Shopping for the perfect bath towel may seem simple—until you’re faced with dozens of options in materials, sizes, and GSM ratings. Whether you’re upgrading your bathroom or treating yourself to a spa-like experience, this UK-specific guide will walk you through how to choose the best bath towel for your needs.
From understanding GSM to comparing Egyptian vs Turkish cotton, you’ll find everything you need to know to make a confident, long-lasting purchase.
GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre and measures the density of the towel:
For UK households, 500–700 GSM is often ideal due to seasonal moisture and indoor drying needs.
Egyptian Cotton: Renowned for long fibres, ultra-soft, perfect for spa-like use
Turkish Cotton: Soft, dries faster, ideal for everyday use
Bamboo-Cotton Blend: Antibacterial, eco-friendly, soft & breathable
Bath Towels: Standard (70×130 cm), ideal for daily drying
Bath Sheets: Larger (90×150 cm), great for full coverage and comfort
Hand Towels & Face Cloths: Essential extras for coordinated sets
Choose neutral tones like white, grey, beige, or bolds like navy or emerald depending on your decor. Consider:
Colourfastness (won’t fade after washing)
Textured designs (waffle or ribbed)
Towels with loops for hanging
Look for labels like:
Oeko-Tex® Standard 100: Free from harmful chemicals
GOTS Certified: Organic material verified
Sustainable towels are better for skin and the planet.
Chrissy Towel Recommendations
Grandeur Knitted Bath Towel: For everyday softness and durability
Opulence Combed Cotton Towel: High GSM for a plush experience
Waffle Soft Cotton Bath Towel: Quick drying and elegant
6. External Research & Studies
To strengthen your buying decisions, here are some research-backed facts about towel performance:
A 2017 study in Procedia Engineering found that moisture absorption significantly depends on fabric weight (GSM), pile thickness, and yarn twist—supporting why 500–700 GSM is ideal for softness and drying balance. (IRJET Study PDF)
International Design Journal (2020) confirmed that Egyptian cotton’s yarn structure leads to superior comfort and water retention. (EKB Journal PDF)
Textile Research Journal insights via Royaltex showed that high GSM towels resist deformation and last longer. (Royaltex Analysis)
A GSM of 500–700 offers a perfect mix of softness and absorbency for everyday use.
Egyptian cotton provides a silkier luxury, while Turkish cotton offers excellent absorbency and faster drying.
Avoid fabric softeners, wash at 40 °C, and add white vinegar during rinse to preserve texture and absorbency.
Bath sheets (≈90×150 cm) offer more coverage and a spa-like feel compared to standard towels (≈70×130 cm).
ChrissyTowel.com offers a curated collection of high-quality, sustainable luxury bath towels delivered across the UK.
Introduction Shopping for the perfect bath towel may seem simple—until you’re faced with dozens of
Introduction Imagine stepping out of a warm UK shower and wrapping yourself in a towel
Introduction: When buying new bath towels, understanding GSM is essential—but many UK shoppers are unsure
