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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Everyone loves a Turkish towel. These lighter-weight towels constructed from long woven fibers are well-known for their luxurious softness and super absorbent, quick-drying nature. As an added bonus, Turkish towels are also compact and space-saving compared to regular terry cloth bath sheets and beach towels, making them a great choice for travel, storing in beach bags, and use in homes with limited storage or closet space.
We spent hours researching and testing dozens of different Turkish towels, considering options from a plethora of brands. Our pick for the best overall, the Cacala Pestemal Turkish Towel, is a budget-friendly option that's ultra-absorbent, super soft, and available in dozens of neutral and bright colors. That said, there are also many more excellent choices designed to suit any need, taste, or budget.
Best Overall
Cacala Cotton Pestemal Turkish Bath Towel
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Amazon
Available in a wide variety of colors
Can be used as a bath towel or beach towel
Affordable
Not as durable and long-lasting as some other choices
Thinner than some others
When it comes to the ideal combination of absorbency, texture, design style, size, and price point, the Cacala Cotton Pestemal Turkish Towel is our top pick. This towel scored a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in our testing across all categories. At 37 x 30 inches, its generous size was also much-appreciated, since it doubles nicely as either a bath towel or beach blanket.
While this towel is a little on the thin side, the 100 percent Turkish cotton material is still highly absorbent, very soft, and decently durable. With more than 20 colors to choose from, you might have trouble deciding which one you like best. One of the best selling points of this towel is how quickly it dries. Unlike your typical heavier-weight terry cotton towels, which can take an hour or more to dry, the Cacala towel dries in minutes, making it a great choice for either indoor or outdoor use.
Whether you’re in need of an indoor bath towel, outdoor beach towel, or one that can do double-duty, this towel is tough to beat. Considering its reasonable price point, you may want to buy more than one.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 37 x 70 inches | Weight: 10.1 ounces | Material: 100 percent Turkish cotton
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The Spruce / Danielle Centoni
Best Budget
Demmex Diamond Weave Certified 100% Organic Turkish Cotton Towel
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Amazon
Prewashed to prevent shrinking
100 percent organic cotton and dyes
Lots of color choices
Not the best for the beach
Less absorbent than some other options
If you’re looking for a high-quality, organic towel that won’t leave a gaping hole in your pocketbook, the Demmex Organic Prewashed Diamond Weave Turkish Cotton Towel is the ideal choice. This towel is made with GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton and organic dyes, making it one of the healthiest choices on our list. As an added bonus, it comes prewashed, so you don’t need to worry about it shrinking to half its original size after the first washing. It’s also available in a wide array of color options, so there’s something for everyone.
Measuring 71 x 36 inches, this towel is plenty large enough for everyone, making it an excellent bath sheet. The double-knotted tassels are a nice visual touch, but they’re not the best for outdoor use, since they can trap sand, grass, leaves, and other debris. With its refreshingly low price tag, however, it’s tough not to love this towel either for yourself or as a gift. It does lose a little love for being slightly less absorbent than some other options on the list, but its organic materials make it a worthy pick.
Price at time of publish: $29
Dimensions: 36 x 71 inches | Weight: 430 grams | Material: 100 percent certified organic Turkish cotton
Best Splurge
Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towels
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Nordstrom
Highly absorbent
Soft to the touch
Lightweight and quick-drying
Pricey
Limited color options
The Coyuchi Mediterranean 6 Piece 100% Cotton Towel Set is definitely a pricier splurge, but these Turkish towels are high-quality. Plus, for the price, you’ll get a complete set of two bath towels, offered in common towel sizes to fit your everyday needs, two hand towels, and two washcloths. All of the towels are made from super soft, 100 percent GOTS-certified, yarn-dyed, organic Turkish cotton. Made in the traditional khadi style in the Aegean region of Turkey, these towels are authentic and feature a decorative hand-knotted fringe. While color choices are somewhat limited, the color options are a tasteful neutral array that will easily blend with most existing decor.
This set of luxurious towels gets a lot of love from customers who praise it for its softness and durability. While the Turkish towels do lose some points for being a bit thinner than typical towels, their extra-large size, impressive softness, and great absorbency gain that back and make them a worthy investment.
Price at time of publish: $158 for a 6-piece set
Dimensions: Bath Towel: 28 x 54 inches; Hand Towel: 16 x 26 inches; Washcloth: 12 x 12 inches | Weight: 320 grams | Material: 100 percent organic Turkish cotton
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The Spruce / Sage McHugh
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The Spruce / Sage McHugh
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The Spruce / Sage McHugh
Most Absorbent
Parachute Fouta Stripe Towels
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Parachute
Durable and super absorbent
Machine washable
Available in multiple sizes
Very limited color choices
Takes longer to dry
If you want the absorbency of a terry cotton towel, but long for the lightweight, super soft feel of Turkish cotton, the Parachute Fouta Stripe Towel is right up your alley. This hybrid towel blends together the perks of a classic Turkish towel with the fluffy fibers of a cotton terry towel, creating a final result that’s lightweight, ultra absorbent, and fast drying. The front of the towel is made from 100 percent long-staple Turkish cotton, which gives you a smooth feel, while the flip side is made from soft, fluffy terry cloth. These towels will be a definite upgrade over your everyday bathroom towels.
Reviewers rave that the towels are an ideal weight and the material stays soft, even with constant or frequent use. The grey and white line pattern is a nice, neutral complement to most bathroom decors, and the towels are fully machine washable for easy, worry-free maintenance. Get these towels for yourself or feel free to pair them with Parachute’s top-selling Fouta bathrobe for a thoughtful wedding gift. While these towels are little on the pricier side, they’re well worth the investment if you want a luxurious, long-lasting option.
Price at time of publish: $39
Dimensions: 30 x 56 inches | Weight: 450 grams | Material: 100 percent long-staple Turkish cotton
Best for Bath
Brooklinen Hammam Towel
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Brooklinen
Thicker than standard Turkish towels
Unique weaving technique deters pilling
Generously sized
Expensive
Limited color options
If you happen to be a fan of Brooklinen’s luxurious bed sheets, you’re going to love the company’s ultra luxurious and equally soft bath towels. The Brooklinen Hammam Towel is made from a practical combination of Turkish cotton and polyester, which is paired with a terry cloth back side for extra absorbency. Thanks to the high-quality single-ply yarn and the durable double Z-twist weave, this towel is extra durable and long-lasting, and the front features an extra-smooth texture.
The subtle stripe pattern will complement most bathrooms, although it would be nice if it was offered in a few more color options. While it’s definitely on the pricey side, this towel can easily double as a beach towel or even a lightweight wrap if you get chilly at night. Each bath towel measures an overly generous 40 x 70 inches, so you may even be able to cuddle up and share it with someone. Does it get any better than that?
Price at time of publish: $69
Dimensions: 40 x 70 inches | Weight: 400 grams | Material: 85 percent Turkish cotton, 15 percent polyester
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The Spruce / Sage McHuge
Best Set
Bosphorus Diamond Weave Turkish Towels Set of 4
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Amazon
Generous sizing
Plush yet absorbent
Durable, with no puckering or pilling
Doubles as a beach blanket
Tassels tangle easily
Not many color choices
For those looking for a complete set of ultra lightweight Turkish bath towels, the Bosphorus Diamond Weave Turkish Towel Set offers a great combination of quality and value. This matching set of Turkish towels is an easy and stylish way to update a bathroom without having to lay out a major investment in time or money. Not only are these towels attractive, but they’re also nicely absorbent and relatively thick. In our testing, we found that the weave is surprisingly plush for a Turkish towel, which makes the material feel luxurious and thick–almost like a heavier-weight cotton bath towel.
We also love how durable these towels are after washing and wear. Thanks to the longer fibers, this is a Turkish towel that we found didn’t pill, pucker, or shrink. Plus, thanks to the larger-than-typical size of each towel, we found them ideal for wrapping up post-bath or shower; a single towel definitely provides full coverage, and then some. However, it’s worth noting that the tassels at the ends of the towels are prone to tangles, and there’s not much you can do to prevent this. Though there aren’t many color choices available, we find that the feel of these Turkish towels is worth the tradeoff.
Price at time of publish: $80 for a 4-piece set
Dimensions: 30 x 70 inches | Weight: 360 grams | Material: 100 percent Turkish cotton
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The Spruce / Danielle Centoni
Best Lightweight
Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Towel
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Serena & Lily
Plush double-weave construction
Absorbent looped terry cloth back
OEKO-TEX Certified
Not ideal for outdoor use
More expensive
For another luxurious, lightweight, and hybrid towel option, check out the Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Towel. It’s both decorative and functional, and can be purchased as a complete set to add class to any bathroom. We love that this Turkish towel features the hallmark smooth and tightly woven Turkish cotton on one side and a super absorbent looped terry cotton on the other, making this an ideal option for post-bath, shower, or swimming. It’s truly the best of both worlds, offering softness and plush feel in a lightweight, highly absorbent package.
We also like the minimalistic design of this towel, which features a combination of wide and narrow stripes against a bright white background. It’s a timeless look that never goes out of style. Any of the three color options will blend seamlessly with your existing linens while adding a special touch. However, it would also be nice if there were a couple more color choices to pick from. The multiple size options are also a nice benefit, and the Essential Set is an ideal choice, giving you just the right number of towels to own if you’re single. However, because these Turkish towels are more expensive, they aren’t the best choice for rougher outdoor use.
Price at time of publish: $48
Dimensions: 30 x 56 inches | Weight: 420 grams | Material: 100 percent long-staple Turkish Aegean cotton
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The Spruce / Sage McHugh
Best with Carrying Bag
Bay Laurel Turkish Beach Towel with Travel Bag
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Amazon
Many color combinations to choose from
Folds up compactly
Sand shakes out easily
Color may vary in person
Thinner than other options
The Bay Laurel Turkish Beach Towel with Travel Bag is a great choice for beach, travel, yoga, camping, and more. This towel comes ready to adventure into the outdoors, with a convenient travel bag included that’s ideal for keeping your towel clean or for stashing a used, dirty towel until you can toss it in the washing machine. With up to 40 different color combinations to choose from, your biggest problem will be deciding which you like best. As an added bonus, when you purchase this particular towel, you’re supporting a US-based, small business brand.
Measuring 71 x 39 inches, this towel is generously sized and can easily double as a picnic or beach blanket. It also makes a great gift, and is well-priced compared to many other towels on the list. Like all good Turkish towels, it’s also super lightweight, ultra absorbent, and fast-drying. One thing to note, though, is this towel doesn’t come with any care instructions included, so you may need to double check with the company before your first wash. The color you order online may also look different than the color you receive on delivery. However, for an affordable option you can truly take anywhere, it’s well worth investing in.
Price at time of publish: $24
Dimensions: 39 x 71 inches | Weight: 400 grams | Material: 100 percent Turkish cotton
Best for the Beach
WETCAT Turkish Beach Towel
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Amazon
Comes prewashed
Fun color choices
Highly affordable
Compact when packed
Thinner and less absorbent than some
Not as soft and luxurious as other choices
For the frequent beachgoer, the WetCat Oversized Turkish Beach Towel is a great combination of affordable price point and functionality. The lightweight and tight weave of this option lets you easily shake off sand and dry it quickly in the sun, making it ideal for those who like to make multiple trips in and out of the water but don’t want to return to a damp towel each time. This towel comes prewashed, so you’ll avoid unwanted shrinkage on the first and subsequent washes. And it’s lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to stash in any beach bag,
With many fun color choices, these towels make great gifts for those who love going to the beach or pool all summer. At 310 grams, these towels are still thicker than the standard Turkish towel, but they are somewhat less absorbent than many other options on our list. So, if you’re hoping to use these as a bath towel, you might want to go with a different option. They’re also not quite as soft and luxurious as some other options, even after several washes.
Price at time of publish: $30
Dimensions: 38 x 71 inches | Weight: 310 grams | Material: 100 percent Turkish cotton
Compare
Overall Rating | Quality | Absorbency | Texture | Durability | Dry Time | Material | Size | ||
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Best Overall:
Cacala Cotton Pestemal Turkish Towel
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Amazon | 4 | 3.3 | 4 | 4.3 | 5 | Cotton | 37 x 70 inches | |
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Best Budget:
Demmex Diamond Weave Organic Turkish Cotton Towel
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Amazon | - | - | ||||||
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Best Splurge:
Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towels
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Wayfair | 3 | 4 | 5 | Cotton | 28 x 54 inches | |||
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Most Absorbent:
Parachute Fouta Stripe Towels
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Parachute | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | Turkish cotton | 30 x 56 inches | ||
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Best for Bath:
Brooklinen Hammam Towel
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Brooklinen | 5 | 5 | 4 | Cotton, Polyester | 40 x 70 inches | |||
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Best Set:
Bosphorus Diamond Weave Turkish Towels
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Amazon | 5 | 5 | 5 | Cotton | 39 x 70 inches | |||
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Best Lightweight:
Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Towel
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Serena And Lily | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | Long-staple Turkish Aegean cotton | 30 x 56 inches | ||
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Best with Carrying Bag:
Bay Laurel Turkish Beach Towel
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Amazon | - | - | ||||||
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Best for the Beach:
WETCAT Turkish Beach Towel
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Amazon | - | - |
When it comes to the best overall combination of quality, durability, softness, and reasonable price tag, our top pick overall for the best Turkish towel is hands down the Cacala Cotton Pestemal Turkish Bath Towel. With a vast array of color choices, there’s certainly something to suit every taste and style, and when it comes to absorbency and drying time, it’s hard to top this towel. If you’re looking for a well-appointed set of luxurious Turkish towels, check out the Bosphorus Diamond Weave Turkish Towel Set. Their affordable price and solid quality make this set of towels a great gift for either yourself or someone special.
What to Look for in a Turkish Towel
Material
Pay special attention to the fiber content of the towel. Turkish cotton is known for its tightly woven, long-staple fibers and actually feels better with time and repeated washing. A towel made with 100-percent Turkish cotton will be your best bet for absorbency, but some are made with other materials like sustainable bamboo fibers and linen. Be on the lookout for the term “made with Turkish cotton”, which usually means the towels aren’t 100 percent Turkish cotton, but rather a combination of cotton and other materials.
Size
To determine your perfect size, think about how you’ll use this towel. The bath towels on our list typically measure at least 30 x 56 inches, but some are shorter or wider, and will be different depending on whether you want to buy a bath towel or a bath sheet. Hand towels are also available in smaller sizes, like 20 x 30 inches. If you plan to use your Turkish towel as a fast-drying beach towel, look for a larger one — in the range of 38 x 71 inches.
Be sure to look for “prewashed” Turkish towels in order to avoid unwanted shrinkage after the first washing, especially if you plan to dry them in your dryer, which is generally not recommended by most authentic brands of Turkish towels.
Gram Weight
The weight of Turkish cotton is important when used in Turkish towels because it is an indication of the density and quality of the cotton fibers used to make the towel. Gram weight refers to the weight of one square meter of fabric, measured in grams.
Turkish cotton is a premium cotton that’s known for its long fibers, which make it stronger and more durable than other types of cotton. The longer fibers also make it softer and more absorbent, which is why Turkish towels are prized for their luxurious feel and high performance.
When it comes to Turkish towels, a higher gram weight generally indicates a thicker and more luxurious towel. A high-quality Turkish towel should have a gram weight of at least 360 GSM (grams per square meter), but some towels can have a gram weight of up to 700 GSM or more.
How We Tested the Turkish Towels
Many of the Turkish towels on this list were independently tested and carefully curated by members of The Spruce team to determine which towels featured the best design, durable construction, luxurious feel, and ultra absorbency.
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The Spruce / Karen Tietjen
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How can you tell a quality Turkish towel?
There are several things to look for when determining the quality of a Turkish towel:
- Material: Turkish towels made of 100% Turkish cotton are generally considered the highest quality.
- Weight: As mentioned earlier, the gram weight of a Turkish towel can be a good indication of its quality. Look for towels with a gram weight of at least 360 GSM.
- Weave: look for a towel that is tightly woven and features a smooth surface that doesn’t have a lot of small gaps in the material.
- Finishing: A good quality Turkish towel will have clean edges and tight stitching. Look for towels with tightly sewn hems and no loose threads.
- Absorbency: A high-quality Turkish towel should be able to absorb a lot of moisture, without feeling heavy or taking too long to dry. Test the absorbency of the towel by wetting a small area and seeing how quickly it dries.
- Softness: A good Turkish towel should feel soft and luxurious against the skin. Wash the towel before using it to help soften the fibers and improve its overall feel. High-quality Turkish towels get softer with continued washing.
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Should you wash or soak a Turkish towel before first use?
Yes, it is recommended to wash your Turkish towel or soak it before first use. This helps to remove starch or other chemicals used during the production process that give the towels a crisp, new feel. Washing or soaking the towel before first use can help to remove any residue or excess dye, and can also help to soften the fibers and improve the towel's absorbency.
To wash your Turkish towel before first use, simply put it in the washing machine with a mild detergent and wash it on a gentle cycle. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can coat the fibers and reduce the towel's absorbency. After washing, tumble dry on low heat or hang to air dry. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions for care prior to washing or soaking.
If you prefer to soak your towel instead of washing it, simply fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Place the towel in the water and let it soak for several hours or overnight. After soaking, rinse the towel thoroughly with water and then hang to air dry.
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What are the benefits of a Turkish towel?
Turkish towels, also known as Peshtemal or Hammam towels, have several benefits that make them a popular choice among many people:
- Absorbency: Turkish towels can absorb a lot of moisture, making them ideal for use as bath towels, beach towels, or even as a wrap after a workout.
- Quick-drying: Because of their thin and lightweight nature, Turkish towels can dry quickly, which makes them great for travel, outdoor activities, and locations that may not have access to dryers. Because of their quick-drying nature, it’s easy to avoid musty towel odors that are so common in typical terry cloth towels.
- Softness: Turkish towels are made from long, smooth cotton fibers that make them soft and comfortable against the skin.
- Durability: Turkish towels are typically made to be more durable than regular towels. They can withstand multiple washings and can last for many years, making them a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
- Versatility: Turkish towels can be used for a variety of purposes beyond just drying off. They can be used as blankets, picnic mats, scarves, or even as a decorative element in your home.
- Space-saving: Because they are lightweight and thin, Turkish towels take up less space than regular towels. This makes them a great option for small apartments, dorm rooms, or for packing in a suitcase when traveling.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Dr. Lisa Conant, a freelance writer and licensed chiropractor. Dr. Conant has written hundreds of articles on natural health and wellness, as well as home and automotive topics. For this roundup, she relied on her own clinical expertise, sought insight from other expert sources and also poured over dozens of product reviews from both The Spruce's at-home testers and independent consumers, putting high-quality material construction, softness, absorbency, and durability at the top of the list.