Specs
- What’s Included: Four bath towels
- Colors/Prints Available: 20 solid colorways
- Care Instructions: Machine wash in cold water with like colors and mild detergent.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- 600 GSM makes these quality towels extra plush
- Typically on sale
- Vibrant colorways in a rainbow of hues
Downsides
- Might notice some discoloration over time with washes
As American Soft Linen shows, quality towels don’t have to clean out your wallet. Senior shopping editor Nashia Baker has been using these bath towels for the last year and can vet for their budget-friendly prestige. “They are the real deal,” she says in her best towels on Amazon review. “I bought the four-piece bath towel set in gray, and I immediately noticed how soft the towels felt as soon as I took them out of the packaging. I’d recommend these for daily use, as they’re highly absorbent.” The 100% cotton towels are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, so you don’t have to worry about any harsh chemical residue, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Best for Everyday Use
Specs
- What’s Included: Two towels
- Colors/Prints Available: 13 colorways, including pastels
- Care Instructions: Machine wash, do not bleach. Tumble dry
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Oeko-Tex-certified
- The absorbent towels are perfect for everyday use
- Available in 13 colorways with a variety of pastel color options
Downsides
- Dries better on towel bar than towel hook
Madison Park Turkish bath towel should be a daily staple in your bathroom, according to contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert, as she says these are just the right size to wrap around post-shower as you’re getting ready for the day. “You can actually see just how plush these are by looking at how the low-twist yarns rise above the dobby border, which is lovely in its own way as it looks like a basket weave,” Alpert shares, who uses these to soak up the extra moisture out of her hair, preventing the “I got caught in the rainstorm” look. At 600 GSM, it has a sumptuous feel without heft or bulkiness. While plenty absorbent, it’s best to place them on a towel rack after drying off, Alpert recommends in her softest bath towels review. After several months of use, she can attest that she has not yet spotted any snags or loose threads. To retain the soft texture, Alpert prefers to wash her towels with a plant-based detergent, like Root & Splendor.













