High quality towels and bathrobes are an essential element of any bathroom, bringing luxury to your daily self-care routines. But it’s not as simple as choosing a towel based on thread count or fabric weight—there are other factors to consider. In addition to material, you also want the towel or robe to feel good on your skin and hold up after repeated washes. To help, we consulted textile experts Deborah Young and Saana Baker, who have extensive experience in the industry. Both agreed that cotton is a solid choice, but the type matters: Egyptian and Turkish cotton use long-staple fibers to enhance smoothness, softness, and absorbency, while pima cotton is a comparable option sourced from the U.S. Read more
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The towel’s construction is also important, and can determine how plush and quick-drying it is. The most popular are terry and waffle weaves, which have fabric loops on the surface of the towel. The former is super soft and fast-drying, while the latter has a distinctive honeycomb texture that’s not as plush but still absorbent and soft.
Beyond traditional terry and waffle towels, there are plenty of other options available, including microfiber (which is fast-drying but not as plush) and bamboo, which is eco-friendly and absorbent but not quite as soft or quick-drying as cotton. Some brands also combine cotton with other fabrics, like viscose and modal, to provide even more absorption and durability.
Then there’s the question of color and pattern. Our testers loved reversible designs by Dusen Dusen, which come in a range of bold hues and are a fun alternative to basic white towels. Decorator Carrie Carrollo was also a fan of Marimekko’s graphic florals, saying “it feels a little freeing to be able to wrap up post-shower in a towel that doesn’t look like it belongs in any other bathroom.”
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