Bath Towels Buying Guide

A better way to choose

A great towel can make an everyday routine feel that little bit better.

Whether it is the first towel you reach for after a morning shower, a soft hand towel in the guest bathroom, or a fresh set to complete your ensuite, the right towel should feel good, dry well and keep looking fresh wash after wash.

While colour is often what catches your eye first, it is also worth thinking about size, weight, fibre and care. Some towels feel thick and plush, while others are lighter, quicker drying and practical for busy family bathrooms.

The BBB range at a glance

At Bed Bath & Beyond, you’ll find towels and bathroom essentials in a wide range of colours, textures and sizes, making it easy to refresh your bathroom your way.

Our range includes bath towels, bath sheets, hand towels, face cloths and coordinating bathroom pieces, so you can update a single towel, build a matching set, or create a complete bathroom look.

Choose from everyday neutrals, soft greys, calming blues, fresh greens, warm pinks and seasonal tones to suit your space.

What to consider before buying

Choose the right size

Bath towels are the everyday standard. Bath sheets are larger and feel more generous, especially if you like extra wrap after a shower or bath. Hand towels and face cloths complete the set and help your bathroom feel more considered.

For guest bathrooms, fresh hand towels can make a strong impression without needing a full-room refresh.

Understand GSM

GSM stands for grams per square metre and indicates towel weight.

Lower GSM towels are lighter and usually quicker drying. Higher GSM towels feel thicker and more luxurious, but they may take longer to dry, especially in damp bathrooms.

The right choice depends on your household, bathroom airflow and how you like your towels to feel.

Choose the right fibre and feel

Cotton is a classic towel fibre because it is soft, absorbent, comfortable and durable.

Zero twist cotton towels feel plush and full, while still being absorbent and comfortable for everyday use.

Turkish cotton towels are known for their long fibres, creating a soft, smooth and lightweight feel that dries well.

Cotton bamboo towels combine the comfort of cotton with the smooth, breathable feel of bamboo fibres.

Think about colour

Neutral towels create a calm, spa-style bathroom and are easy to coordinate. White feels fresh and hotel-like, while deeper shades such as blue, green and charcoal can add richness. Seasonal colours are an easy way to refresh a plain bathroom without changing fixtures or tiles.

Meet the Bed Bath & Beyond towel range

Cotton towels

Cotton towels are soft, absorbent and durable, making them a reliable choice for everyday use. They feel comfortable against the skin and work well in busy bathrooms, guest bathrooms and family homes.

Best for:

• Everyday use

• Family bathrooms

• Guest bathrooms

• Customers who prefer a natural-feel towel

Zero twist cotton towels

Zero twist cotton towels are made using cotton yarns with very little twist, allowing the fibres to open up and create a beautifully soft, plush feel.

They are a great choice if you love a towel that feels cosy, absorbent and full, without feeling too heavy.

Best for:

• Softness

• Plush comfort

• Everyday luxury

• Customers who like a fuller towel feel

Turkish cotton towels

Turkish cotton is known for its long fibres, which are spun into fine, smooth yarns. These towels feel soft, lightweight and refined, while still being absorbent and practical.

They are a great option for everyday bathrooms, warmer climates, busy households or spaces with limited drying time.

Best for:

• Quick drying

• Smooth softness

• Everyday bathrooms

• Guest bathrooms

Cotton bamboo towels

Cotton bamboo towels combine the comfort of cotton with the smooth, lightweight feel of bamboo fibres.

They are soft, absorbent and breathable, making them a lovely choice for family bathrooms, guest bathrooms or anyone who enjoys a softer touch.

Best for:

• Softness

• Breathable comfort

• Lightweight feel

• A smooth finish against the skin

Quick guide

Customer need	Good recommendation
Family bathroom	Mid-weight cotton towels that dry reliably
Guest bathroom	Coordinated hand towels and face cloths
Luxury ensuite	Higher GSM bath towels or bath sheets
Small or damp bathroom	Lighter, quicker-drying towels
Easy styling	Choose one hero colour and one neutral

Care and finishing tips

Wash towels and bath mats before first use to help remove finishing fibres and improve softness and absorbency.

Use the recommended amount of detergent and avoid overloading your washing machine. Too much detergent can build up in the fibres, making towels feel stiff and less absorbent over time.

Try to avoid fabric softeners, especially silicone-based products, as they can coat the fibres and reduce absorbency.

Some facial cleansers, skincare products, acne treatments and hair dyes can strip or alter towel colour. Rinse skin and hair thoroughly before using your towel to help reduce the chance of marks or colour changes.

Towels can usually be tumble dried on a cool or warm setting, depending on the care label. Avoid over-drying, as this can make towels feel rough.

Rubber-backed bath mats should not be tumble dried unless the care label specifically allows it. Hang them in the shade to dry, as direct sun can cause the rubber backing to perish over time.

Always hang towels and bath mats after use so they can dry properly between washes.

How to store your towels

Store clean towels in a dry, cool place, such as a linen cupboard, bathroom shelf or basket.

For most households, it is helpful to have at least two sets of towels per person. This makes it easier to rotate towels between use, washing and drying.

Keep bath towels, hand towels and face cloths together so you can quickly grab everything you need when refreshing the bathroom.

For a spa-inspired look, roll bath towels or bath sheets and display them in a basket, on a stool or on open bathroom shelving.

Customer-friendly close

The easiest way to choose the right bath towels is to think about how you use them every day, then choose the size, feel, fibre and style that best suits your home.

Whether you’re looking for a plush bath sheet, quick-drying towels for the kids, soft hand towels for guests, or a fresh colour update, our range makes it easy to find the right fit.

Explore our full towel range online or visit your local Bed Bath & Beyond store to see the colours, feel the textures and choose the towels that will make your bathroom feel fresh, comfortable and complete.