What is the Best Material for Bath Towels?
- Valentina Grandesso
- 1 hour ago
- 11 min read
Quick guide to towel softness, sustainability, and absorption.
When shopping for new bath linens, you might be wondering, "What material are towels made of ?" Or maybe you're not even considering what is the best material for a bath towel?
Choosing a towel material might feel like an inconsequential choice, but since we use them daily, finding a soft skin-friendly bath towel material can make a big difference in your daily routine.
Did you know your bath towel can impact things like acne and skin allergies, and even annoying rashes and dry skin?—things many of us wouldn't think to blame on our bath towels. This is exactly why choosing high-quality, non-toxic towel materials, that are safe and gentle on your skin, are so important.
We all shop with priorities in mind. If you're like me, hunting for the perfect color bath towel to match your bathroom aesthetic is key—but have you considered if the dyes used are safe? Perhaps bath towel softness is your top priority, or finding the best absorbent bath towel is top on the list...
No matter what speaks to you—we're here to help you know what to look for when sourcing quality bath towels (and beach towels) that meet your unique standards, and are safe and healthy for your family's skin...
What is the Softest Material Used to Make Bath Towels? 🚿
Let's start with the most important thing for many people—a super soft bath towel
For many of us, comfort is a big deal. And having the softest bath towels is no exception, right? Well, the right material choice makes all the difference, not only for your body but also for hand towels and washcloths, too. Let's look at the softest options to make your daily bathing routine feel more like a luxury spa treatment.
Organic cotton towels
Organic cotton is one of the softest and most comfortable materials for bath towels. Grown naturally and processed without harsh chemicals, it has a plush feel that only gets softer with each wash. Plus, the organic cotton fibers remain intact and unweakened by chemical processing found in ordinary cotton, making it more breathable and absorbent, which feels fresher and gentler after a warm shower.
Blended cotton and modal towels
A blended modal cotton towel stands out as a champion of softness. This smart yarn combination creates towels that stay fluffy against your skin through countless washes. But even more importantly, the modal allows the towel to dry quicker than an 100% cotton bath towel, meaning your towels stay fresher longer and are less prone to mildew. Modal fibers naturally boost the softness of cotton to create a plusher and noticeably silkier texture, similar to high-end spa towels.
What about microfiber towels?
While microfiber towels can be smooth and quick-drying, they’re made from synthetic materials, which can sometimes feel less cozy and may not be ideal for sensitive skin. If softness and a natural feel are priorities, natural plant-based materials like cotton, modal and bamboo are the softer choice.
How to Choose the Best Towel Material for Babies & Sensitive Skin 👶
You can't go wrong with super soft absorbent cotton, which tops our list for the best baby bath towels.
Although a higher price point, bamboo towels are a great choice for babies also if their skin is extra sensitive.
These towels are naturally hypoallergenic and bamboo's refined fibers create a silky smooth texture that's gentle on sensitive skin.
Choosing the softest bath towel material is just part of creating a comfy, spa-like bathroom at home.
Accessories like organizing trays or towel organizers help you keep everything in place and within reach adding a nice touch to your space!
Choosing the Best Towel Material for Drying Your Hair & Skin
TIP 1: Look for natural soft materials
Tired of frizzy hair? Your towel may be to blame. This is when natural fibers make a big difference. Natural yarns made for some of the best towel material, because the finer fibers are much gentler on your hair and skin (and better for the planet, too!)
A cotton-modal blend is a great example of a towel that’s both soft and practical — because it soaks up water quickly, dries even faster than pure cotton, and won’t leave you covered in lint.
You’ll also find modal blends are a great towel material for drying hair. The modal yarn is made from beech tree pulp, and the material is spun into super soft, smooth, absorbent and breathable towels. Cotton/modal blend towels top our favorite towels for hair care routine.
TIP 2: Look for certifications
Certifications aren't always relevant, but when it comes to towels, they can be a great indicator to which ones are made with clean plant-based materials. Towel certifications like Oekto-Tex certified towels, organic bath towels, and GOTS are all reliable and reputable, so you can be sure to get a great quality towel without toxic dyes or yarn with pesticide residues. The perfect towel does more than just feel good on your skin — towels made from natural, sustainable, and long-lasting materials help protect the planet too!
TIP 3: Consider Performance
Don't forget to consider how well your towel does its job.
Does your towel dry fast after you hang it up? It's best to put the vent fan on to make sure your used towel and bathroom shower dry out promptly, to avoid musty odors and mold issues.
Is your towel absorbing water? Ever had the experience of trying to dry off with a towel that just moved the water around—or, even worse, left little bits of fuzz all over your skin? Not ideal! There's nothing more frustrating than using a towel that moves water around rather than soaking it up. Avoid using dryer sheets, as the wax can prevent water from being soaked up into the fibers.
Is your set of towels easy to throw in the laundry? Quality towels should hold up for many washes, and often times they get softer with more washes. Be mindful not to dry your towels on high heat, as this can cause the edges to shrink and fold up.
The right towel should be all of the above. That’s where the right materials makes all the difference.
TIP 4: The Size of Your Towel Matters
When it comes to towel sizes, there’s a specific size designed each use, whether it’s for your hands, face, or body. It might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s easier than it looks—and you don’t need every single size to get by comfortably!
Here are the most common towel sizes and their uses:
Bath Sheets (35" x 60"): These wrap around your entire body
Bath Towels (27" x 52"): These work great for everyday use
Hand Towels (16" x 30"): Perfect for your face and hands
Washcloths (13" x 13"): Just right for facial cleansing and babies.
What is the Best Bath Towel Material for the Environment? 🌏
Believe it or not, your bath towel’s material choice affects the environment more than most of us realize. Here are the most popular choices and their impact on the environment:
Bamboo really shines as an eco-friendly choice! This incredible plant is technically a grass, and can grow up to three feet in just a single day! It thrives on minimal water, doesn’t require pesticides, and naturally replenishes the nutrients in the soil. Plus, bamboo is a champion when it comes to helping the environment, as it captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
Modal is a superstar of sustainable textiles, prized for being as gentle on the planet as it is on your skin. Derived from the natural cellulose of beech trees—which require a fraction of the water that cotton does and thrive without the need for artificial irrigation or harsh pesticides—its raw sourcing is inherently low-impact. The eco-friendliness scales up during manufacturing, where advanced closed-loop production captures and reuses up to 99% of the water and solvents involved, drastically minimizing chemical waste. Because the final fabric is exceptionally durable, breathable, and ultimately fully biodegradable, modal delivers a luxurious, silky feel while successfully shrinking the environmental footprint.
FUN FACT: Beech trees (used to make modal) don’t need artificial irrigation and require less land compared to traditional materials, making them a smart choice for the planet.
For towels made of cotton, go organic or look for OEKOTEX towel certifications. Both organic cotton and OEKOTEX certified cotton fabrics comes from crops grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which is better for both the environment and the farmers who grow it. Many products now also carry the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification and meet high environmental standards throughout the production process.
Naturally antimicrobial materials require less washing
Towels blended with modal or bamboo are naturally antimicrobial, which means they stay fresher longer! This eco-friendly bonus lets you wash them less often, saving water and energy, and reducing your environmental impact.
Remember, when picking out colorful towels, make sure they use non-toxic dyes. These safer dyes not only keep colors looking vibrant but are also kinder to the planet!
Environmentally responsible materials give you more than just great towels - they protect our planet's future. Products with OEKO-TEX® and GOTS certifications ensure strict environmental standards.
Understanding GSM and Softness in Towels 💡
GSM, which stands for grams per square meter, is a helpful way to find the coziest towels — similar to a thread count for sheets. This number gives you a sense of how soft and plush a towel will feel. By knowing the different GSM levels, you can easily pick out towels that feel amazing against your skin.
Here's a quick view of how GSM affects the softness and comfort of your towels - the higher the GSM range, the softer your towel will be!
GSM Range | Characteristics |
300-400 | Lightweight, simple softness |
400-600 | Medium weight, good softness |
700-900 | Premium weight, maximum softness |
Towels in the 400-700 GSM range strike a great balance between softness and practicality. They feel fantastic and care is super simple! If you’re looking for that luxurious spa vibe, towels with 700+ GSM will give you that plush experience. The only drawback is they may take a bit longer to fully dry.
Household remedy for soft bath towels🧪
Want your bath towels to feel as soft as the ones at a luxury spa? Here’s an easy trick to make them super plush and cozy... Try this easy two-step method using vinegar and baking soda—it really works!
First Wash:
Skip the detergent
Add one cup of white vinegar
Use warm water for colored towels, and hot for white ones
Complete one full cycle
Second Wash:
Add one cup of baking soda directly to the washer
Run another complete cycle
Dry as usual
This treatment breaks down detergent buildup that makes towels stiff and less absorbent when done monthly, but if you prefer a simpler routine, these washing tips will also keep your bath towels in perfect condition.
Less is More: Cut the recommended detergent amount in half to prevent residue buildup
Shake it Out: A good shake before drying keeps your towels fluffy
Smart Loading: Dry towels separately to avoid snags
Temperature Control: Low heat settings protect the fibers
Skip the Softener: Use vinegar instead of fabric softener in the rinse cycle
Your towels will dry faster when you spread them fully on the towel bar instead of hooks. This gives maximum air exposure and stops that musty smell from developing.
Take your towels out of the dryer right away and give them another shake before folding. This simple step helps maintain that luxurious spa-like softness you want in your bath towels. Remember, plant-based detergents without fragrances and adding wool dryer balls to your towel laundry routine will help to fluff the fibers and reduce your drying time, providing optimally clean and soft results... Your towels will become increasingly soft overtime as they're washed more and more.
What is the Most Absorbent Bath Towel Material?💦
Wondering which bath towel material absorbs the best? Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to drying you off quickly, so let’s take a closer look at what makes some towels more absorbent than others.
Cotton-Modal Blends
These towels combine cotton with modal fibers to create your quickest drying option. This powerful combination wicks away moisture and stays soft through countless washes. Modal fibers boost cotton's natural absorption properties and speed up the drying process. And if you're wondering what is the best hypoallergenic bath towel material—natural fabrics like cotton-modal blends are for the win!
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
PVA yarns might look impressive with their super absorption, but they're not the best choice. They are known for their high water absorption and quick-drying properties, which is why they’re sometimes used in products like towels and cleaning cloths. PVA yarns are made with chemical additives, which can potentially irritate the skin and aren't very eco-friendly, a s they don't biodegrade easily.
That’s why we prefer natural fibers, which offer solid absorbency without the synthetic boost.
Low-Twist Cotton
Low-twist cotton, especially when made with long staple fibers, hold the secret to superior natural absorption. Cotton fibers that aren't tightly twisted create more space between threads, which helps water absorb quickly and efficiently.
Low twist means your towels will:
Maintain their absorbency longer
Feel softer against your skin
Dry faster between uses
Towels with a GSM (grams per square meter) between 600-800 have the perfect balance between absorbency and practical everyday use.
What is the Best Hypoallergenic Bath Towel Material? ✨
Choosing bath towels made from natural, hypoallergenic materials can really help your skin stay happy! They’re super gentle, so you’re less likely to deal with itching, redness, or flare-ups from things like eczema.
Cotton might be popular, but some people have allergic reactions to cotton fibers. Bamboo towels are an excellent alternative if you have a cotton allergy or sensitivity. Bamboo towels are:
Naturally hypoallergenic
Anti-microbial
Mold and mildew-resistant
Super soft
Our Top Pick for the Best Material for Bath Towels🥇
Now that we’ve gone through the different materials, premium organic cotton clearly stands out for bath towels.
This traditional choice is perfect for keeping you cozy with daily use and weekly launderings. Because the types of bath towel material you choose can impact not only the towel’s texture but also how long it lasts.
High-quality materials like combed cotton are less likely to fray, making them a good choice for durability. Look for these bath towel certifications to help you identify the best quality:
OEKO-TEX® certification ensures the product is free from harmful and toxic substances
GOTS certification means the product comes from organic growing methods
Organic certifications confirm environmentally responsible farming methods
3 Popular Types of Cotton Used in Bath Towels:
Cotton Type | Benefits |
Egyptian | Extra-long fibers, durable |
Turkish | Quick-drying, lighter-weight, soft |
Supima | American-grown, soft |
A matching Shower Mat to elevate your bathroom design...
A good cotton bath mat works with your towels and gives practical benefits. Place it near your shower or tub to prevent slips and protect the floor.
Earth tones or neutral shades that match your towels create a sophisticated look.
A matching cotton bath mat does more than look good - it makes your space functional, elegant and cohesive. Cotton bath mats with 1,100 GSM will absorb water better and last longer.
The perfect bath mat should have:
Ribbed textures that absorb more water
Avoid rubber backings; instead choose natural latex or silicone
Machine-washable material for easy cleaning
Quick Tips to Consider When Shopping for Environmentally-Friendly and Organic Bath Towels🛀
Tip 1: Think Long-Term Value
When picking eco-friendly towels, think about lasting value over the price tag. High-quality organic cotton towels are super soft, durable, and made to stay cozy for years—saving you money and reducing waste over time.
Tip 2: Care Instructions Matter
The way you care for your towels makes a big difference for the planet! Organic and nontoxic natural fabrics might cost more initially, but they are less likely to wear out or fade compared to conventional cotton or synthetic towels.
Small steps help your towels last longer and stay eco-friendly! A few simple habits can keep them looking great and cut down on energy and water use:
Skip fabric softeners—they can reduce absorbency
Choose eco-friendly, plant-based detergents
Always air-dry to avoid musty odors
Wash your towels weekly in the same load together
Store in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight
Tip 3: Invest in Self Care
Small choices can add up to a big impact inside a healthy home! When it comes to everyday items like bath towels and bath mats, choosing durable, soft and safe options will make a difference in your daily routines. You'll dry off faster, and your skin will thank you... And in the long run, you're doing something kind for the planet :)
We've handpicked our Healthier Homes bathroom essentials, super soft towel sets and nontoxic bathmats with all of this in mind, making it easy to create a welcoming family-friendly bathroom you'll love.
Ready to elevate your bathroom routine?
Explore our collection of super soft, sustainably-sourced cotton towels and bathmats
