There are few indulgences as universally adored as nestling into a supersized fluffy towel at a swanky hotel or spa.
But you don’t need to reserve this cosy feeling for only a few times a year. Bring five-star luxury to your bathroom with these tried and tested bath towels (just don’t forget the candles and diffusers to really elevate your bathing experience).
Leave threadbare and faded towels out of your morning routine by investing in a plush luxe alternative - but where to start? In recent years the bath towel market has exploded - there’s everything from lightweight and absorbent towels made for on-the-go, to thick and cocoon-like.
The range of choice means there’s a lot more that goes into picking a bath towel than simply feeling the material and selecting a colour. Instead, it’s important to consider features such as thread count, size and GSM.
We’ve put together a handy little guide of what to bear in mind when investing in these bundles of joy.
- GSM: An abbreviation for ‘grams per square metre’, this refers to the weight of the towel. A higher GSM is indicative of a greater thickness and absorbency. In contrast, a low GSM means towels are lightweight and quick drying, perfect if you’re taking on trips or to the gym. GSM count varies from 300 to 600 GSM, with most ranging between 400 - 550.
- Material: Towels are made from all sorts of materials, each with its unique properties. If you’re travelling or use your towel post-workout then consider polyester or microfibre materials as they have quick drying and lightweight properties. For a bathroom towel, it’s worth going for 100 per cent cotton as they are long-lasting and luxurious. If you’re after something with absorbent qualities then Egyptian cotton is your best bet, whereas Turkish cotton is less absorbent, but dries quicker.
- Size: Whilst sizes vary, the standard bath towel measurements are 70 cm x 135 cm. If you’re after something larger, consider a bath sheet that at 100 cm x 160 cm is guaranteed to keep you warm and cosy after a shower or bathing.
- Thread Count: Referring to the number of threads per square inch of material, towels with a higher thread count are more absorbent and durable.
With that in mind, it’s time for an upgrade. Ditch the lacklustre towels and spruce up your bathroom with something more high-quality, absorbent and luxurious. It’s the easiest way to inject colour into your space, no redecoration necessary.
Shop below for our recommendations.
The White Company Hydrocotton Super Jumbo Towels
If there was ever a brand to transform your home into a spa, it would be The White Company. Whilst there are candles, diffusers and skincare aplenty, we’re particularly interested in the towels.
An all-time bestseller, the ribbed hydro-cotton towel is an immediate crowd-pleaser, and for good reason too. Made using low-twist technology, they simultaneously feel gloriously fluffy, whilst being impressively fast drying - which is perfect for when you’re in a hurry. The quality of the material is evident from the first touch, and they remain soft and supple even after hundreds of washes. Although slightly pricey, the quality and size justify it - the jumbo towel measures 115cm x 180cm.
Buy now £56.00, The White Company
Limoncello & Terracotta Check Bath Towel Bundle
The linen experts over at Bed Thread have answered all of our bundle prayers with this delightful new set of checkered bath towels. Available in an array of the brand’s signature dopamine-boosting hues, we can’t help but fall head over heels for the perennially stylish terracotta and limoncello blend. Crafted from 100 per cent French flax linen with a Terry weave, the bath and hand towels have 500 GSM while the bath mat is 100 GSM.
Buy now £261.00, Bed Threads
Piglet in Bed Warm Blue Cotton 6pc set
Looking to upgrade all your towels or add to an existing collection? Well, you’ve found the perfect set from Piglet in Bed. For just over £50, this bundle includes an impressive six pieces - twice the face, hand and bath towel goodness.
Made from ethical zero-twist cotton and weighing 500gsm, luxury can be yours for a purse-friendly price. We love the warm blue colour that’s fresh, fun and pairs well with a range of decors. The contrasting off-white stripe is a fun addition and runs across the whole range. Other colours include a botanical green and vivid orchid.
Buy now £50.15, Piglet in Bed
Scooms Egyptian cotton bath sheet pair
Treat yourself to pure spa-like bliss with these extravagantly luxurious bath sheets that are soft, fluffy and amazingly absorbent. With options of silver grey, pearl grey and white, these towels will fit seamlessly into any bathroom decor.
They are made from 100 per cent Egyptian cotton and have 720gsm - you can’t get much more luxurious than this. The hook loop is particularly handy given the size and weight - they can easily be hung up instead of folded in cupboards to save on space.
The unique spinning technology used is great for sensitive skin as there are plenty of micro-air holes inside the yarn that increase breathability. The bath sheets come in pairs and measure 100 cm x 160 cm.
Buy now £55.00, Scooms
Tekla Terry Towels
Tekla is a Scandinavian brand beloved for chic, minimalistic and high-quality textiles. These bath towels are no exception and are available in a selection of the retailer’s signature solid and striped hues. Prices range from £12 for a washcloth, to £85 for a full-size bath towel. They’re crafted from soft and absorbent 100 per cent cotton and are made in Portugal.
Buy now £18.00, Selfridges
John Lewis Fine Stripe Towels
A solid choice in retailer when it comes to investing in value-for-money, long-lasting bathroom accessories is John Lewis. These striped cotton towels have been part of the collection for as long as we can remember, and they’re yet to go out of style. While we’re partial to the avocado hue, they’re also offered in dark grey or caramel stripes.
Buy now £13.00, John Lewis
Soho Home White City Towel
Infuse your bathroom aesthetic with Seventies nostalgia courtesy of this cabana-striped towel used at Soho House White City. Displaying a burnt orange and monochrome striped print and a fluffy Turkish cotton construction, the towel is an excellent choice for all.
Buy now £65.00, Soho Home
Mushroom Waffle Cotton Towel
Neutral, mushroom-toned and beige towels are always a fantastic choice for bathrooms given that all white towels can often fade to similar colours. These 100 per cent cotton waffle towels from Dunelm are a sumptuous delight and ensure a spa-like feeling at all times. They’re available in a plethora of colours, though we recommend mixing and matching with the lovely sage green option.
Buy now £18.00, Dunelm
Missoni Adam Set of 5 Towels
Given that Missoni towels are often considered the zenith of luxury, we think under £300 for a five-piece set is pretty brilliant value. Covered top to bottom with Missoni’s signature multicolour zigzag pattern, they’re woven from a wonderfully soft terry cotton velour. The set comprises two hand towels, two bath towels and a bath sheet.
Buy now £260.00, MyTheresa
Plush Turkish Cotton Towel Collection
For a Turkish-style towel which will keep you warm and dry in slightly colder environments, look no further than this gorgeous plush set from Anthropologie. Each towel is crafted from premium Aegean cotton, has a 750 GSM and is 100 per cent Oeko-Tex certified. Hyrdrocotton weaving also imbues each towel with unique quick-drying qualities.
Buy now £34.00, Anthropologie
