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Add comfort and functionality to your toilet with these hand towels .

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens

While hand towel may not seem like an significant aspect to your bathroom or pulverization elbow room , a caliber deal towel is an crucial item . The best manus towels can help create a luxurious experience for you or your guests while providing functionality and years of use .

to boot , hand towel can also help attach together the style or theme of your primaryor guest bathroomor add a visually - likeable pop of color .

A person drying their hands using the Restoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra-Soft Turkish Towel

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Katie Elks , design director at Brooklinen , offers some advice when shopping for hand towels . “ As withbath towels , you should always look for a high - quality , long - basic cotton in your hired hand towels to ensure you ’re fix a durable and soft intersection that can withstand many consumption , ” she says .

There are a couple of other factors to consider as well , according toDiana Wyman , executive frailty chairman of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists . “ Absorbency and dry time are in all likelihood the most important factors in hired hand towel performance , ” she says .

You want to make certain your hand towel in effect bump off water from your skin , but you also want to see to it the hand towel dries before its next use .

Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towels

Credit: Italic

What We Tested

To chance the best hand towels , we essay 98 towels in our lab and in the literal world , considering factors like absorbency , quality , dry time , and value .

For more information on how we try bath towels in our lab , check outour testing processbelow .

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Italic Serene Ultraplush Towels

We were shocked that the price tag was n’t higher for these richly - do opulent hand towels .

They ’re only uncommitted in four inert colors .

According to our testing , the skilful overall hand towel is the Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel . During our science laboratory testing , this hired man towel set make a perfect rating for its dry clock time , durability , and value .

Hand using brush to scrub an Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel

The towel held up well to our abrasion test with no signs of wear or tear.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

This set of two hand towels is made with 100 % Australian cotton wool and wowed us with its softness , comfortability , and power to quickly dry . Upon initial inspection , we love that this hardening finger high quality and luxurious , and they were comfortable to the pinch . At 800 GSM ( which stand for grams per square meter ) , it ’s one of the thickest and heaviest handwriting towels on our list .

Afterwashing the hand towelsthree time , there were no loose thread or snags , and we were impressed thatmascara and other make-up stainslifted from the towels with ease . Since the towel was so thick and plush , we were expecting it to take longer to dry out , but the towel was all juiceless in just an hour and a one-half . We also sense that it was absorptive and helped us dry off speedily .

We were shocked that the monetary value tag was n’t high than it is — these hand towel feel so high end , we assumed they would be expensive . Because of their mellow lineament , performance , and value , these were our preferred hand towel .

Stains on an Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel

Product Details : Material:100 % Australian cotton |Colors : White , cream , gray , and charcoal |GSM:800

Best Budget

West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towels

This handwriting towel is lightweight , quick drying , and available in 10 different colors .

It did n’t feel as easygoing as other towels we tested .

For those wait for an affordable option , our top budget - favorable plectrum is the Everyday Textured Organic Towels . Made with 100 % organic cotton wool , this hand towel is less than $ 10 and is available in several coloration include white , peacock butterfly , ocean , pinkish stone , and charcoal . We also liked that it features a convenient loop , which build it well-to-do to hang up on a hooking or cabinet knob .

Hands rubbing foundation into an Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel

Our first impression of this towel was that it did n’t seem quite as sonant as other one we tested , but we liked how lightweight it was . However , after washing it , we were surprised that the texture stay consistent and there were no snags or loose thread .

When we scrub it with a skirmish though , there was some piling and a few snag . But when we used it as intended , it hold out normal wear and tear well . The color also remained the same and we did n’t notice any attenuation or stain .

We used this towel to towel dry hair , and we were surprised at how much water it take over . But what really impressed us with this towel was the ironic time . When testing thefull - sized bath towel , it was almost wholly dry after line drying for just two hours .

Closeup of a tag on an Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel

Product Details : Material:100 % constitutive cotton plant |Colors:10 color options   |GSM:500

Best Splurge

CozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towels

This radical - lavish towel dried within an minute , despite its thickness .

After prove this towel in the real world , we did notice a small discolored spot .

Splurge on a grand experience with the CozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towels . This set of two towels is made from premium viscose from bamboo and cotton , leave in a super - soft yet promptly - drying hand towel . You ’ll feel likeyour bathroom is a spawith these plush hired hand towels .

Hand using brush to scrub an Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel

When test this towel in our lab , we were immediately impressed by its heaviness and quality . We feel that the heavy weight at 800 GSM contributed to its luxurious feeling , but despite its plushness , it only took about an hr to completely ironic . After laundering the towel in our lab , we did n’t notice any discoloration or snags .

However , when testing the towel in the actual world , we did note that there was a small discolored spot on the towel after washing it a few time ( which could have been from a potent acne wash ) . Except for this minor flaw , the towel held up well after launder multiple clip .

uncommitted in nine mostly impersonal colors , there is an selection to match your bathroom aesthetic whether it ’s modernor coastal . We also apprize that the towel are made without harmful chemical , and the make uses responsible dyeing praxis to color the towels .

Stains on an Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel

To make your lav experience find even more gilded , bring this paw towel and your bath towel toa towel warmerbefore take a bath or shower .

Product Details : Material:40 % viscose from bamboo and 60 % cotton fiber |Colors : Nine different colors |GSM:800

Best Ribbed

Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towels

It still persist soft after being laundered , and stains come out well .

There are only four colors to choose from .

The Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towels are made from 100 % constitutive Turkish cotton and have a piano , ribbed texture that feels pleasant to touch .

Hands rubbing foundation into an Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel

After being launder in our laboratory , we were shocked that we could n’t tell apart it had been laundered — its softness and quality rest completely unaltered . There were no traces of makeup or mascara stains , and the material show no sign of being treated witha laundry stain remover .

It was n’t the fastest drying towel we test , but it was still almost wholly juiceless after two time of day . While it ’s not as plush as a few other towels we tested , it ’s perfect for adding a bit of visual grain to your toilet or powder room . It offers a lighter weight towel at 560 GSM , and we were impressed by its absorbency .

Most other towels on our list are available in several different colors , but this set of two towels only comes in four colors : white , vanilla extract , blue ocean , and sunstone flushed . If you ’re looking for more color options , we recommend theLand ’s End Premium Supima Cotton Hand Towel .

Closeup of a tag on an Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel

Product particular : Material:100 % constituent Turkish cotton |Colors : White , vanilla , blue sea , and sunstone red |GSM:560

Best Plush

Boll & Branch Hand Towels

We were impressed by its absorbency and ironic prison term , despite its thick and dim intent .

The makeup and mascara discoloration did not completely come out .

Experience the ultimate plush comfortableness with the Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towels . usable in a set of two , these 100 % organic cotton plant towels will add a cozy speck to your lavatory .

West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towels

Credit: West Elm

Upon initial review of these towels , we loved how thick , dense , and plush they were . We also liked the decorative lot on the towel , which added an graceful and sophisticated look . When we washed one towel , we were surprised that we could n’t say much of a divergence between the vulgar towel and the washed one .

It retained its initial softness without let rough or textured after being lap and dry multiple times . The colors remained unaltered after laundering , and there was no discolouration . However , the smear from the make-up and mascara were still more or less visible after being washed .

We also appreciated how absorbent this towel was . The towel effectively removed H2O from our pelt without causing the material to sense soaked or full . Considering how stocky and sonorous the towel was , we were shock that it feel juiceless to the touch after only one 60 minutes .

A close-up of pilling fibers on the West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towel after being brushed

The towel snagged and pilled during the abrasion test.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

While this towel stage set is useable in six dissimilar colors , they are all neutrals so you wo n’t be capable toadd a pa of colour to your bathroomwith this picking .

Product point : Material:100 % organic cotton |Colors : Six unlike coloring |GSM : Not listed

Best Monogrammed

Restoration Hardware Turkish Towel

There are 14 font option and 12 thread color options to individualise this hand towel .

While the grease fare out after laundering , there were still some mascara flakes stick in the fibers of the material .

The Restoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra - Soft Turkish Towel is an idealistic choice if you want to truly customise your space .   uncommitted in 15 different colors , you could add one or three initials to the towel to offer a personalised look . There are 14 font alternative to choose from and 12 thread color alternative .

Person using a scrub brush on the West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towel

Aside from offer a tailored tone , this towel is also impressively plush and easygoing . At 750 GSM , this towel provides a dense yet balanced weight that feel cozy when wrapped around our tegument . Even after laundering , the texture of the towel remained unchanged . We also appreciated that there were no loose threads or discoloration after laundry and dry .

The physical composition and mascara stain were completely removed , but we did notice a few mascara flakes that were stuck in the fibre of the towel — but this was only noticeable upon a near and slow inspection .

Because of how thick and plush the stuff was , we accept the towel would take several hr to dry out . However , we were surprised when the towel was almost whole juiceless after just two time of day .

Closeup of the West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towel’s edge

Product point : Material:100 % cotton |Colors:15 different color |GSM:750

Best Waffle

CozyEarth Waffle Hand Towels

It offer excellent absorbency , and it dried in just one hour .

Because of its waffle knit texture , it ’s not as soft as other towels we tested and it lost some of the effeminateness after laundering .

For those who prefer the texture of a waffle knit towel , we loved the CozyEarth Waffle Hand Towels during testing . With a weighting of 600 GSM , this lightweight hand towel set was quick drying and absorbent material .

Closeup of the West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towel hanging on a wall hook

While most towels we tested took at least two hours to completely wry , we were floored that this towel dried within just one time of day . Although it ’s not commercialize as a speedy - dry towel , we were impressed that it was always ironical by the time we used again . We also appreciate how absorbent the towel was — it was able-bodied to leave freshly washed hair dampish instead of soak wet .

After laundering the towel three time , there was no signal of discoloration , snags , or unaffixed threads . We were also impressed that the brand from the make-up and mascara were n’t seeable at all .

We do want to note that this towel was n’t as soft as other towels we tested due to its waffle knit texture . to boot , we found that after washing and drying it a few times , it lost some of the unfitness it did have . But because of its strength , absorbency , and ability to quickly dry , it ’s the best waffle knit paw towel we try .

A close-up of pilling fibers on the West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towel after being brushed

Product Details : Material:60 % cotton plant , 40 % viscose rayon from bamboo |Colors : Light gray , whitened , charcoal , haven mist , and gumption |GSM:600

Best Colors

Land’s End Hand Towel

It ’s useable in 18 different colors , and the color did n’t slice after multiple lavation .

This hand towel has a weight unit of 650 GSM , so it may not be the best option if you prefer a heavy weight .

If you love colour or amaximalism style , make your space even brighter with the Land ’s remnant Premium Supima Cotton Hand Towel . usable in 18 colors , this mitt towel has the most color options out of the towels on our list .

Person using a scrub brush on the West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towel

Our first impression of this hand towel was that it was gentle , plush , and thick . We also appreciated the decorative ring on the towel that added a touch of sophistication . We were impressed with the dry metre — the towel was altogether dry within 85 minutes .

We wash and dried the towel several multiplication , and were pleasantly surprised that the color was still saturated and even , and there was no discoloration . It also still maintained its plushness and softness after laundering , and we did n’t chance any snags or loose train of thought .

There were also no traces of the physical composition and mascara stains , and the color was n’t discolored from the filth remover . While the towel did shrink a bit , the decorative band also shrunk so it lessen in size of it proportionally and did n’t clump up .

Closeup of the West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towel’s edge

With a GSM of 650 , we found that it was a bit lighter in weight so if you favour a heavier feeling , a hand towel like theCozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towelsmay be a preferable option for you .

merchandise particular : Material:100 % cotton wool |Colors:18 colors |GSM:650

The Bottom Line

TheItalic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towelsis our top pick for the best hand towel because of teetotal metre , note value , quality , and absorbency . The heavy weight of 800 GSM provide a luxurious resort hotel - like impression , while the Australian cotton yields a diffuse and plushy stuff .

Our Testing Process

To line up the salutary mitt towels , we quiz almost 100 towels in our lab and in the material world . We evaluated the towel on divisor such as dry time , absorbency , lineament , stain resistance , grain , and economic value .

Before screen the towel , we first inspected them for timbre and claim billet of any liberal thread or snags . We also evaluated the towels on their weight , softness , and heaviness . After our first impressions , we wash and dried the towels twice to check any changes in grain , color , or quality .

In our real universe examination , we used the full - size versions of these towels to prove how well they absorbed urine from cutis after a bathing tub or shower . In our lab , we submerse the towels in water system and measure out the weight unit of the wet towel to decide absorbency . We combined observations from both of the tests to depute a rating for the absorbency category .

Closeup of the West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towel hanging on a wall hook

To value how stain resistant each towel was , we added two stains : basis and mascara . After allow the spot to sit for five minutes , we treated the grime withMethod Stain Removerand laundered the towels . We note whether or not the smear were removed , and also shoot the results .

Finally , in our science lab , we completely sprayed the towel with water and timed how long it call for to entirely teetotal . In our real human race testing , we timed how long it aim for a full - sized interlingual rendition of the towel to dry out after being used . We evaluated all of the termination from our categories to determine which ones performed the best during our testing .

What to Know About Hand Towels Before Shopping

Material

All of the paw towels on our list are made with cotton or a cotton blend , like cotton wool and viscose from bamboo . “ A plush , cotton towel will be highly absorbent for daily use and diffused enough for a sumptuosity experience , ” Elks says .

Wyman explains that while cotton is absorbent , it may take longer to dry out than other materials . However , there are other cistron that affect a towel ’s operation as well . “ Fiber , yarn , and material construction as well as running finishes can impact absorbency and ironic time for both natural ( cotton wool ) and synthetic ( polyester ) material , ” Wyman explains .

to boot , some hand towels , like theBrooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towels , are made with constituent cotton . “ Organic does n’t make the towel well or worse , ” Young says . “ It does n’t improve the quality of the textile , it meliorate the quality of our world , which is authoritative . ”

CozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towels

Credit: CozyEarth

GSM

“ GSM stands for grams per substantial meter , ” Wyman enunciate . “ This measure the density of the main towel textile . ” Wyman excuse that a towel with a high GSM “ may look and feel ‘ fluffier ’ or more luxurious , ” but the GSM is n’t necessarily an indication of calibre . It ’s just a way of life to measure the textile .

Other Hand Towels We Tested

Crate & Barrel Quick-Dry Organic Cotton Hand Towel

When initially visit theCrate & Barrel Quick - Dry Organic Cotton Hand Towel , we were n’t immediately impressed with it . While it was soft , it was n’t the most luxurious - feeling towel we tested , and it feel thin . After washing and drying it , its construction remain ordered , and there were no tear or loose threads . We did appreciate that the physical composition and mascara stain was completely gone after laundering , and we could n’t tell where it had been stained at all . Overall , we felt that this was a fine towel , but it did n’t wow us .

Casaluna Modal Hand Towel

We were n’t fans of theCasaluna Modal Hand Towelat first due to its stiff and scratchy grain , but it did perform well in a few areas . Despite being one of the thick towels we test , it took just over two hours to dry . The smirch come out easy , and the texture did n’t switch after multiple launderings . It was also fairly absorptive , but we felt there were adept towel available at the same price point in time .

The Citizenry Mara Organic Waffle Towel

If you prefer the texture of a waffle weave , The Citizenry Mara Organic Waffle Towelearned high scads across several categories during testing . This hand towel felt thin and lightweight , but also soft to the touch . It sustain up well during laundering , and both mark were murder . While it still dried in just under two hours , we were surprised it took this long given how tenuous the textile was . While it tally high for strength and grain , its downfall was the economic value category — we did n’t feel like the eminent price tag was worth it .

Your Questions, Answered

How many hand towels do you need?

When find out how many hired hand towels you want , first look at how many can orhalf bathroomsyou have in your home . For each lavatory lapse you have , you ’ll require at least one hired hand towel . However , we recommend having two or more so you will have a clean hand towel to expend while lave the foul one .

“ We commend swap out your tub towel every three days , and at a minimum once a week , ” Elks says . “ The same rule blend for hand towel , so it ’s effective to have at least two on script , if not four or more . ”

How big is a hand towel?

Most hand towels are 20 x 30 inches , though there may be some slight variation among different styles or brand . This is the complete size to hang on a hand towel halo , resist , or thickening . Keep in mind that since most of the hand towels on our list are made of cotton , they will shrink somewhat after laundering .

How much do hand towels cost?

handwriting towels are relatively affordable , but factors such as quality and material can result in a high price tatter . Our most budget - well-disposed hand towel on our leaning is theWest Elm Everyday Textured Organic Towels , which be less than $ 10 . The most expensive hired hand towel we featured is theCozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towelsat $ 70 for a set of two .

Additionally , factors like personalization may also increase the cost of a manus towel , like theRestoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra - Soft Turkish Towel .

Who We Are

For this article , we consulted several expert : textile expertDeborah Young;Katie Elks , designing music director at Brooklinen ; andDiana Wyman , executive vice President of the United States of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists . To notice the sound hand towel , we conducted test in both our lab and the substantial world to determine the winners .

A person drying their hands using the CozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towels

The hand towel felt thick, luxurious, and soft.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person using a scrub brush on the CozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towels to test durability

The CozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towels folded on a bathroom counter

A person drying their hands using the CozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towels

A person using a scrub brush on the CozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towels to test durability

The CozyEarth Premium Plush Hand Towels folded on a bathroom counter

Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towels

Credit: Brooklinen

A person testing the Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towel’s durability using a scrub brush

The hand towel didn’t seem bothered by an abrasive brush.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person drying their hands using the Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towel

A closeup of the Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towel’s tags and fabric

Two Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towels folded on a bathroom counter

A person testing the Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towel’s durability using a scrub brush

A person drying their hands using the Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towel

A closeup of the Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towel’s tags and fabric

Two Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Hand Towels folded on a bathroom counter

Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towels

Credit: Boll & Branch

A person hanging the Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towel on a hook

The hanging loop ensured that the hand towel didn’t fall off the hook during or after use.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person drying their hands with the Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towel

A person testing the Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towel’s durability using a scrub brush

The Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towels folded on a bathroom counter

A person hanging the Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towel on a hook

A person drying their hands with the Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towel

A person testing the Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towel’s durability using a scrub brush

The Boll & Branch Plush Hand Towels folded on a bathroom counter

Restoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra-Soft Turkish Towel

Credit: Restoration Hardware

A person drying their hands with the Restoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra-Soft Turkish Towel

This was one of the heaviest towels we tested at 750 GSM.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person testing the Restoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra-Soft Turkish Towel’s durability with a scrub brush

The Restoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra-Soft Turkish Towel folded on a bathroom counter

A person drying their hands with the Restoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra-Soft Turkish Towel

A person testing the Restoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra-Soft Turkish Towel’s durability with a scrub brush

The Restoration Hardware Monogrammed Ultra-Soft Turkish Towel folded on a bathroom counter

Cozy Earth Waffle Hand Towels

Credit: Cozy Earth

A person testing the CozyEarth Waffle Hand Towels' durability using a scrub brush

The scrub brush left no signs of distress in the fabric.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person drying their hands with the CozyEarth Waffle Hand Towels

Two CozyEarth Waffle Hand Towels folded on a bathroom counter

A person testing the CozyEarth Waffle Hand Towels' durability using a scrub brush

A person drying their hands with the CozyEarth Waffle Hand Towels

Two CozyEarth Waffle Hand Towels folded on a bathroom counter

Land’s End Premium Supima Cotton Hand Towel

Credit: Land’s End

The Land’s End Premium Supima Cotton Hand Towel being used to dry hands

With a GSM of 650, this hand towel is a happy medium between plush and thin.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person hanging the Land’s End Premium Supima Cotton Hand Towel

A scrub brush being used on the Land’s End Premium Supima Cotton Hand Towel to test durability

The Land’s End Premium Supima Cotton Hand Towel being used to dry hands

A person hanging the Land’s End Premium Supima Cotton Hand Towel

A scrub brush being used on the Land’s End Premium Supima Cotton Hand Towel to test durability

Hand using brush to scrub an Italic Serene Ultraplush Australian Cotton Towel

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Person spraying water on a West Elm Everyday Textured Organic Bath Towel

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens