From Baths to Beaches to Baby Swaddling, the Best Turkish Bath Towels Do It All
Who needs terry cloth?
Published Sep 29, 2022 1:59 PM
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Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.
If your terry cloth towels have seen better days, then it might be time to consider an upgrade. The benefits of—and uses for—Turkish bath towels are numerous: “One hundred percent handwoven Turkish towels are lightweight, easy to travel with, and very eco-friendly, since they dry quicker and take less time in the dryer,” says Handan Kaysioglu-Anlar, founder of Home & Loft. Not only do Turkish cotton’s extra-long fibers make them more absorbent and faster drying than traditional cotton, but they provide elevated boutique hotel vibes. You could pack one in a carry-on to keep you warm on chilly flights, throw one on your dining room table as a makeshift tablecloth, or wrap one around your waist as a sarong while walking along the beach. You could also put a Turkish towel to work as a picnic blanket, nursing cover-up, yoga blanket, beach towel (sand doesn’t stick to it!), or baby blanket. Need we go on? After scouring the Internet for the best Turkish towels, we settled on the assortment, below.
You might never go back to terry cloth.
Our Favorites
- Best handwoven: Home & Loft Peach Hudson Towel
- Best under-$20: Home Depot 100% Organic Cotton Turkish Towel
- Best grab-and-go: Huckberry Sultan Turkish Towel
- Best for the beach: Manifatura Turkish Cotton Beach Towel
- Best towel set: Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Collection
- Best (nearly) one-of-a-kind wonder: Bathing Culture Cosmic Rainbow Towel
- Best for the whole family: L’eau Cadeau 100% Organic Cotton Turkish Towel
- Best pattern play: Slowtide 917 Turkish Towel
- Best nautical vibes: Ebern Designs Multi Striped Premium Cotton Turkish Towel
Best Handwoven: Home & Loft Peach Hudson Towel
Dimensions: 35-by-70 inches | Hanging loop: No | Tassels: Yes
What we like:
- Skilled artisans weave these towels by hand
- Made with premium-quality Turkish cotton
- Multipurpose for the bathroom, beach, or otherwise
Worth noting:
- Since each towel is handmade, there may be slight inconsistencies in color, weight, or texture
Why we chose it: This towel is handmade using ancient weaving techniques and extra TLC.
Take the best ethically sourced Turkish cotton, then give it to experienced artisans who hand-weave using techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years. The result? These highly absorbent, soft-to-the-touch towels that are beautifully striped in peach and pink tones. Use them as a bath towel, beach towel, or anywhere/anything towel.
Best under-$20: Home Depot 100% Organic Cotton Turkish Towel
Dimensions: 40-by-70 inches | Hanging loop: No | Tassels: Yes
What we like:
- Made of 100% organic Turkish cotton materials
- Highly absorbent and fast-drying
- Easy to pack
Worth noting:
- Many of the colorways have sold through, so there are only two options left to purchase on HD
Why we chose it: The under-$20 price tag and 100% organic Turkish cotton fabrication.
Although the in-stock colorways are limited with our top pick for the best Turkish towel under $20, we love the washed brown hue of this still available style. It also doesn’t hurt that each of the classic and easy-to-pack towels is crafted in Turkey from 100% organic cotton that’s as soft as it is absorbent.
Best for the Beach: Manifatura Turkish Cotton Beach Towel
Dimensions: 36-by-72 inches | Hanging loop: Yes | Tassels: Yes
What we like:
- They’re appropriately oversize, perfect for beach lounging
- The cool and colorful checkered design is a standout
- Like all Turkish towels, these repel sand
Worth noting:
- They’re one of the pricier options on this list
- These are woven with unbleached cotton, so there may be some naturally occurring black or brown specks
Why we chose it: Kick your waterside days up a notch by adding these colorful checked towels to your beach bag.
There are a few things that separate a forgettable beach towel from a reach-for-it-daily outstanding beach towel. First of all, it has to be absorbent. Second, it needs to be quick drying so you don’t have to deal with a musty odor. Third, it has to shake off the sand—both from you and itself. (Terry cloth could never.) Check, check, and check: These Manifatura Turkish towels have it all, plus they come in four colorful checkered designs that make us happy just looking at them.
Best Grab-and-Go: Huckberry Sultan Turkish Towel
Dimensions: 40-by-70 inches | Hanging loop: No | Tassels: Yes
What we like:
- Packs down extra-small
- Can easily be kept in a beach bag, car, suitcase—you name it
- The sophisticated striped design will always be in style
Worth noting:
- Limited color options
Why we chose it: Wider and longer than most, these towels come in handy for all kinds of adventures.
Whether you’re packing for an impromptu picnic, a day at the beach, or a full-blown vacation, take one (or two or many) of these Turkish towels with you. They pack down particularly small—as Huckberry says, to the size of a burrito—so they’ll easily fit into any bag, from a backpack to a beach bag to a suitcase, to accompany your travels near or far. Another idea: Keep a couple hanging in your entryway for easy grabbing as you run out the door. Since they’re absorbent and dry particularly fast, you’ll find reason after reason to bring them along on adventures of all kinds.
Best Towel Set: Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Collection
Dimensions: 12-by-12 inches (washcloth); 30-by-20 inches (hand towel); 30-by-56 inches (bath towel); 24-by-36 inches (bath mat) | Hanging loop: No | Tassels: No
What we like:
- Can be purchased individually or as as set
- Plusher than other options on this list
- Made with Oeko-Tex–certified fabric
Worth noting:
- Limited and very similar colorways
Why we chose it: One Turkish towel is great. A Turkish towel set is even better.
If you’re ready to swap out your entire ratty towel collection for a Turkish towel set, look no further. Serena & Lily offers two different set options for this collection of nautical striped towels. The Essential Bath Set is best for a guest bathroom or if you live solo; it includes two washcloths, two hand towels, and two bath towels. Or you could stock up with the Luxury Bath Set, which offers one Turkish bath mat as well as four washcloths, four hand towels, and four bath towels. Whichever option you choose, they’ll elevate your bathroom’s design, with nearly no effort necessary.
Best (Nearly) One-of-a-Kind Wonder: Bathing Culture Cosmic Rainbow Towel
Dimensions: 31-by-63 inches | Hanging loop: No | Tassels: Yes
What we like:
- Each batch is created with a unique rainbow pattern
- By using deadstock fabric, it keeps those pieces from going to waste
- The array of colors brings a lively sense of cheer to your bathroom’s design
Worth noting:
- The priciest option on this list
- Due to production delays, shipping has been pushed back 2 weeks
Why we chose it: Each towel, made with deadstock fabric, creates an almost entirely unique pattern.
Bathing Culture’s delightful rainbow design towel includes all the traditional benefits of a Turkish towel—it’s super-absorbent, quick drying, and highly versatile—but this one has an extra special je ne sais quoi. Each is hand-loomed using deadstock Turkish cotton, creating a unique rainbow pattern. (Deadstock is the leftover materials from other productions that overestimated their material needs that would normally go to waste.) So don’t get too attached to the pattern in this photo; yours may include a slightly different colorway. This process keeps fabric out of landfills, creates an almost one-of-a-kind design, and is as cozy as can be.
Best for the Whole Family: L’eau Cadeau 100% Organic Cotton Turkish Towel
Dimensions: 27-by-58 inches | Hanging loop: Yes | Tassels: Yes
What we like:
- Versatile for all activities and ages
- Lightweight enough for little ones to wrap around themselves
- Comes in an array of calming color combos
Worth noting:
- Only available in 1 size
Why we chose it: This Turkish towel can be whatever you—and all members of your family, no matter their age—need it to be.
Whether you’re swaddling a baby, drying off a kiddo at the beach, or packing up your gym bag for a sweat session, reach for this multipurpose Turkish towel. Like many of the towels on this list, it’s made with Oeko-Tex certified organic cotton, meaning it’s safe for even the littlest ones in your family to use since it’s proven to be chemical-free. Not only is it a towel, but consider it a nursing cover, beach blanket, and all-around household must-have.
Best Pattern Play: Slowtide 917 Turkish Towel
Dimensions: 38-by-73 inches | Hanging loop: Yes | Tassels: Yes
What we like:
- This picniclike design adds a pop of pattern to any bathroom
- Can be used for a variety of purposes, inside and out
- It’s made with sustainably sourced and chemical-free cotton
Worth noting:
- For a towel that fits more people, shop Slowtide’s oversize options
Why we chose it: Between its playful pattern and crazy-fast drying time, this one is a must to keep close by for spontaneous adventures.
There’s nothing shy about this colorful Turkish towel, and that’s one of many reasons why we love it. Not only is the plaid pattern an absolute delight, but the ways you can use it are nearly endless. Need something to throw down for an impromptu picnic? Yep. Or a scarf to wrap up in when fall’s chill hits the air? Also yes. A quick-drying, sand-repelling towel for beach days? Definitely.
Best Nautical Vibes: Ebern Designs Multi Striped Premium Cotton Turkish Towel
Dimensions: 39-by-70 inches | Hanging loop: No | Tassels: Yes
What we like:
- You’ll never tire of its traditional striped design
- Available in a variety of pastel, dark, and vibrant colors
- Prewashed for extra absorbency
Worth noting:
- Hurry! Certain colors are low in stock
Why we chose it: Rocking traditional nautical stripes, this Turkish towel is a classic pick, whether for a beach house or an “I wish I was at the beach” house.
For a traditional Turkish towel with a twist, opt for one of these striped designs. They boast all the same must-haves as any high-quality Turkish towel—they’re lightweight, absorbent, and get softer with each wash—but come in an array of unexpected colors, including black, melon, and vibrant pink. Now comes the hard part: picking a color.
How We Chose These Products
On a mission to find the best of the best Turkish towels, we first turned to stylish textile brands that we trust. Many of the retailers we shopped have a long history and hands-on experience with Turkish towels—an important factor in the overall quality of our picks. We kept a close eye on fabric labels, too. Premium Turkish cotton that was, preferably, handwoven and hand-loomed was at the top of our must-have list. Add interesting designs to the mix and each of these picks is built to get better with time, becoming softer and more absorbent with each wash.
Our Shopping Checklist
Size
Typically, Turkish bath towels measure 40 inches wide by 70 inches long. (Compare that to 27-by-52 inches for a standard bath towel.) We shopped for a range of sizes, though, from slimmer options that won’t overwhelm kids to oversize ones that a few people could pile on for a picnic. Even though they’re larger in size compared to a plush terry cloth style, the best Turkish bath towels are significantly more compact and will save plenty of space in your linen closet.
Machine Washable
No matter what you use a Turkish towel for, whether for everyday showering, swaddling your baby, or otherwise, they get put through the wringer. That’s why each option on this list is machine washable, with easygoing care needs.
Pattern and Color
Of course, an eye-catching design tops our must-have list. Turkish towels are available in a variety of striking patterns and colors, so don’t settle for anything less than exactly the vibe you’re going for.
Ask Domino
Q: What are Turkish towels made of?
The best Turkish towels are made from—no shock here—100 percent Turkish cotton. What makes Turkish cotton special is its long fibers, which create stronger and smoother threads that are extra soft and absorbent. The biggest plus? It just keeps becoming softer and more absorbent after each wash.
Q: Compared to regular cotton towels, are Turkish towels better for your hair?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: The best turkish bath towels are softer than cotton styles and, therefore, gentler on hair and help to reduce frizz. Their super-absorbent fibers decrease drying time, too, so you can spare your hair the harsh heat of a blow dryer. Plus they’re lightweight—making them easier to balance on your head. Your neck will thank you.
Q: How do you care for a Turkish bath towel?
Follow the specific care instructions for your Turkish towel, as the recommended care can vary from towel to towel. In general, though, most suggest washing the material in cold water and either line drying or tumble drying on low heat.
Always avoid bleach and fabric softener when washing Turkish towels, as chemicals can make them—gasp!—less absorbent. Kaysioglu-Anlar recommends washing them twice before using them for the first time. This will help to expand the fibers, allowing them to soften and increase their absorbency. Or for the same effect, you can also soak your Turkish towels in cold water overnight before use.
The Last Word
The best Turkish bath towels are lightweight, versatile, design forward, absorbent, quick drying, and sand repelling—and will save serious space in your linen closet.