The 15 Best Quick-Dry Towels That’ll Nix Damp, Musty Towels for Good

When you step out of the shower (or bathtub, or pool, or into a gym locker room…), the last thing you want to reach for is a damp, stinky towel that hasn’t dried properly. Yuck. That’s where the best quick-dry towels come into play. Nobody has time to wait around for towels to dry off or to deal with smelly, bacteria-infested mildew. Instead, you deserve the absorbency, durability, and convenience of fast-drying towels.

The best quick-dry towels, at a glance:

• Best lightweight quick-dry bath towel: Parachute, Waffle Towels, $49
• Best budget quick-dry bath towel: Brooklinen, Ultralight Bath Towels, $39
• Best Egyptian cotton bath towel: Home Decorators Collection, Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel, $26
• Best Supima cotton bath towel: Onsen, Bath Towel, $50
• Best cotton-bamboo blend bath towel: Cozy Earth, Waffle Bath Towel, $78
• Best cotton-linen blend bath towel: The Citizenry, Aegean Cotton Bath Towels, $88
• Best microfiber bath towel: Norwex, Ultra Plush Bath Towel, $55
• Best quick-dry bath towel in the most color options: Pottery Barn, Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Bath Towel, $35
• Best organic quick-dry towel: Coyuchi, Air Weight Organic Towel, $48
• Best organic (yet affordable) quick-dry bath towel: West Elm, Everyday Textured Organic Bath Towel, $19
• Best luxurious quick-dry bath towel set: Homebird, Classic Bath Towel Pair, $102
• Best Turkish cotton quick-dry beach towel: Sand Cloud, Towel XL, $78
• Best quick-dry beach towels in extra-large sizes: Dock & Bay, Beach Towel, $35
• Best inexpensive quick-dry beach towel: Sun Cube, Microfiber Beach Towel, $16
• Best travel-friendly beach towel: Rumpl, Everywhere Towel, $50

If you’re ready to take a stand against damp bath sheets for good, keep a close eye on the material makeup. While plush towels may feel soft against your skin, their dense loops take for-freaking-ever to dry. Look for lightweight, quick-dry towels made out of cotton or cotton-blends stitched in a waffle pattern or other innovative weaves. This will allow the moisture to evaporate faster. Microfiber is another must-have material, as it dries in the blink of an eye, even after it’s been drenched in water or sweat. Bonus: These luxe textiles will also make your bathroom (and bath time) feel a tad more spa-like.

Below, find our recommendations, including expert picks.

Best quick-dry bath towels

Best lightweight quick-dry bath towel

Parachute, Waffle Towels — $49.00

If you’ve had your eye on Parachute’s beloved waffle towels for a while, consider this your sign to hit “add to cart.” For one, it’s beloved by interior designer Artem Kropovinsky, founder of New York City-based interior design studio Arsight. According to Kropovinsky: “What makes this towel stand out for me are its softness, absorptive nature, rapid drying time, and the dash of style it adds with its array of color choices.” He isn’t the only one who loves these towels. They’re a fan favorite—and largely because they dry so quickly.

At only 240 GSM, they are the lightest weight option out of the bath towels. They’re also beautiful, with a honeycomb weave that tricks you into thinking you’re someplace far more glamorous than your own bathroom.

What a reviewer says: “How can I love a towel so much? This spa-like luxury is unsurpassable.” — Parachute reviewer

Material: 100% Turkish cottonGSM: 240 GSMSize: 56 x 30 inchesAvailable colors: 4

Pros:

• Lightest weight bath towel on the list
• Waffle weave construction

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Some reviewers say it isn’t very absorbent

Best budget quick-dry bath towel

Brooklinen, Ultralight Bath Towels — $39.00

Originally $49, now $39

Ultralight = ultra-fast drying. These Brooklinen towels, which come in a set of two, are made from 100 percent Turkish cotton and are the quickest drying of any of the brand’s towels. They’re equally absorbent and lightweight, weighing in at 320 grams, but don’t let their light-as-a-feather feel fool you—they’re incredibly strong.

Since they’re so thin, these are an especially great option if you’re short on cabinet space (who isn’t?), and they make ideal hair-wrapping towels, too.

What a reviewer says: “These towels are perfection—thin, light, and super absorbing.” — Brookline reviewer

Material: 100% Turkish cottonGSM: 320 GSMSize: 58 x 30 inchesAvailable colors: 4

Pros:

• The most budget-friendly option among the featured bath towels
• Multiple reviewers say they are lightweight yet absorbent

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Some reviewers say they aren’t so durable

Best Egyptian cotton bath towel

Home Decorators Collection, Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel — $26.00

If you want a towel made from the finest material, look no further than Egyptian cotton, which according to Kropovinksy, is softer and more absorbent than Turkish cotton. The option from Home Decorators Collection comes with his thumbs up. “I’m a fan of this towel for its soft texture, its absorbency, its ability to dry quickly, and the added advantage of its lightweight nature, which makes it highly portable,” says Kropovinsky, who adds that it’s an ideal choice for those living in damp climates.

At 675 GSM, it may not dry as quickly as the other options on the list, but it makes up for what it lacks in softness and absorbency.

What a reviewer says: “These [are] the fluffiest, nicest towels I have ever owned. They dry quickly and are super soft. I purchased them for all of the bathrooms in the house and everyone in the family loves them. Do not hesitate to buy! Great value!” — Home Depot reviewer

Material: 100% Egyptian cottonGSM: 675 GSMSize: 56 x 30 inchesAvailable colors: 8

Pros:

• Ultra-soft and incredibly absorbent
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• May not be as quick-drying as the other options on the list
• It produces a lot of lint in the dryer, according to some reviewers

Best Supima cotton bath towel

Onsen, Bath Towel — $50.00

These quick-dry towels by Onsen are both pretty and practical. (Our favorite combination for, well, anything.) Their lightweight, open-weave design dries out quickly after each use, and gets softer with every wash. Compared to fluffy terry bath towels, they’re about 30 percent lighter and 50 percent less bulky. The fact that they’re made out of the softest, smoothest American-grown Supima cotton? The cherry on top.

What a reviewer says: “These towels are just the best. They do everything that your regular towel does, but better. They are soft, lighter, more absorbent, and faster drying.” — Onsen reviewer

Material: 100% Supima cottonGSM: 470 GSMSize: 57 x 31 inchesAvailable colors: 9

Pros:

• Waffle-weave construction
• Received a 4.7-star overall rating after more than 1,000 reviews

Cons:

• Expensive
• Some reviewers say it is too abrasive for their skin

Best cotton-bamboo blend bath towel

Cozy Earth, Waffle Bath Towel — $78.00

These Cozy Earth towels have Kropovinksy’s stamp of approval for its softness, absorption abilities, and its quick-drying time. With a mini waffle weave on one side and a soft terry on the other, these bath towels (they come in a pair) give you options for drying off—and showing off—in your bathroom. Plus, they’re super-absorbent, warrantied against pilling, and eco-friendly (they’re made from 60 percent cotton and 40 percent bamboo viscose).

What a reviewer says: “I love these waffle bath towels. They are oversized and the texture is great. They make you feel as though you are at a spa and they look beautiful. I would purchase these again for myself or as a gift.” — Cozy Earth reviewer

Material: 60% cotton, 40% bamboo viscoseGSM: 600 GSMSize: 58 x 30 inchesAvailable colors: 3

Pros:

• Waffle-weave construction
• Warranted against pilling

Cons:

• Pricey
• Limited color options

Best cotton-linen blend bath towel

The Citizenry, Aegean Cotton Bath Towels — $88.00

Originally $98, now $88

Whether you prefer cotton or linen, these towels from The Citizenry—which come as a set of two, hence the price—are the best of both worlds. They’re made from organic cotton (which is ultra-breathable) and relaxed linen, with a lightweight waffle weave exterior and a plush terry cloth interior. Plus, they dry quickly—both your body and the towel itself. Pricey as they may be, you can feel good throwing down serious money on these bath towels knowing they are made of Global Organic Textile Standard or GOTS-certified materials and sustainably made in a fair-trade working environment.

What a reviewer says: “Look great, super soft, and have held up perfectly through several washes so far.” — The Citizenry reviewer

Material: 60% cotton, 40% linenGSM: 380 GSMSize: 56 x 27 inchesAvailable colors: 4

Pros:

• Waffle-weave construction
• Made from GOTS-certified material

Cons:

• Pricey
• Limited color options

Best microfiber bath towel

Norwex, Ultra Plush Bath Towel — $52.00

If you’re looking for a bath towel made from a microfiber, this is one that comes with the recommendation of “The Laundry Evangelist” Patric Richardson, host of the Discovery+ show The Laundry Guy. “It’s great to travel with or take to the beach or to the pool because they dry quickly,” says Richardson. “But they’re also just great to have in your bathroom if you want a quick-dry towel, especially in the summer. With the humidity high, you don’t want your damp towels developing mildew or mold.” The towel is made with BacLock, which according to the brand, makes it mildew resistant and keeps unwanted odors at bay.

Richardson warns that if you’re using a microfiber bath towel for the first time, it’s important to know that it is a “different experience”—it won’t feel like your traditional terry bath towels. “The way that it dries your skin feels different, and you have to decide if you like that or not. They’re usually very warm and it’s like wrapping yourself in a blanket,” he says.

Material: 100% microfiberGSM: UnspecifiedSize: 55 x 30 inchesAvailable colors: 2

Pros:

• Incredibly quick drying, thanks to microfiber
• Plush and absorbent

Cons:

• Some people may not like the texture of microfiber
• Limited color options

Best quick-dry bath towel with the most color options

Pottery Barn, Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Bath Towel — $35.00

With 14 color options ranging from appealingly muted pastels to classic neutrals, you’re bound to find a quick-dry towel from Pottery Barn that suits your bathroom aesthetic. Not only are they visually pleasing, they are also functional. These quick-dry bath towels are made using an advanced weaving process that makes them 10 times more absorbent than traditional cotton terry. They’re made of 100% organic long-staple Turkish cotton so they’re also super soft and plush, and oh-so-cozy to wrap yourself in after a hot shower or bath.

Material: 100% organic Turkish cottonGSM: 550 GSMSize: 55 x 28 inchesAvailable colors: 14

Pros:

• Incredibly absorbent
• Comes in 14 color options

Cons:

• Only the plusher side, which may affect drying time
• Size is smaller than other featured options

Best organic quick-dry towel

Coyuchi, Air Weight Organic Towel — $48.00

“Dense, durable, and exceptionally thirsty”—that’s how Coyuchi describes their fan-favorite Air Weight towels, which are particularly absorbent. Their twill weave dries both quickly and effectively, so you’ll feel dry fast, and so will your towel. They come in a range of earthy colors, and they have all earned a Made Safe seal, which ensures they’re free of potentially harmful ingredients, plus constructed from GOTS-certified organic cotton that is grown and woven in India.

What a reviewer says: “I was looking for towels that would dry quickly to avoid smelling but still have a great hand feel. These are perfect!” — Coyuchi reviewer

Material: 100% organic cottonGSM: 550 GSMSize: 54 x 27 inchesAvailable colors: 6

Pros:

• Many reviewers attest they dry quickly
• GOTS and MadeSafe certified

Cons:

• The 550 GSM count may affect drying time
• Smaller than standard-sized bath towels

Best organic (yet affordable) quick-dry bath towel

West Elm, Everyday Textured Organic Bath Towel — $19.00

These West Elm towels promise to dry quickly—it says so in the product name. While on the thicker side weighing in at 500 GSM, the 100 percent organic cotton towels are somehow still lightweight. Their ribbed texture ensures the towels dry in no time, and the sewn-in loop makes hanging all the easier, too. Take your pick from 10 colors, with our favorites being Pink Stone and Ocean.

Material: 100% organic cottonGSM: 500 GSMSize: 54 x 28 inchesAvailable colors: 10

Pros:

• Affordable
• Comes various color options

Cons:

• On the plush side at 500 GSM
• Smaller than standard-sized bath towels

Best luxurious quick-dry bath towel set

Homebird, Classic Bath Towel Pair — $102.00

Although these Homebird towels look and feel fluffy, they’re incredibly lightweight. That helps them dry quickly and avoid any musty towel smell (ew), instead staying fresh wash after wash and between washes, too. They’re available in two styles: solid colors or white with colored piping for a modern twist on a minimalist look. Best part is, they’re made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and ethically produced in fair-trade factories.

What a reviewer says: “I love these towels. Absorbent, dries quickly, and no unpleasant smells. The material is soft to the skin. Easy to wash and dry. Highly recommended.” — Homebird reviewer

Material: 100% organic cottonGSM: 600 GSMSize: 55 x 30 inchesAvailable colors: 6

Pros:

• GOTS certified
• Sold as a pair

Cons:

• Pricey
• Their larger size may take up more space

Best quick-dry beach towels

Best Turkish cotton quick-dry beach towel

Sand Cloud, Towel XL — $78.00

Few beach towels are as soft, sand-resistant, and absorbent as the one from Sand Cloud. The towels (which are incredibly quick-drying, BTW) are made using 100 percent organic Turkish cotton that’s better for the environment than polyester or other fabrics. What’s more, they’re designed for a good cause. 10 percent of the brand’s profits are donated to marine conservation, ensuring the very beaches and oceans you bring your towels to are cleaner and better protected. Seriously—get yourself one of these bad boys.

What a reviewer says: “I love how enormous this towel is! It is perfect for outside activities! It dries fast and is really soft. I have had mine for almost a year and it is still holding up great!” — Sand Cloud reviewer

Material: 100% organic Turkish cottonGSM: UnspecifiedSize: 68 x 60 inchesAvailable colors: 3

Pros:

• Received a 4.5-star overall rating after more than 1,000 reviews
• Sand resistant

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Some reviewers say the colors aren’t as vibrant as pictured

Best quick-dry beach towels in extra-large sizes

Dock & Bay, Beach Towel — $35.00

We’ve all been there: Rolling up a wet, sandy beach towel, succumbing to the fact that it’ll leave traces of sand and wet towel smell everywhere it goes. No more! These Dock & Bay beach towels dry three times faster than standard cotton towels, making beach days and pool parties even more fun.

What a reviewer says: “Our linen closet is overflowing with pool towels and we are constantly waiting on towels to dry and getting new ones out. These fold up to such a small size, they are super lightweight, and they dry you off after one swipe. The best thing is they dry very quickly and don’t have that wet towel smell.” — Amazon reviewer

Material: 83% polyester, 17% polyamideGSM: UnspecifiedSize: 78 x 35 inchesAvailable colors: 42

Pros:

• Received a 4.7-star overall rating after more than 3,600 reviews
• Comes in 42 color options

Cons:

• No small-sized options
• Some reviewers say it isn’t very absorbent

Best inexpensive quick-dry beach towel

Sun Cube, Microfiber Beach Towel — $16.00

Before you head off on your next camping adventure, nab a few of these microfiber beach towels. They’re made from a quick-dry material, and they come with a mesh travel pouch. So whether you’re headed to a campsite, the beach, or a pool, they’re an easy essential to pack.

What a reviewer says: “I initially bought these towels for swimming and bathing while on a camping trip, but I’m now a full convert for using these for any water play. They pack down so small, are super lightweight, absorb beautifully, are soft, and dry fast.” — Amazon reviewer

Material: 80% polyester, 20% polyamideGSM: UnspecifiedSize: 60 x 30 inchesAvailable colors: 8

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Includes a mesh travel pouch

Cons:

• Only comes in two sizes—Large and X-Large
• It isn’t sand resistant, according to some reviewers

Best travel-friendly beach towel

Rumpl, Everywhere Towel — $50.00

Compact, packable, and lightweight, this towel is ready to go on any adventure you plan (or don’t plan). It’s quick-drying, and stain-, odor-, and sand-resistant, and has a hidden hang loop. It weighs just 0.8 pounds, so you can easily roll it up and toss it into your suitcase or bag.

What a reviewer says: “This towel is awesome, it is thin and lightweight and a soft material. It has a little hook on it to hang it to dry. When water hits it, it literally beads off which is great. I like to use it for laying out by the pool and at the beach.” — Amazon reviewer

Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex fabricGSM: UnspecifiedSize: 72 x 30 inchesAvailable colors: 4

Pros:

• Sand resistant
• Lightweight at just under one pound

Cons:

• Pricey
• Limited color options