Best Towels UK
A good bath towel makes a bigger difference than most people expect — the gap between a scratchy supermarket towel and a proper Egyptian cotton one is enormous. UK bathrooms tend to be cooler and less ventilated than average, so drying speed matters as much as softness. Here are the best towels you can buy in the UK right now.
What to Look For
- 1GSM (grams per square metre) is the key spec — 400-500 GSM suits everyday use, 600-700 GSM gives hotel-quality plushness but dries slower
- 2Egyptian cotton and Turkish cotton are the gold standard; both get softer with each wash rather than deteriorating
- 3If your bathroom lacks ventilation, consider quick-dry or microfibre towels to prevent musty smells between washes
- 4Buy in sets of at least 4 bath towels per person — you need enough in rotation so freshly washed ones can fully air-dry
- 5OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means the towel is free from harmful chemicals — worth checking if you have sensitive skin
Our Top Picks
Christy Supreme Hygro Bath Towel
Pros
- Hygro cotton technology absorbs moisture 30% faster
- Gets softer with every wash
- 675 GSM — thick and plush without being heavy
- Wide colour range to match any bathroom
Cons
- Premium price at around £20–25 per bath towel
- Takes longer to tumble dry than thinner towels
The UK's most popular premium towel — supima cotton with 30% better moisture wicking than standard cotton.
Scion Mr Fox Bath Towel by Christy
Pros
- 550 GSM jacquard weave — good weight for daily use
- Distinctive fox print adds personality
- 100% cotton, machine washable at 40°C
- Matching hand towels and flannels available
Cons
- Pattern limits colour-matching flexibility
- Slightly thinner than the Supreme Hygro range
A stylish patterned towel that brings design to the bathroom without sacrificing Christy's trademark quality.
Catherine Lansfield Zero Twist Bath Towel
Pros
- Zero-twist construction dries up to 50% faster
- Soft from the first wash — no breaking-in period
- Excellent value at under £10 per towel
- Machine washable at 40°C
Cons
- 450 GSM feels noticeably thinner than premium towels
- Colour can fade slightly after many hot washes
Quick-dry zero-twist cotton that's ideal for poorly ventilated UK bathrooms — and under £10.
Dreamscene Luxury Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel Set
Pros
- Genuine Egyptian cotton — long staple fibres
- Set of 2 bath towels for the price of one premium single
- 600 GSM — solid mid-weight feel
- Gets noticeably softer after 3–4 washes
Cons
- Initial lint shedding for the first 2-3 washes
- Limited colour options compared to Christy
Genuine Egyptian cotton bath towel set that undercuts John Lewis prices by a wide margin.
Dock & Bay Quick Dry Bath Towel
Pros
- Dries 3x faster than cotton towels
- Folds down to a fraction of the size for travel
- Sand-free — doesn't pick up debris at the beach
- Comes in a zip carry pouch
Cons
- Microfibre feel is noticeably different from cotton — not for everyone
- Less absorbent per square centimetre than thick cotton
Microfibre towel that dries in half the time — perfect for gym bags, travel, or small bathrooms.
Editor's Note
Christy has been making towels in the UK since 1850 and remains the benchmark for quality-to-price ratio on the high street. January and September sales at John Lewis and Dunelm are the best times to stock up on premium towels at 30–40% off. For hard water areas (most of England), add white vinegar to every third wash cycle to keep towels soft.