How to Choose the Most Absorbent Bath Towel

Tired of soggy or cold, drippy bath towels? Learn how to choose the most absorbent bath towel to elevate your bathroom routine. 

When you step out of the shower or tub, a good bath towel can make all the difference in your coziness and comfort. A soft, absorbent towel can leave you feeling refreshed and dry—not damp and cold. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting the most absorbent bath towel—the materials and specifications that make a towel great.

First, we’ll look at a quick strategy for evaluating bath towels. Then, we’ll dive deeper into the details.

What to Check First

Bottom line, do this quick check:

1. Feel the texture. This gives you an immediate sense of the towel’s softness and thickness.
2. Inspect the weave. Look closely at the weave of the fibers. A tight weave indicates durability and absorbency.
3. Check the material or mix of materials. This information can be found on the label or packaging. Consider the benefits of each material, as discussed in more detail below:
   • Cotton: Classic choice, soft and absorbent.
   • Bamboo: Soft, absorbent, and eco-friendly.
   • Microfiber: Quick-drying and highly absorbent.
4. Consider the weight, measured by GSM (grams per square meter). More about this below.

Material Matters

The materials that make up a towel play a significant role in its absorbency. The most common towel materials are cotton, bamboo, and microfiber. Towels may contain 100% of these, or various blends.

Cotton

Cotton is very popular because of its relatively low cost, softness, and absorbency. Look for towels made of high-quality, long-staple cotton for best performance (longer fibers contribute to softness and absorbency). High-quality cotton feels soft and smooth to the touch.

Bamboo

Bamboo towels are known for their softness, absorbency, and antimicrobial properties. They are also eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.

Most bamboo towels on the market contain a blend of bamboo and cotton. The exact percentage of bamboo can vary, but a common range is between 30% and 70%. The higher the percentage, the better. While pure bamboo towels are available, they are usually relatively expensive. You’ll find that towels with a blend of bamboo and cotton offer a good balance of softness, absorbency, and cost.

If you want to get a bit more technical, note that bamboo viscose and bamboo lyocell are two common types. Both are soft and absorbent, but lyocell is generally considered more sustainable.

Note: Although bamboo towels are often marketed as having antimicrobial properties because of the natural antibacterial agents found in bamboo plants that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, the antimicrobial properties can be reduced over time, especially with repeated washing. To maintain the antimicrobial benefits as much as possible, follow the care instructions on the label, which often involve gentle washing and air-drying.

Microfiber

Microfiber towels are super absorbent and quick-drying. However, they generally don’t feel as soft as cotton or bamboo. The makeup of microfiber bath towels typically consist of a blend of polyester and polyamide. The exact blend can vary, but a common ratio is around 80% polyester and 20% polyamide. The higher the polyester percentage, the more absorbent, quick-drying, durable, and resistant to mildew and mold. On the flip side, polyamide contributes softness and absorbency.

A blend of microfiber and cotton often offers the best combination of absorbency and softness. The ideal blend can vary, but a good starting point is a mix that is around 70% cotton and 30% microfiber. This blend can provide a balance of softness, absorbency, and durability.

The best choice is a matter of personal preference. If you prioritize softness, a higher percentage of cotton might be better. If you prioritize quick-drying and absorbency, a higher percentage of microfiber might be more suitable.

Weight, Thickness, and Weave

Regardless of its material, a towel’s weight, thickness, and weave affect its absorbency. Weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). A higher GSM generally indicates a thicker, more absorbent towel. However, it’s important to find a balance between weight and softness. A typical GSM range for bath towels is between 400 and 600 GSM. However, higher GSM towels, often above 600 GSM, are considered more luxurious and absorbent.

Closely inspect the weave. A tight weave indicates a well-made towel that will last longer. Also, look at the loop density—more loops per square inch generally mean a more absorbent towel.

Where to Find the Specifications

Typically, you’ll find specifications such as GSM, blend, thickness, and weight on the product label, packaging, or online product description.

Here’s where to look:

In-Store

• Product label: Check the label attached to the towel for information about the material composition, care instructions, and sometimes the weight.
• Packaging: The packaging often includes details about the product, including material, weight, and care instructions.
• Consider the brand: Reputable brands often use high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.
• Check for certifications: Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which ensures the product is free from harmful substances.
• Ask a sales associate: They can provide information about the specific towel you’re interested in, including details about the material, weight, and care instructions.

Online

•  Product description: Online retailers often provide detailed product descriptions, including information about the material, weight, GSM, and care instructions.
• Read reviews. Customer reviews provide valuable insights into performance and quality of a towel. If you’re shopping online, be sure to check the reviews.

If you’re unsure about a specific detail, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or retailer directly for more information.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance can help to preserve the absorbency of your towels:

• Wash regularly: Wash your towels regularly on a gentle cycle to remove dirt, bacteria, and body oils. Check the care label for specific instructions. Bamboo towels are generally machine washable, but avoid using harsh detergents and high heat.
• Use gentle detergent: Avoid harsh detergents that can damage the fibers of your towels.
• Avoid fabric softener: Fabric softener can reduce the absorbency of towels.
• Dry thoroughly: Make sure to fully dry your towels after washing to prevent mildew and mold. It’s best to tumble dry cotton towels on low heat. Air-drying is recommended to maintain the softness and longevity of bamboo and microfiber towels.