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If you’re tired of damp and musty bath towels, then it’s time to upgrade to Turkish towels. The best Turkish towels (sometimes called pestemal or fouta towels) dry quickly because they’re super thin and lightweight, which means they’re more likely to be fresh when you need them. And since they’re made from premium cotton, they’re highly absorbent, making it quicker and easier for you to dry off after a shower. But you can also use Turkish towels for more than just bath towels; they make great beach blankets, home decor, sarongs … the list goes on and on.
When buying a Turkish towel, the first thing to pay attention to is the fiber content. Look for a towel that is made of 100% Turkish cotton (which is known for its really long fibers) for the ultimate amount of absorbency. One cool thing about this type of cotton is that it actually feels softer with time and repeated washing, so you don’t have to worry about it getting destroyed in your machine. Just keep in mind that, as with any cotton, some shrinking is normal.
You'll also want to pay attention to the size of towel that you are purchasing. In addition to bath towels, you can also find hand towels that can also be ideal for washing your face, or oversize towels that can double as a blanket.
While most Turkish towels come in striped patterns, they're available in a range of colors, so pick the one — or many — that you like most. To help you narrow it down, here are four of the best Turkish towels (including some towel sets, too) that Amazon reviewers swear by.
1
The Best Overall Turkish Bath Towel
- Also available on Walmart, $41
This Turkish bath towel from Cacala has more than 3,600 reviews on Amazon and a stellar 4.6-star rating overall. And for good reason — it’s made from super soft 100% cotton and is highly absorbent. Plus, the color selection is unrivaled. Choose from a bunch of gorgeous vibrant or subdued colors that feature a subtle striped detail. Reviewers on Amazon have discovered tons of ways to use this 37- by 70-inch towel.
According to one reviewer: “I am never going back to thick towels. These towels dry so fast, no funny odors. [...] They are big so they can be used for multiple purposes like a beach towel or picnic.”
2
These Editor-Approved Turkish Hand Towels
These Turkish hand towels are a great way to upgrade your bathroom, and they only get softer the more you use them. Made from 100% cotton, they measure 16 by 40 inches, which is a great size for drying your hands or face. They’re imported from Turkey, and each one has a neutral beige border with twisted tasseled ends. They come in 14 different colors, and have an overall rating of 4.6 stars from over 12,400 Amazon shoppers.
Editor’s praise: “I got a set of these Turkish hand towels when I redid my bathroom, and they’re my absolute favorites. They’re so soft and surprisingly absorbent. They look great hanging on my wall, and I get tons of compliments on them.” — Bustle editor Carina Finn
3
A Turkish Bath Towel Set For A Great Price
A set of four Turkish towels must surely cost $100+, right? Wrong. This Bosphorus Turkish towel set comes with four 100% cotton bath towels, all for less than $65. And luckily, the low price tag doesn't impact the quality. The towels are made in Turkey and are so soft you'll immediately want to replace all your towels.
This pick has a solid 4.6-star rating on Amazon, after 1,000 and growing reviews. Those who have tried them say that they love the size of the towels (70 by 39 inches), and yet, each one folds down to be super compact. Choose from an all-white set, a colorful set, and a few different neutral sets.
According to one reviewer: “These are my first Turkish towels, and I absolutely love them. They pack down really small to throw into a bag. The dry time is SO FAST! They are getting softer and more absorbent with each wash. We packed them on vacation and they are always dry in a couple of hours. Big enough to change under for surf, or lay on for beach time.”
4
An Extra-Large Turkish Towel
- Also available on Walmart, $50
Get cozy with this extra-large Turkish towel from Bersuse. Measuring 61 by 82 inches, the 100% cotton towel is probably a little too big for a bath towel, but it’s absolutely ideal to use at the beach, on a picnic, or even as a blanket in your home. Reviewers on Amazon are really impressed with the softness of the blanket, which comes in 29 different colors.
According to one reviewer: “We got these towels for a summer beach camping trip and they were great. The size is huge and perfect for two people at the beach. They were very absorbent for as lightweight as they are, they shed sand easily, they're soft, and they're pretty to boot.”
5
A Set Of Colorful Turkish Hand Towels
You’ll be shocked at the number of ways that you can use these small Turkish towels from Bosphorus. They're marketed as hand towels, but you'll find that they can be used to wash your face, take off your makeup, dry dishes in your kitchen, or even dab off sweat at the gym. The eight towels are petite in size (19 by 35 inches), but still highly absorbent, and they’re made from 100% Turkish cotton.
The handmade towels feature a diamond weave and come in a variety of different colored sets, including all white, bright colors, or neutral shades. Amazon reviewers give this pick a 4.5-star rating.
According to one reviewer: “I have had other Turkish towels and find these to be the best so far. They are great as hand towels that dry quickly. But the best feature is they wash easily with no fading and come out of the dryer looking great. No knots in the fringe and no shrinking.”
6
This Pre-Washed Turkish Towel That’s So Soft
This pre-washed Turkish towel will be super soft the minute you get it, which means it will be an instant favorite. Like the other options on this list, it’s made from 100% cotton, and even though the fabric is quite thin, fans on Amazon say that this towel is very absorbent. The large 38-by-71-inch size is perfect for the beach or the bath, and it comes in 33 vibrant colors. It has a near-perfect 4.7-star overall rating from over 8,300 Amazon shoppers.
According to one reviewer: “This towel has come in so handy already. Just took it on vacation, and it’s a great wrap, cover up, blanket, and also a towel. Exactly the right weight and colors are gorgeous. Holds up in the wash too. I’m ordering another one.”
7
This Cute Beach Towel With Fluffy Tassels
If you love the lightweight feel and highly absorbent qualities of Turkish towels, but want a less traditional look, try this Nova Blue beach towel. It’s made from 100% cotton, and has a large 31-by-71-inch size that makes it the perfect beach or picnic blanket. It has a slightly more modern design and color palette compared to some of the other picks on this list, and the fluffy pom-pom tassels add a touch of whimsy. Fans on Amazon say that these are a bit thicker than some Turkish towels.
According to one reviewer: “I got one of each pattern listed. They are amazing. We already took them to swim lessons and the beach. I’ve constantly been stopped and asked where I got the towels. They are perfect to wrap big and little kids in and just the right weight for a nice summer blanket. We are taking them on a plane in a few weeks and I am positive they will be a hit! Best purchase of the summer and I’ve decided to transition all my towels to Turkish towels. Take the plunge! You won’t be disappointed!!!”
8
A Turkish Towel With A Pretty Vintage Design
This Turkish towel has a pretty vintage-inspired design that’s different from most other Turkish towels on the market. It’s made from 100% imported Turkish cotton, and has loose, fluffy tassels at the end. It’s lightweight and soft, and can be used as a towel, blanket, or as a shawl on a slightly chilly day. It measures 35 by 67 inches, which is a great all-purpose size, and it comes in a variety of different colors and patterns.
According to one reviewer: “Without a doubt my favorite beach or pool or any kind of towel. It is the softest material and the cutest designs […] very lightweight and very soft but also durable and not too thin.”
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