Shopping for your next bath towel upgrade is pretty straightforward. There are a few key things to look for.

Towel material

Bath towels come in dozens of materials, and many are hybrids (e.g., blends of two types of fiber, like cotton plus microfiber). In general, the three most common bath towel materials are:

• Cotton: Natural cotton is an excellent choice for bath towels, as it’s soft, durable, and absorbent. The two main types of cotton towels are Egyptian and Turkish. Egyptian cotton bath towels are usually fluffy, extra thick, and highly absorbent for a “spa-like” feel. Turkish cotton towels are slightly thinner and more lightweight, however, they tend to be soft, fast-drying, and cheaper.
  
• Microfiber: Microfiber bath towels are lightweight and highly absorbent, but they lack the fluffy, buttery soft texture of cotton. They are, however, usually the most affordable bath towels you’ll find on Amazon.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is naturally soft, quick-drying, and antibacterial, making them a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. They do tend to be more expensive than cotton towels, however.

GSM (grams per square meter)

Just as sheets and bedding use thread count as a measure of quality, bath towels rely on GSM (grams per square meter) to indicate their weight and density. This figure can be exaggerated or used as a marketing gimmick by some manufacturers. But, in general, a higher GSM (usually 600 or more) indicates a thick, plush towel that’s very absorbent. A lower GSM (300 or less) means a towel is thinner and lighter but usually fast-drying.

Size

The best size for bath towels is a matter of personal preference. Larger towels, of course, tend to feel more luxurious. Most “standard” size bath towels measure 54” x 30”, but they’re available in a wide range of sizes.

Certifications

As with anything new you’re bringing into your home, look for towels with certifications like OEKO-Tex Standard 100, which means they’re free of harmful chemicals. This is doubly true if you’re an allergy sufferer or somehow with sensitive skin.

Price

Bath towels (even on Amazon) vary widely in price. It’s possible to score entire bath towel sets for less than $20 from the cheapest, no-name brands. Premium, higher-end towels, however, can cost more than $150 per towel. No matter your budget, just know that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to score a good bath towel.