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Because life's too short for ratty old towels
To turn your bathroom into a spa-like space, you'll need some luxury towels. After all, hopping out of a relaxing bath and wrapping yourself up in something threadbare is a sure way to spoil the mood.
Quality towels will stay soft and dry you off quickly without looking and feeling bedraggled after a spell in the washing machine. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know how your towels will fare until after you've washed them — but that's where we come in.
The weight of the fabric is measured in GSM (grams per square metre), with higher numbers indicating a denser towel. So, opt for a higher GSM for a plush, thick, weighty towel — we recommend 500+.
Towels and sheets differ in size. A bath towel is usually about 27 inches by 52 inches, up to 30 inches by 58 inches, whereas bath sheets are around 35 inches by 60 inches. Bath sheets are generally best if you’re looking for something extra-large that you can wrap around your whole body.
If left unwashed, towels can smell musty and become a breeding ground for bacteria — plus, they’ll lose their softness. Washing them thoroughly after three to four uses should keep them fresh and hygienic, according to experts at Good Housekeeping.
Hand towels should be washed once a week, although busy households are advised to wash them more regularly (every two to three days may be more suitable). Face flannels should be cleaned after every use.
An authentic spa atmosphere calls for soothing neutrals — and The White Company delivers just that with its bestselling towel collection. These cotton designs have elegant, ribbed detailing to evoke the look of a five-star hotel bathroom, but it’s not all good looks — they’re made in Turkey using a clever ‘low-twist’ technique that helps them dry quicker and stay fluffy for longer.
| Price | £6 - £40 |
|---|---|
| GSM | 500 |
| Sizes | Face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet |
| Colours | Five |
| Sets available? | No, mix and match |
Bring a spa-worthy sense of calm to your bathroom with Christy’s Luxe towel — the brand's most indulgent design. Woven in Turkey from the finest long-staple cotton and crafted at a generous 730 GSM, these low-loop towels feel beautifully substantial in the hand, with a smooth, weighty drape that signals true luxury.
A deep diamond-weave border lends a tailored, five-star finish, while the tightly-woven yarns keep the surface sleek, refined and resistant to snags. Available in serene, bathroom-friendly shades, the Luxe towel transforms everyday routines into hotel-level moments of comfort.
| Price | £5.20 - £29.90 |
|---|---|
| GSM | 730 |
| Sizes | Hand towel, face cloth, bath sheet, bath towel |
| Colours | Seven |
| Sets available? | Yes |
Hampton and Astley's indulgent towel range is designed to get even softer for the first three washes. I can vouch for this: my towels have retained their fluffy appearance long after first use, and still feel soft.
The brand is currently offering 50 per cent off bundle sets, complete with two bath towels, two face cloths, two hand towels, a large bath sheet and a bath mat, so it’s a great time to get some super luxurious towels for less.
| Price | £31.50 - £87.90 |
|---|---|
| GSM | 650 |
| Sizes | Face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet |
| Colours | Four |
| Sets available? | Yes |
Cozy Earth’s luxury bathroom, bedding and loungewear range is a celebrity favourite, having been praised by the likes of Oprah Winfrey. The US brand favourite recently launched in the UK and offers everything from ribbed towels to classic waffle designs, leaving you spoilt for choice.
I’ve been enjoying the brand's newest offering, these sand stripe towels, and they’re ultra-absorbent, soft to the touch and look effortlessly chic. Made partly from sustainable bamboo viscose, they also earn some points for eco-friendliness.
| Price | £65 - £170 |
|---|---|
| GSM | 600 |
| Sizes | Hand towels, bath towels |
| Colours | 2, black and sand |
| Sets available? | No, mix and match |
Are you looking for thick, plush towels on a budget? Given an extra-large size in these cosy Dunelm bath sheets is under £25, they boast a very impressive 600gsm. There are 22 colours to choose from, so you can go for whichever best matches your bathroom.
| Price | £1.50 - £24 |
|---|---|
| GSM | 600 |
| Sizes | Face cloth, guest towel, hand towel, bath towel, large bath towel, bath sheet, large bath sheet |
| Colours | 22 |
| Sets available? | No, mix and match |
I’m a big fan of Rise & Fall's refined linen bed sheets, so I was keen to try its towel range. I’ve been using this white set for over six months, and it’s a real treat every time. They have an almost fleecy texture that's ideal for wrapping up in after a hot bath on a cold evening. They’ve also washed well, with no sign of shedding.
| Price | £10 - £85 |
|---|---|
| GSM | 800 |
| Sizes | Face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet |
| Colours | Two |
| Sets available | Yes |
Time and time again, I’m impressed by the hotel-quality offerings at Soak & Sleep, and these cotton towels in neutral shades are no exception. They're plush, super-absorbent and have stayed soft and supple after washing.
| Price | £23 - £91 |
|---|---|
| GSM | 700 |
| Sizes | Bath towels |
| Colours | Three |
| Sets available? | Yes |
M&S' range of Egyptian cotton towels — made with some of the longest, strongest yarns from the Nile Delta — is one of the most extensive out there. It can be tricky to find such vibrant hues, so this collection is ideal for those with more maximalist taste.
| Price | £3.50 - £19.50 |
|---|---|
| GSM | 600 |
| Sizes | Face towel, hand towel, guest towel, bath towel, bath sheet |
| Colours | 43 |
| Sets available? | No, mix and match |
Heal's waffled towels are great for layering with thicker options to add extra interest and texture to your bathroom decor. They also tend to dry quicker and are less bulky, so they're handy for popping into a bag for beach days in the summer or when heading to the pool.
| Price | £8 - £19 |
|---|---|
| GSM | 275 |
| Sizes | Hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet |
| Colours | Four |
| Sets available? | No, mix and match |
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