We tested almost 100 towels to find the best Turkish bath towels.
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Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
If you’re looking for a soft, durable, and lightweight towel that dries quickly, consider Turkish towels. They are made out of Turkish cotton which is a long-staple fiber known for its softness and durability.
“If you want a towel that feels luxurious, Turkish cotton is a great choice,” says Karen Buscemi, president & CEO of Detroit Sewn. “They are so soft, and won’t irritate your skin like some towel fabrics can. They are also quite durable, so you can expect them to last a long time.”
Turkish towels tend to be more luxurious than regular cotton towels, which also means they might come with a higher price tag. According to Buscemi, Turkish towels are also more absorbent than regular cotton towels, but not as absorbent as Egyptian cotton towels. While both are considered to be luxury towels, Turkish towels aren’t as plush as Egyptian cotton towels. However, their lightweight construction means they dry quicker.
The best Turkish towels can be used for a long time without showing much wear and tear—even after repeated washes. In terms of style, Turkish towels come in a variety of solid colors and patterns with decorative details like fringe.
To help you choose the best Turkish towel, we researched and tested almost 100 towels to compare their quality, absorbency, durability, and value. Here are the best Turkish towels of 2023 based on our tests and insights from Buscemi.
This Turkish towel has a stylish pattern and dries quickly.
It wasn’t as soft or plush as some of the other towels we tested.
Our best overall Turkish towel is the Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Bath Towel. It earned the top spot on our list because of its lightweight feel, stylish pattern, and quick dry time. It only took an hour to dry, which is less than many of the bath towels we tested. This towel comes in five different colors so you can choose the one that best complements your style.
This towel has a traditional Turkish flat-weave which makes it naturally absorbent. It is also GOTS + Made Safe Certified so it’s an eco-friendly option. This towel scored high for quality during our testing because of its tight and sturdy texture, smooth and even stitching, and sturdy seams.
The towel looked and felt well-made with bright, even, and saturated colors. We were also impressed that this towel performed well during our abrasion and spot-resistance tests, without leaving any snagging, residue, or visible stains.
Although this towel is made out of 100% organic Turkish cotton with a smooth texture, it felt thinner than some of the other towels we tested so might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a fluffy towel.
Overall, this Turkish towel maintained its quality and vibrant color after being washed, but we did notice a slight bumpy texture and loose thread. This towel is more expensive than a standard terry cloth towel, but the organic cotton material and stylish design make it worth the price.
Price at time of publish: $68
Product Details: Size: 28 x 54 inches | Material: 100% organic Turkish cotton | Weight: 320 GSM | Care: Machine wash cold on delicate cycle and tumble dry low or air dry
Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Popp
This lightweight Turkish towel dried completely within 50 minutes, and there are almost 40 different colors to choose from.
The foundation stain didn’t lift at all, and a few of the tassels unraveled after washing.
The Cacala 100% Cotton Pestemal Turkish Bath Towel earned the spot as the best Turkish towel for those looking for an affordable option. During our testing, it received a perfect 5 out of 5 score for its dry time and value. We also love that it comes in 39 different colors, so there is an option for every style or aesthetic.
Upon initial inspection of this towel, we were impressed with how lightweight it was (it weighs in at 300 GSM), and the herringbone weave and fringed tassel added stylish details. There were also minimal wrinkles on the towel—there were only creases from where the towel was folded in the packaging.
We were impressed that the majority of the towel dried within just 30 minutes, and the entire towel was dry in 50 minutes. Because of its ability to dry so quickly, we thought it would make a perfect beach towel since it could be dried before being packed away in a beach bag.
After washing the towel three times, we were surprised to find that it was softer after laundering. The foundation stain remained after being washed, but the mascara stain was almost completely lifted—we had to look at a reference photo of the fresh stain to even find it on the towel. We did find that a few of the tassels unraveled during the laundering process, but there were no other loose threads elsewhere on the towel.
Price at time of publish: $20
Product Details: Size: 70 x 37 inches | Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Weight: 300 GSM | Care: Machine wash, hang to dry
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
When we tested this high-quality towel at the beach, sand easily shook from it and didn’t get caught in the fabric.
It’s not as lightweight as other Turkish towels on our list at 500 GSM.
If you’re willing to splurge a bit, the Serena & Lily Mallorca was one of the best Turkish towels we tested. After testing this towel, we awarded it a 5 out of 5 rating for its quality and absorbency. This striped towel is available in seven colors, and you can purchase it as a single or in a set of four, eight, or 12.
At 500 GSM, this Turkish towel weighs a bit more than other towels on our list, but this weight lends to its high-quality feel. Both sides of the towel felt equally soft, and the striped look gave the towel a beachy and laid back style. We tested the towel at the beach, and we noted that we were able to shake the sand off easily and it didn’t get caught in the fabric.
We also appreciated that the towel absorbed water well, and our hands were completely dry after wiping them on the towel. After washing the towel, a few of the tassels unraveled, but this was the case for several other Turkish towels we tested as well. Besides the tassels, the rest of the towel held up well and we didn’t notice any other loose threads or snags.
This splurge-worthy Turkish towel is also Standard 100 certified by OEKO-TEX, meaning it has been tested and is free of harmful chemicals.
Price at time of publish: $78
Product Details: Size: 70 x 40 inches | Material: 100% Turkish Aegean cotton | Weight: 500 GSM | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry on low
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Each item in the set combines the lightweight feel of Turkish towels with the plush softness of a traditional cotton towel.
The striped, Turkish weave side of the towel wasn’t as absorbent as the other side of the towel.
For those looking for a complete bath set, we loved the Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Collection Bath Towel. This set includes two washcloths, two hand towels, and two bath towels so you’ll have everything you need for your bathroom.
Upon unboxing this towel, we were impressed with how elegant it looked and we didn’t see any defects or flaws in the stitching. It also felt softer and more plush that other Turkish towels we tested, and it has a weight of 420 GSM. It’s not the heaviest towel on our list, but it’s also not the lightest.
One side of the towel features a Turkish towel weave while the opposite side feels more like a traditional cotton towel. When drying our hands on this towel, we noted the striped side (the Turkish weave) took a few passes to dry our hands completely. However, the more plush, traditional cotton towel side dried our hands in just one pass.
After washing the towel, it held up well and there were no snags or loose threads. Because of its high quality, the towel earned a 5 out of 5 rating for its durability, and it also earned a perfect score for its value. This complete set has everything you need for your bathroom and performed exceptionally well in testing.
Price at time of publish: $158 for a set
Product Details: Size: Washcloth: 12 x 12 inches; Hand towel: 30 x 20 inches; Bath towel: 56 x 30 inches | Material: 100% Turkish Aegean cotton | Weight: 420 GSM | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry on low
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Despite its larger size, this bath towel completely dried within an hour.
Although the mascara stain disappeared after washing, it reappeared after the bath sheet was submerged in water.
Bath sheets are bigger than traditional bath towels, so they’re a great option if you’re looking for a towel with more surface area. The Parachute Fouta Stripe Towel is the largest towel on our list at 76 x 40 inches, and we loved its oversized coverage during testing.
When we first removed it from the packaging, we liked the look of the towel, which was a cream color with gray stripes. The quality also seemed nice, except for a few small snags in the fabric. However, the snags seemed to be a defect in appearance only—they did not unravel when pulled, and they didn’t get worse after using or laundering the towel.
Like the Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Collection Bath Towel, we appreciated that this bath sheet was a combination of thin and plush. The bath towel is also marketed as a quick-drying towel, and we found that it held up to its claim since it completely dried in a little over an hour.
After washing the bath sheet, we found that the quality remained the same. The foundation and mascara stain were completely removed from the towel, and we couldn’t tell where the stains had previously been after we washed the sheet. However, when we resubmerged the towel in water to test its absorbency, we noticed that the mascara stain mysteriously reappeared.
Overall, because of its modern look, absorbency, quick dry time, and duality of feeling like a Turkish towel and traditional cotton towel, it was one of the best Turkish towels we tested.
Price at time of publish: $59
Product Details: Size: 76 x 40 inches | Material: 100% long-staple Turkish cotton | Weight: 450 GSM | Care: Machine washable
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Based on our testing, the Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Bath Towel earned our top spot for its stylish pattern, lightweight construction, and ability to dry quickly. It’s also made from organic cotton, making it an eco-friendly choice.
We tested 98 towels in our testing lab and the real world to find the best Turkish towels. We conducted a variety of tests to evaluate each towel’s absorbency, durability, stain resistance, and dry time. During testing, we paid attention to several key areas including quality, dimensions, weight, and care.
We examined the quality by feeling how soft each towel was, recording any imperfections such as loose threads, and noting any decorative features like tassels. We also measured the dimensions of each towel pre- and post-wash, paying attention to any changes in texture, color, size, or quality post-wash. We also recorded how long each towel took to air dry.
To test the absorbency, we first weighed each towel while dry and then dipped the top half into 4 ounces of water and weighed it again. For durability, we swiped the bristles of a scrub brush back and forth quickly 50 times and recorded any changes to the towel’s quality and texture such as frays, snags, or lint.
We also tested how stain resistant each towel was by rubbing foundation and mascara on it before treating it with a laundry stain remover and washing and drying it. For value, we compared the price of each towel to its features.
During our lab tests, we recorded our favorite features of each Turkish towel along with any noticeable flaws such as loose threads or shrinkage. We also determined whether or not we would recommend each towel to our friends and family.
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Turkish towels come in a variety of sizes including standard bath towels, bath sheets, hand towels, and washcloths. Most of the Turkish bath towels on our list measure about 27 inches wide and 54 inches long, but the exact dimensions vary by towel.
Bath sheets, such as the Parachute Fouta Stripe Towels, can be as large as 40 inches wide and 70 inches long. We recommend choosing a pre-washed Turkish towel to prevent it from shrinking too much after you wash and dry it. According to Buscemi, the thin nature of Turkish towels is a benefit if space is limited in your linen closet. “You can buy so many more and store them easily,” she says.
Turkish towels have long-staple fibers that give them a soft feeling, even after repeated washes. When shopping for the best Turkish towels, look for ones made out of 100% Turkish cotton because they tend to have the highest quality and absorbency. Keep in mind that some Turkish towels are made of Turkish cotton along with other materials like regular cotton or bamboo, which may change the way they look and feel.
The weight of Turkish cotton is measured in grams per square meter (GSM), and is used to identify the quality, density, and plushness of the cotton fibers. Typically, the higher the GSM, the more luxurious and plush the towel is. The Turkish towels we tested range from a weight of 300 GSM with the Cacala 100% Cotton Pestemal Turkish Bath Towel to the Serena & Lily Mallorca at 500 GSM.
Be sure to follow the specific instructions for laundering your towel to ensure their quality lasts a long time. Most of the Turkish towels on our list are machine washable. “The fact that they are thin and dry quickly makes them eco-friendly for laundering,” Buscemi says. For best results, most brands recommend washing on a delicate cycle in cold water and tumble drying on low.
Some brands also recommend air drying the towels to maintain their quality and softness. It is best to stay away from harsh chemicals or detergents when washing Turkish towels. “Don’t use fabric softener as it creates a build up that decreases the towel’s absorbency,” Buscemi says.
When we first inspected the Kalkedon Turkish Towel, we felt that the quality was average, but the towel was soft, not scratchy. While sand did shake off easily from the towel, we found that it barely absorbed water from our hands, and after placing it in a bowl of water, it hardly absorbed any water. It seemed like it almost had a water-repelling effect rather than absorbing the water. While we did appreciate the low price, we felt that there are better quality Turkish towels available for just a few dollars more.
Sand also shook off easily from the House No. 23 Handwoven Turkish Beach Towel, but it had a similar issue with absorbency as the Kalkedon Turkish Towel—it took several passes for the towel to completely dry our wet hands. It was average at absorbing water from a bowl, but it didn’t impress as much as other towels we tested. After washing, the tassels were a bit frayed and we were worried that the material of the towel would snag easily since it was so thin. We didn’t feel that the higher price point justified the poor quality and performance of this towel.
Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Turkish towels are absorbent, and some become even more absorbent after being washed. “They manage to be thin yet unbelievably absorbent,” Buscemi says. Their ability to absorb moisture makes them a good choice for using after a bath, shower, or at the beach. To test how absorbent your towel is, wet a small section of it and see how quickly it dries.
Turkish towels and Egyptian towels are both good choices for luxury bath towels, but you may prefer one type over the other based on the qualities you’re looking for in a towel. Turkish towels and Egyptian towels are both made of extra-long fibers which give them a soft feel and sturdy construction.
“Egyptian cotton is thicker, so not as great for travel, and it is much more absorbent, which means it doesn't dry as quickly as Turkish cotton,” Buscemi says.
Turkish towels are sand resistant, which makes them an ideal choice to bring to the beach. “Sand doesn’t stick to Turkish cotton, so they make great beach towels,” says Buscemi. “And if you use them as beach towels, they are light to carry, easy to pack and dry quickly.”
Erica Reagle is a freelance writer focusing on interior design and the home. To write this story, she spent several hours researching the best Turkish towels and reviewing our testing insights. She also gathered expert advice from Karen Buscemi, president & CEO of Detroit Sewn.
This article was updated by Brandi Fuller. She has been an Associate Commerce Editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022, and has also written for publications such as Southern Living and Real Simple. She has written about home and outdoor products including sheets, sewing machines, mosquito repellents, birdhouses, air quality monitors, and more.
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
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