Which towel sets are best?
While you can buy individual towels, it’s more cost-effective to invest in towel sets. It’s also an easy way to make sure you have coordinating accessories in your bathroom — particularly those that complement the overarching color scheme.
Towel sets come with up to eight pieces, including washcloths, hand towels, bath towels or bath sheets. The TRIDENT Soft & Plush Bathroom Towel Set includes plush towels that are both fluffy and quick to dry.
What to know before you buy a towel set
Types of bathroom towels
There are four main types of bathroom towels, and depending on the towel set, it may include one or more of these.
- Washcloths: These towels are approximately 13 by 13 inches. They’re used for cleaning your face and body, but sometimes, they’re only used decoratively in bathrooms.
- Hand towels: Hand towels measure up to 20 by 30 inches. They’re usually hung on a towel bar or ring near the sink.
- Bath towels: Bath towels range from 20 by 40 to 32 by 58 inches. They’re usually used as body towels; some people use them to wrap wet hair.
- Bath sheets: The largest bathroom towels are bath sheets, which can be as large as 40 by 72 inches. Many people prefer them over bath towels because they’re easier to wrap around the body.
Bath towel colors
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of colors for towel sets. Choosing the best color for your bathroom is a matter of matching other decor. Towels can coordinate with the dominant color or complement accent colors around the bathroom.
White towels remain a perennial favorite because they’re versatile and have a crisp, clean appearance. Neutral colors are a close second, particularly ivory, beige, tan and gray. Jewel-toned towels add a bold touch to bathrooms with rich, luxurious colors. Pastel towel sets give bathrooms a light, airy ambiance.
What to look for in a quality towel set
Grams per square meter
Towel weight is measured in grams per square meter. The higher the GSM, the better the towel’s quality. As far as bathroom towels are concerned, it’s best to opt for ones with 400 GSM or above. The most luxurious towels, including hotel-quality sets, range from 600 to 900 GSM.
Loop style
Most towels are available in single- and double-loop styles. Single-loop towels are thinner and dry quickly, whereas double-loop towels are thicker and can take a few hours to dry. There are also loop-free towels that resemble dense, low-pile carpets. They’re ultra-soft and cozy, but they’re nowhere near as absorbent as single- and double-loop towels.
Coordinating collections
Certain towel sets are part of coordinating collections with other bathroom accessories, including shower curtains, bath mats, soap dispensers or trash baskets. Some collections feature patterns, such as florals or stripes, whereas others have only one color. While you can purchase the entire bathroom collection — towels and all — it can be expensive. To offset the cost, you can buy the towel set and coordinate it with more affordable bathroom accessories in the same color family.
How much you can expect to spend on a towel set
Basic towel sets with four or fewer pieces usually cost $30 and below. Quality sets, including those manufactured by popular brands, run from $40 to $100. Luxury towel sets with fine construction or details range from $125 to $250.
Towel set FAQ
How often should I wash towels?
A. Wash your towels at least once a week. If you’re sick, wash them every other day to minimize the risk of reinfection or spreading germs. Washcloths and hand towels should be washed more often than bath towels and sheets — ideally twice a week.
How long will towel sets last?
A. Generally speaking, a quality towel set can last up to five years or longer. Low-quality sets may not last more than a couple of years. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to replace towels, key indicators include threadbare areas, unraveling seams and rough texture.
What’s the best towel set to buy?
Top towel set
TRIDENT Soft & Plush Bathroom Towel Set
What you need to know: This luxurious towel set promises a high level of absorbency with ultra-plush construction.
What you’ll love: The set includes two bath towels measuring 30 by 54 inches, two hand towels and two washcloths. They are made with twist management technology, which not only makes the towels super absorbent but also plush, quick-drying and environmentally friendly.
What you should consider: Some people have said that the dye in the towels transfers easily.
Top towel set for the money
American Soft Linen 3-Piece Towel Set
What you need to know: If you need a basic bath towel set for one person, this three-piece set is a top choice.
What you’ll love: The high-pile towels are absorbent and dry quickly once they’re hung. They’re vat-dyed, which means they’re less likely to fade. Because they have double-edged stitching, they won’t fray. The towels come in 16 colors, including jewel tones.
What you should consider: The towels shed more than expected, including in the dryer.
Worth checking out
Utopia Towels 8-Piece Towel Set
What you need to know: This deluxe towel set is suitable for main and guest bathrooms alike.
What you’ll love: The set, which includes four 13-by-13-inch washcloths, is durable and withstands repeated washing and drying. It’s available in eight colors that match virtually any color scheme. Unlike other plush and fluffy towels, these don’t produce much lint.
What you should consider: Some people said the towels unravel or become thin after a couple of months.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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