Turkish towels are synonymous with luxury. Often associated with traditional Turkish baths, they’re known for their excellent absorbency, quick-drying properties and beautiful designs—and the best of the best Turkish towels are crafted from premium materials. “True Turkish towels should be labeled 100% Turkish cotton,” says Frances H. Kozen, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Fiber Science & Apparel Design at Cornell University. “Turkish cotton is long-staple, meaning the fibers are long, which makes them very absorbent. Long fibers also produce less lint.” Our top pick for 2024, Coyuchi’s Mediterranean Organic Towel, is a lightweight, flat weave option that outperforms the competition in both absorbency and fast drying capabilities.
Often associated with traditional Turkish baths, the best Turkish towels provide excellent … [+] absorbency, quick-drying properties and beautiful designs.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / IMAGE: RETAILERS
The first thing to look for when shopping for bath towels is the listed GSM (grams per square meter). A higher GSM typically indicates a heavier towel; note, however, that Turkish towels are designed to be lighter. What’s more, your choice between high or low GSM depends on personal preference—both can work well. Ahead, find a curated list of the best Turkish towels in 2024.
Dimensions: 26 x 16 inches or 54 x 28 inches | Weight: 320 GSM | Material: 100% organic Turkish cotton
Give your daily routine a luxurious boost with these Turkish towels from Coyuchi. They feature a lightweight, flat weave that excels in absorbency and dries quickly, and the intricate yarn-dyed design ensures vibrant, lasting colors (we also love the hand-knotted fringe). Woven in Turkey, this choice not only looks nice, but boasts authenticity. As a brand, Coyuchi is dedicated to producing sustainable home textiles, and they’ve been championing eco-friendly practices throughout their 30+ years as a company. These are Made Safe Certified, a third party verification that identifies products that are chemical-free; what’s more, they pass the Global Organic Textile Standard, which verifies organic practices and eco-friendly supply chains.
Best Turkish Towel Set
A Traditional Set With A Unique Terrycloth Backing
Elevate your bathroom with Fouta’s Turkish Cotton Towel Essential Set, which includes two washcloths, two hand towels and two bath towels. Each item within is crafted from soft, long-staple, organic Turkish cotton, offering a delightfully luxurious feel (alongside excellent durability). Long fibers add to the appeal here; they create a smooth texture that resists pilling and tearing over time. Traditional Turkish towels are known for being lightweight (under 400 grams), but this set boasts a weight of 420 grams thanks to a unique terrycloth backing, enhancing its overall absorbency and plushness. You’d be hard-pressed to find another set with a medium-weight feel that still retains that classic lightweight Turkish towel vibe. Available in three elegant, muted colorways—sky, fog and coastal blue—these traditional striped towels can also be purchased in a larger set, which includes not two, but four washcloths, four hand towels, four bath towels and a bath mat.
Best Budget Turkish Towels
An Affordable, Eco-Friendly Choice That Comes In Over 30 Colorways
With thousands of glowing, five-star reviews on Amazon and a hard-to-beat price, this peshtemal towel is a testament to both quality and value. Like our other top picks, it’s crafted from 100% Turkish cotton and embodies the traditional flat-woven design that’s been a staple in Turkish baths for hundreds of years. It’s lightweight enough to dry quickly (and pack well), and eco-conscious consumers will appreciate its Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, which confirms that all of its fibers are free from harmful chemicals. An extra-large size makes this towel ideal for both bath and beach settings, and with 34 available colorways, it’s easy to find a shade that complements your existing bathroom décor.
This luxurious beach and bath towel combines the finest features found in other top-rated options on our list. Like the rest of our top picks, it’s crafted from authentic, 100% organic Turkish cotton and is free from harmful chemicals. It’s generously sized, too, making it perfect for both beach and bath use. But what really sets this towel apart is its style—a striking chevron pattern that adds a touch of elegance to wherever you place or hang it. Fringed edges add a traditional appeal, and you can personalize it by adding a monogram. Durable and easy to care for, this towel will maintain its beauty and softness wash after wash.
Best Plush Turkish Towels
An Incredibly Soft Set That’s Far Thicker Than Most Turkish Towels
Brooklinen
Classic Turkish Cotton Bath Towels
Dimensions: 30 x 50 inches or 40 x 65 inches | Weight: 550 GSM | Material: 100% Turkish cotton
With an impressive 550 GSM, these Turkish towels are among the heaviest and fluffiest available (in fact, they hardly even look like traditional Turkish towels). They’re perfect for anyone who appreciates the feel of a luxurious hotel-style bath towel but also wants something quick-drying and durable. Made from cheimcal-free, long-staple cotton, the looped stitching increases surface area and absorbency while providing a cozy, soft feel. We love the on-trend moss green, but the towels are also available in eight other colors to suit any preference. If you’re newer to the world of Turkish towels and want a product that can help you ease in, these are an excellent choice.
Best Value Turkish Towel
A thick, dual-textured towel
The Company Store
Turkish Cotton Bath Towel
Dimensions: 30 by 54 inches or 39 x 68 inches | Weight: 550 GSM | Material: 100% Turkish cotton
These Turkish towels stand out with an impressive offering of 30 different colorways. They’re a refined choice, crafted from 100% combed long-staple Turkish cotton and boasting a luxurious 620 GSM, but they’re also under $40 each. A touch of striping merges comfort with elegance, making these the perfect choice for any discerning buyer who’s concerned with matching décorstyles and staying within their budget. Their high-quality construction means they remain soft and absorbent even after repeated washes, providing long-lasting luxury.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our team boasts extensive expertise in the home décor space; we’ve published hundreds of home and kitchen stories featuring firsthand testing and thorough, comprehensive research. The author of this story, Forbes Vetted contributor Erica Finamore, has over 10 years of experience as a writer and editor in the home space. For our accompanying tested piece on the best bath towels, we spent a full year testing 13 of the most popular and highly reviewed options; for this story, we spoke with Frances H. Kozen, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Fiber Science & Apparel Design at Cornell University.
What to Look For In The Best Turkish Towels
As you begin shopping for the perfect Turkish towels, there are a few key areas to focus on to ensure you select a durable and absorbent product that will last for years (and look good). Paying attention to its material, weight and any relevant environmental certifications will help you make an informed choice that meets your needs and preferences.
Material
The primary factor in determining the quality of a Turkish towel is its material. Prospective buyers should not that the very best Turkish towels are made from 100% Turkish long-staple cotton; the natural fibers embedded within this material are long and resistant to pilling. Interestingly, long-staple cotton not only enhances the towel’s durability, but also adds to its overall softness and absorbency. You’re also going to want to ensure that the towels were, in fact, manufactured in Turkey, as these will be the most authentic and true to the traditional craftsmanship.
Weight
While Turkish towels are traditionally on the thinner side, there are also thicker options available for those who prefer a heavier feel (we’ve highlighted several of them in our curated list above). The weight of these towels—and most towels, for that matter—is typically measured in GSM (grams per square meter). Towels with a GSM in the 200s will be the lightest and most compact, ideal for quick drying and easy packing; towels with a GSM in the 500 to 600 range will be a little fluffier and offer a similar feel to a plush terrycloth.
Environmental Certifications
Whenever you’re shopping for sheets and towels, consider the certifications that ensure the products meet high standards of safety and sustainability. Two significant certifications to look for are Oeko-Tex and GOTS-certified. Oeko-Tex certification indicates that the products are free from toxic chemicals; GOTS-certified products are made from organic materials and adhere to stringent environmental and social criteria. These certifications guarantee that the towels are produced using socially responsible and sustainable practices, which might make them a better choice for both your family and the planet.
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