Hopping out of the shower or bath to a soft and fluffy, yet quick-drying, towel is one of life’s simple pleasures.
But our towels are one of the hardest working items in our homes - doing eveything from elevating the look and feel of a bathroom to protecting your body from allergens.
They get used throughout the day, go through the washing machine a lot and and need to stay fluffy and absorbent long after the first use.
Whether you are after an Egyptian cotton finish, a waffle weave or one that is 100 per cent bamboo, we’ve rounded up some of the best bath towel choices that tick all the boxes when it comes to getting you dry fast, durability and, of course, style.
Sales Update:Australian retailer Canningvale has a range of towels and towel sets on sale. The Amalfitana 6 Piece Towel Set is $59.99 down from $99.99, the Royal Splendour 6 Piece Towel Set, is $69.99 down from $149.99 and the Aria Bath Towelhas 57% off, reduced from $69.99 to $29.99 each.
BEST TOWELS AND TOWEL SETSEgyptian Royale Bath Sheet, Canningvale, RRP$79.99
If you find the average bath towel a bit on the small side then consider moving up to a bath sheet.
These bath sheets from Canningvale are bigger than a standard bath towel — they measure 90cm x 160cm – and are soft and do add a sense luxury to your bathroom.
They are made from 100 per cent Egyptian cotton pile, and have been approved by the Egyptian Cotton Council in Egypt. They come in a wide range of colours allowing them to work with any decor. Better still, you can complete the look with co-ordinating hand towels, face washers and bath mats.
There are more than 900 five star reviews on Canningvale’s site with many buyers saying the towels last for years.
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Linen House Nara Cotton Bamboo Towel Range, Myer, from $6.49-$24.99 (RRP$12.99-$49.99)
Bamboo is the fabric du jour right now thanks to its sustainable nature as well as antimicrobial properties. These towels claim to be softer than silk (and the reviews agree). You can get a whole set of bath mats, face washers, hand towels and bath sheets to style, mix and match. The colour range includes white, charcoal, bluestone and clay.
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Cyrus Towel Collection, Bath Towel, Sheridan, $49.99
You can’t have a list of best bath towels in Australia without including Sheridan. The Australian icon has many ranges of towels on offer but our pick is the Cyrus towel collection. Available in dust and chambray, the towels have a textured grid pattern with contrasting tones on the edges. Not only do they look great, they’re also 100 per cent cotton making them super soft and absorbent.
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Royal Splendour Bath Towel, Canningvale, on sale for $24.99 (RRP $39.99)
These Canningvale towels have had more than 1,768 five-star reviews. They provide the decadent feel of the Egyptian Royale set mentioned above but at a lower price point, making them a perfect luxury-on-a-budget buy. These are made from 100 per cent cotton and are 69cm x 137cm in size. With 10 colours to choose from as well as co-ordinating hand towels, face washers and bath mats in the range, your body and bathroom will truly get a royal experience.
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Saardé Cocoon 100% Cotton Towel, THE ICONIC, $75
Designed in Australia and made in Turkey, we love the chic feel of these towels. With a waffle weave, measurements of 66cm x 147cm and a paired-back colour offering of stunning neutrals, these towels will be the perfect addition to any bathroom. Not just a pretty face, the cotton fabric feels great on skin and ensures you’ll be dry within minutes.
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Calo Bath Sheet, Country Road, $64.95
A favourite of yours truly due to the fact that they do what they say on the tin – effectively dry you without feeling scratchy. The design looks great in your bathroom and the colours make it easy to mix and match (we suggest the antique pink paired with the pale grey). But don’t just take our word for it, the towels have amassed more than 160 five-star reviews.
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Morgan & Finch Tobago Towel, Bed Bath N’ Table, $34.95
Finished with fringe detailing and a double yarn construction, these towels will make you feel like you’re in an exotic location. Not compromising style for function, these cotton towels are guaranteed to keep their shape and texture wash after wash after wash.
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Morgan & Finch, Frankie Dog Towel, Bed Bath N’ Table, $34.95
Morgan & Finch, Milo Cat Towel, Bed Bath N’ Table, $34.95
If you like your bath towels with a side of whimsy then these dog and cat ones from Morgan & Finch are for you. We challenge you not to smile just a little bit when you look at these and there is even a matching bath mat.
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Home Republic Navara Textured Bamboo Cotton Towels, Adairs, $49.99
These bamboo cotton blend towels are made in Turkey and come in a solid and textured design. There are 15 colours to choose from and there are also matching face washers, bath mats and even hair towels.
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR TOWELS?
Towels have a very intimate relationship with your skin, so the cleaner the better in order to avoid build-up of dirt and body oils – but it’s also good to think of the environment so you don’t want to overdo it. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to wash your towel after three days of use.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BUY NEW TOWELS?
A good towel should last five to 10 years, that’s why many come with a warranty of over five years. It’s important to take this into consideration when buying as the more expensive option could cost you less in the future. Experts believe that the best time to change towels is when they start to lose their absorbency.
WHAT MATERIAL MAKES THE SOFTEST TOWEL?
If softness is what you are looking for then Egyptian cotton should be your first port of call. These towels are often super soft, fluffy and thick. However, towels that are made from bamboo or linen will be more quick drying and often have antimicrobial properties. So it’s about finding the balance you are looking for.
Want more in luxe homewares? Check out the best silk pillowcases that bring new meaning to the phrase ‘beauty sleep’ and our edit of the best mattress toppers that all-but guarantee a restful night’s sleep.
If you love a good deal (don’t we all?), be sure to check out the news.com.au Coupons page where you can score discounts at stores like Bed Threads, Adairs and more.
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