PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party togethereven when you're far apart. Our top pick is the Havly Classic Bath Towel because of its soft Turkish cotton that proved to be extremely absorbent in our testing, without being overly heavy or dense. The densely packed loops give this towel a sturdy and plush feel that remains just as soft after washingand given that this towel is made with Turkish cotton, we anticipate it will only grow softer with continued use. Bed Bath & Beyond has one of the most generous return policies out there you don't even need a receipt if the item is unused and 20% off coupons have virtually become synonymous with the retailer. This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. Then came the real test of each towel: absorbency. Plus, the towels are Oeko-Tex certified. "The only way to know if a textile has some level of a harmful substance on it is to test it." Testers then placed the dry end of the towel in a shallow bowl with 1/4 cup of water, leaving the towel to absorb for one minute. "You can almost guarantee that you'll be investing in bath and kitchenware that will last a long time. Who it isn't for: People who want a towel that comes in colors besides white. This is also a great option for people who don't have space in their bathroom or linen closet to accommodate ultra-thick towels. Who it's for: People who want a bath towel that will dry quickly or people who want a towel for drying hair. "It didn't feel too short when wrapped around my body." "If you're going to go through the effort of personalizing a gift, go to shops that specialize in personalization not only in engraving, but specifically the kind of gift that you want to have personalized," Jacobs said. The flipside of Egyptian cotton's tremendous absorbency and luxurious feel is that it holds onto moisture, so it requires ample time and space to dry out after each use. ", "If you're going to do a wall covering, it is most likely going to be one of the focal points of your house or apartment," Jacobs said. We then took note of how much water each towel soaked up and how long it took to dry afterward. We'd recommend gifting this towel as a housewarming or wedding gift, but not for stocking your home with all new towels. "Le Creuset Clearance came up immediately in my search on Bedbathandbeyond.com, which leads me to believe that clearance pricing is fairly common.". "I really appreciated the size of this towel," says a tester. The standard bath towel size is about 28 x 54 inches, give or take a few inches. You can find towels made from synthetic materials, such as polyester or rayon, but experts tend to agree that cotton is best for absorbency: "Choosing a towel that is made from high-quality materials, such as premium cotton that has extra-long staple fibers to enhance strength, softness, and absorbency, is the way to go," says Smith. Copyright 2022, Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Bath Towel, Simply Vera Vera Wang Signature Bath Towel, The 9 Best Beach Towels, According to Our Tests, The Best Microfiber Towels for Cleaning Every Surface, don't have space in their bathroom or linen closet, The 8 Best Bath Mats to Upgrade Your Bathroom, Better Homes & Gardens Signature Soft Rain Texture Bath Towel, Calla Angel Luxe Chain Superior 1000 Gram Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel, bath towels can be used three to four times. 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest. There are several independent third-party tests that ensure textiles meet certain standards for product safety: "When textiles are made, there are chemicals used to process them and there can be a residual of a harmful substance on the textile that you can't see by looking at it," says Frosk. Overall, we think this oversized pick is a great value since it's one of the most affordable on our list. Next, testers ran their hands over each towel to evaluate its texture, noting whether it feels soft to the touch, how tight the weave is, etc. All you need is a tape measure and a little free time. "This towel managed to get my hands completely dry simply by patting them," says one tester. These are not your traditional terry towels: Waffle-weave (sometimes called lattice-weave) bath towels are much thinner and faster to dry. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our teamput through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. "Wamsutta towels are affordable, soft, and come in a variety of colors," Skirboll said. Who it isn't for: People who prefer thicker, more absorbent towels. The retailer is on par with more luxury home products at a middle-market price," she said. Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. If that's the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Waffle- or lattice-weave towels, on the other hand, are lighter and quicker to dry than terry cloth, and they take up less space in your linen closet. "The retailer not only offers exclusive and unique flavors and collaborations, but they also have special discounted bundles on all Keurig items," Erin Sykes, a retail and sales strategy expert, told Business Insider. Towels above 600 GSM are the most luxurious, plush, and absorbent, but keep in mind that they'll take some time to dry. It's super soft to the touch, and it remains that way post-wash. It comes in a nautical stripe design with three different coastal-inspired colors and can also be purchased as part of a set. But don't be fooled by appearances, this Casaluna towel is still very absorbent and the textured surface helps to draw moisture away from the skin in less time. For expert tips on buying and using bath towels, we turned to Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi, and Sarah Smith, product education and customer experience manager at Serena & Lily. Plus, it's been tested and certified Made In Green by Oeko-Tex, meaning it's free of harmful substances and sustainably sourced. If you're looking for unique and high-end decor pieces to amplify your space, Bed Bath & Beyond shouldn't be your primary destination. In general, 400600 GSM is considered a medium weight for a bath towel. Here's what you should buy and what you should skip there, according to shopping experts. To find the best bath towels, we spent two days testing 31 towels in our Lab and assessed them based on their quality, texture, absorbency, durability, and overall value. We would suggest this towel to anyone in need of a quick-drying towel, particularly those in humid climates where thick terry cloth towels can take a long time to dry and run the risk of developing a musty smell. If you want to jump on the Instant Pot trend, buy yours elsewhere. "The Roomba 890 is a full $100 less expensive at Amazon. While it's not quite a bath sheet, this oversized towel still provides significantly more coverage than your standard bath towel. However, there are several different types of cotton to choose from, with varying degrees of absorbency and durability: Egyptian and Turkish cotton are the most highly sought-after types of cotton for bath towels. Upon first glance, there were some loose threads and lint on the towelbut it held up well after washing and didn't produce any additional damage. "I have always liked the look of Turkish towels but never buy them because they're normally thin and not that absorbent," says one tester, who appreciates that this towel gives you "the stylish look of a Turkish towel and the drying factor of a traditional towel.". Another standout feature of this towel is its sturdy, bleach-proof hanging loop, which one tester called a "little luxury." Generally, a higher GSM is preferable for bath towels, while beach towels or microfiber towels may have a lower GSM to help them dry faster. ", "For those who like to entertain, the Artisanal Kitchen Supply Marble and Wood Serveware Collection nails the latest trends while still maintaining functionality," Skirboll said. "There are many other furniture stores that I would suggest that specialize in home furnishings, which would be the best bet.". This luxurious and functional towel has many unique features that set it apart, but we were most impressed with its luxurious feel and ability to absorb moisture while remaining lightweight and fast-drying. Who it's for: People who want a zero-twist bath towel that dries quickly. Waffle-weave bath towels don't have the same luxurious feel as terry cloth, but their quick-drying ability makes them less prone to developing the dreaded musty smell that can develop on dense terry cloth towels. "Bed Bath & Beyond carries the Choose-a Crock, which features 6-quart, 4-quart, and Split 2.5-quart capacity pots all in one unit," shopping expert Trae Bodge told Business Insider. "Investing in a good one that will make your space look the best it can be is important. You'll also find more information as to what to consider when shopping for bath towels, depending on your needs and preferences. We also received insights from Elana Frosk, account executive at Hohenstein Institute, the U.S. testing lab for Oeko-Tex. "Examples include the exclusive Green Mountain Coffee K-Cup Half-Caff Hazelnut and Perfect Pod Eco-Fill 2.0 reusable single serve pod.". "While Bed Bath & Beyond does sell some functional furniture, it's never one of my top choices to shop for myself or clients," Jacobs said. Be sure whichever towel you choose is one you'll be proud to hang on your towel rack. Plus, it's certified Made In Green by Oeko-Tex, so you can feel confident that it's safe for both you and the environment. During our testing, we were able to get our hands completely dry with just two passes on the towel. "The brand has everything from bedding and bath to furniture and rugs, and you can find it all exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond. If you've ever struggled to fit an ice cube into a smaller water bottle opening, this product is a lifesaver. The next day, our testers washed and dried each towel, and then repeated the tests above, taking note of any change in the towel's ability to absorb water. Unsurprisingly, we found the terry cloth side to be more absorbent, although when placed in a bowl with a bit of water, it didn't absorb quite as much as some of its competitors. When it comes to bath towels, cotton is king. Plus, it has a unique gradient weave that is one-third textured and two-thirds plush for the best of both worlds. Who it's for: People who want a bath towel that's thick and absorbent without being heavy. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. The term refers to a style of weaving distinguished for its uncut loops that extend off the woven base. We also received insights from Elana Frosk, account executive at Hohenstein Institute, the U.S. testing lab for the Oeko-Tex standard. The towel weighs an impressive 700 GSM, which is a good indicator of its softness and absorbencybut keep in mind that this also means it will take longer to dry. Going to a department store where the salespeople are trained in knowing the difference in products is your best bet.". The fibers themselves are 100-percent organic, long-staple Turkish cotton, which is less prone to piling and tearing with use. However, it dries slowly and can take up a lot of space in a bathroom. Each towel weighs 700 GSM, which explains its luxurious feel and ample absorbency. Another type of long-staple cotton, Pima cotton, is similar to Egyptian and Turkish cotton but made with cotton sourced from the U.S. You can also find organic cotton towels, which are made from 100 percent organic cotton. Who it isn't for: People who prefer the feel of a traditional plush towel. It was able to soak up all the water from the bowl, although the towel was pretty soaked afterward. Made from fluffy Egyptian cotton and weighing a whopping 1000 GSM, this pick will make every day feel like a spa day. Who it's for: People who want a towel made from organic materials. Smith suggests using dryer balls to "keep bath towels feeling soft and fresh, wash after wash." And always make sure your towels are completely dry before putting them away. Bed Bath & Beyond's brick-and-mortar stores usually have a beauty essentials section, but you can save on these products elsewhere. They also offer exclusive designer bedding collections.". Who it's for: People who want a bath towel that comes in a lot of color options. Take into consideration your body size and intended use when determining what size towel you need. We turned to the experts to help us separate the good from the bad when it comes to shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond. After washing and drying these towels, there was no visible wear and tear. In our tests, the towel was still slightly damp after 12 hours of air drying. "Stick to your regulars for daily food essential to make sure you are getting the best value and making the most of loyalty rewards," she said. "They aren't necessarily inexpensive, but you're getting great quality and taste for your money. It did pick up some lint from other towels in the washing machine, so this is another pick that we suggest washing separately. The Frontgate Resort Collection bath towel comes in over two dozen colorsthe most of all those on our listas well as the option to add a monogram for a personal touch (which would make a great wedding gift!). We also took this opportunity to evaluate the durability of each towel, based on how well it held up after washing and dryingconsidering the texture and size of each towel before and after washing, and whether there was any fading, piling, or loose threading. This towel dried our hands in just one to two passesboth before and after washingand absorbed the entire portion of water in just 20 seconds. The towel weighs 420 GSM, making it one of the lightest and most compact out of all those we tested. Even when you can't see it (or smell it), body oils, dirt, and sweat can all build up on your towelsand in a steamy bathroom, they'll be even more vulnerable to bacteria growth. Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money. Color, patterns, embroidery, and stitching can all have an impact on the look and feel of your bath towel (and bathroom). ", "The Bee & Willow home collection offers shoppers a mix of rustic and modern home decor," Sara Skirboll, shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot, told Business Insider. Bath and kitchen selections like shower curtains and knives tend to be better quality than those at many other stores, and they're available at a competitive price point, according to Jing. Plus, most Roomba models are exempt from the Bed Bath & Beyond 20% coupon," she said. It's made from zero-twist Turkish cotton, which gives it its ultra-plush and absorbent feel compared to towels with twisted strands. The loop is available in eight different colors, while the towel itself only comes in white. There's a Name for ThatHere Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. "It's perfect for a wedding registry because these items offer a high-end look at affordable prices.". If you are a slow-cooker fan, you've probably encountered a time when you wished your Crock-Pot were a different size. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories, Green Mountain Coffee K-Cup Half-Caff Hazelnut, Artisanal Kitchen Supply Marble and Wood Serveware Collection. "Some popular brands are not included and in that case it's recommended to check out their direct site to find the best and exclusive offers," Jing said. The pieces are designed with character and charm and made to last.". Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums. The Coyuchi towel is more expensive than many of the others on our list, but we think it's well worth the price (and testers also said it'd make a great gift for anyone you'd like to spoil). For organic textiles, look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) labelanother independent third-party certification that defines requirements for organic textiles, from harvesting raw materials to manufacturing and labeling. But that doesn't mean everything there is a good deal. Buying a robotic vacuum can be life changing, but if you're looking at Roombas, you'll find better pricing elsewhere, according to Bodge. "You can try them out in-store before buying, which is a definite plus for coffee enthusiasts. Best Overall Bath Towel: Havly Classic Bath Towel, Best Budget Bath Towel: White Classic Luxury Cotton Bath Towels, Best Splurge Bath Towel: Coyuchi Temescal Organic Bath Sheet, Best Lightweight Bath Towel: Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Towel, Best Plush Bath Towel: Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel, Best Waffle Bath Towel: Casaluna Waffle Bath Towel, Best Spa Bath Towel: Riley Spa Towel Collection Bath Towel, Best Quick-Dry Bath Towel: Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Bath Towel, Best Oversized Bath Towel: Simply Vera Vera Wang Signature Bath Towel, The 7 Best Watering Cans, According to Our Testing, The 7 Best Gardening Gloves for All Types of Gardeners, According to Our Tests, The 6 Best Coffee Makers With Grinders, According to Our Tests, The 7 Best Garden Hoses, Tested in Our Lab, All products and services featured are selected by our editors. "Walking into Bed Bath & Beyond is like walking into the largest CVS, but it also has everything else you need for the home, making it the perfect one-stop shop for personal care items," Jacobs said. At 27 x 54 inches, these are the smallest towels we recommend, so keep this in mind if you typically go for oversized options. At 550 GSM, it's a nice middle ground that's quick to dry while staying soft to the touch. Shoppers are likely better off looking at retailers like Sephora and signing up for the beauty store's rewards program. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider "Take the time you need to find out what kind of luggage you need and what brand would be best for you. "Does your dorm allow you to ship items ahead of your arrival or do you have to buy everything and bring it with you? "Make your ice in stick form so you can easily drop it in with Dripless Ice Stick Trays," Skirboll said. Both are made from long-staple fibers, which produce a smoother, softer, and more durable towel, and become even softer after washing. Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? But it's worth mentioning that they did pick up some debris from the other towels they were washed with, so it's probably best to wash these separately. If you're going to buy new luggage I suggest getting one that is worth your money and that will last you a long time," Jacobs said. "With a wide selection of over 350 options, well beyond any other brick-and-mortar retailer, Bed Bath & Beyond is the best place to find colorful or traditional teapots and kettles," Sykes said. Who it isn't for: People who want to purchase a single towel or people who prefer oversized bath towels. They were asked to score its overall value based on how well it performed and whether they would pay the listed price or wait for it to go on sale. For expert tips on buying and using bath towels, we consulted Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi, and Sarah Smith, product education and customer experience manager at Serena & Lily. "The jumbo candy boxes near the cash registers are preying on weary shoppers who want a quick sugar fix," Sykes said. 9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant, Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? They tend to be very soft and plush, but they can take longer to dry than other cotton towels. Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind. PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One. "Similar items can cost up to double at other home retailers, so keep an eye on this set if you're looking for new serveware.". The 9 Best Bath Towels, According to Our Lab Tests. "Not only is the 6-quart Instant Pot 9-in-1 Duo Plus $10 more expensive at Bed Bath & Beyond than at Williams Sonoma and Amazon, it's also exempt from the 20% coupon," Bodge said. The higher the GSM, the thicker, heavier, softer, and more absorbent the towel. To keep your towels from getting dingy, you should wash white towels and colored towels separately, using hot water for white and warm water for colors. "The popular 12-piece enamel cookware sets from Rachael Ray are available in several beautiful colors and are priced at $150 at Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy's. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. "Bed Bath & Beyond offers high-end Breville coffee machines that are worth every penny," Jing said. It absorbed nearly all of the water we placed in the bowl, although it was heavily saturated after this test. Whether because of price, selection, or quality, there are a number of items that should be skipped over. RELATED: The 9 Best Beach Towels, According to Our Tests. Who it isn't for: People who want a lightweight, quick-drying towel. You can get a lot more for your buck by shopping at your local grocery stores for things like food and snacks, according to Jing. Bed Bath & Beyond has a handy Pack & Hold service, which allows you to order everything you need online or at your local store and it can be held at a Bed Bath & Beyond store near campus," Bodge said. "Select a towel that you lovein both color and styleso it's enjoyable to use each day.". Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can reduce the absorbency of your towels. Out of the 31 towels we tested, the Havly Classic Bath Towel is our favorite for its softness, absorbency, and unique texture. "Lighting is a very important part of a living space, so it is important to source from a company that has a specialized lighting department," Lisa Jacobs, professional organizer and founder of Imagine It Done, told Business Insider. You should have at least two bath towels for each person in your household so that everyone always has at least one towel to use on laundry days. For example, if you plan to use your bath towel to wrap your hair, you might consider picking a smaller, more lightweight towel. "For better design and quality shower totes that will actually last, source from companies that produce higher end home accessories," Jacobs said. Who it isn't for: People who want a standard-size bath towel. According to Frosk, the Standard 100 label indicates that a product has been tested for harmful substances, while the Made In Green label ensures that the product is both safe from harmful substances and made in environmentally friendly facilities with safe and socially responsible work practices. The retailer is also known for having a generous return policy and lots of coupons. Who it's for: People who want a set of resort-style bath towels at a great value. "Bath towels are also a great opportunity to express favorite colors and to add in fun design details like macrame fringe and tassels," says Smith. And it should be noted that there are no matching hand towels or washcloths available. Egyptian cotton tends to be more thick and absorbent to begin with, while Turkish cotton becomes more absorbent with use. However, it was still a bit damp after being air-dried overnighta trade-off for its high GSM. For those looking for a luxurious towel that won't break the bank, we think this ultra-plush pick will fit the bill. Who it isn't for: People who live in humid climates or people who want a towel that will dry quickly. "Olivia & Oliver is a Bed Bath & Beyond exclusive brand that offers gorgeous dinnerware, stemware, home decor, and more," Skirboll said. We also think it'd work well as a hair towel, since it's lightweight and won't put any strain on your neck. Who it isn't for: People who want a bath towel that comes in solid colors. Most bath towels can be used three to four times before they need to be washed in the washing machine. Love our recommendations? It should also be noted that these towels are only available in a set of four, and cannot be purchased individually. We get the impression that it's built to last, thanks to its tightly woven construction, vibrant color, thick border, and narrow channels for added drying ability. The bath towel's size is somewhere between a standard bath towel and a bath sheet, so you can snuggle up in this hotel-quality towel while you get ready in the morning. "It's exempt from the Bed Bath & Beyond 20% coupon, but at the time of this writing, there was a large selection of Le Creuset on clearance, with a beautiful Tagine at over $100 off," Bodge said. The resulting towel is plush, soft, and ultra-absorbent.