They're made with a flat weave that dries quickly in the sun, and they're also yarn-dyed to preserve their color over time. Made from 100% GOTS-certified organic Turkish cotton, you might find that these towels feel a bit different than standard looped terrycloth - namely, they're not as plush.

Travelers and sports enthusiasts usually go for microfiber towels. Not only are they fast drying and absorbent, but some of them are also antimicrobial and take less space than regular towels. Other synthetic fibers often used to make bath towels are: nylon, rayon and polyester.

In general, experts advise you should get new ones every two years. If you are still unsure, look for these signs: You have to run the towel over your body several times just to remove the water. Towel fibers inherently break down with use.

Cotton Cotton is the most popular towel material. But not all cotton towels are created equal. High-quality Turkish and Egyptian cotton produce the best, softest, and most absorbent towels. Whether you need them for yourself or your guest bathroom, cotton bath towels are multitaskers and ideal for everyday use.

They might not dry you off as fast as their cotton counterparts (you usually have to choose between dry time and absorbancy), but the towel type has its benefits. In fact, quick-drying towels are often great for travel, hair care, and so much more. And they come in many shapes, sizes, and price points.

Fralick Turkish Cotton Ribbed Bath Towels (Set of 6) This Turkish Cotton Washcloth is perfect for those who like strong, durable towels rather than a soft, plush towel. Each towel features a ribbed texture along the entire face of the towel which increases absorbency and soft texture.

Quick-dry fabrics can be made of various materials, including natural and manmade fibers, among which the most common are merino wool, nylon, and polyester.

The best way to prevent germs from growing on your bath towel is to let it dry completely between each use, and wash it frequently. The Cleaning Institute recommends washing bath towels after three uses. If you shower every day, that means laundry almost twice a week.

For soft, absorbent towels that last, first consider two-ply towels made with Pima or Egyptian cotton, or towels that blend cotton with rayon, but they may not last as long. Premium cotton towels usually cost a bit more than other types, so look for them on sale or bring coupons.

Towels that are heavier, more expensive or higher quality have a greater GSM than cheaper towels that tend to fall apart more easily. Typically, the more loops that are woven into a towel, the higher the GSM. The lightest towels are 300 to 400 GSM. A decent-quality, medium-weight towel runs 400 to 600 GSM.

Trident is one of the leading bath linen brands in the country. It offers several acclaimed bathroom product collections and is especially known for its line-up of comfortable towels. These offer extra softness and are crafted from pure and 100% cotton.

The best practice is to wash towels after every use, says Kelly Reynolds, PhD, a professor at the University of Arizona Zuckerman College of Public Health in Tucson, but you can stretch them to two to three uses - max - as long as you fully dry them out in between.