Buying guide for Best towel sets

Written by Melissa Nott

Updated March 2024

A towel set includes several matching towels, usually in different sizes, Before you purchase a set, whether for yourself or as a gift, you should consider which type of set and which materials are the best option for you.

Different varieties of towel sets include bath, hotel, and kitchen towel sets. Each has a standard number and type of towels that are typically included, which we will explain later in detail. Cotton is the most common material, and it comes in different fibers, like Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, micro cotton, and Turkish cotton. Bamboo fiber is another option, known for its resistance to mildew.

Before you purchase a towel set, you should understand what size towels you need and select a style that complements the decor of your bathroom or kitchen. If you are ready to choose a towel set, take a look at our recommendations.

Types of towel sets

Bath towel sets

You can find bath towel sets in practically any retail outlet that sells linens, from discount stores to high-end boutiques. The main difference between a discount $15 set and a boutique $250 set is the quality of the material.

Both discount and boutique sets usually include two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths. But high-end sets typically incorporate Egyptian or Turkish cotton with a GSM (grams per square inch) of 700 or 800, whereas a cheap towel sets typically boast a GSM rating of 500 or lower.

Some bath towel sets include additional pieces, such as a large bath sheet, a mat for the floor, and fingertip towels for guest use. Sets with five bath towels and ten matching washcloths are also somewhat common.

Hotel towel sets

Quite literally, these are the towels that hotels provide their guests. Often, you’ll see the hotel’s logo embroidered on each piece.

A typical hotel towel set includes at least two standard bath towels, two hand towels, four washcloths, a large bath sheet, a bath mat, and possibly a bathrobe. Additional towels for pool and gym use may also be included.

But the term “hotel towel set” is not reserved for hotel towels alone. Manufacturers sometimes use that description to imply that their home goods collection matches the hotel industry’s standards of quality. In your quest to find a new towel set, you may encounter products with a “hotel” label that are actually meant for home use.

Kitchen towel sets

Bathroom towels aren’t the only type of linen you need in your home. Kitchen towels are a definite need, and they can be purchased in sets.

Kitchen towel sets differ from bathroom towel sets in that they typically contain an assortment of decorative hand towels. They’re designed to be absorbent and quick-drying, but they’re not necessarily plush and luxurious like their bathroom counterparts.

The ideal kitchen towel set strikes a balance between form and function. A decorative kitchen towel may provide some visual pop in the kitchen, but most people also want towels that are helpful during food preparation. Look for a fabric that feels like a high-quality hand towel or washcloth.

When evaluating the purpose of a towel, we look at its weight as reflected in grams per square meter (GSM). A towel with a GSM of 400 to 600 is “medium weight” and suitable for use as a hand towel. A higher GSM is suitable for the bathroom, and a lower GSM is suitable for the kitchen.

When researching the best towel sets, we look at towels made of many material types, including 100% cotton, Egyptian cotton, pima cotton, Turkish cotton, and bamboo.

We appreciate a fluffy towel that gets softer with each wash.

We consider the thickness of each towel in our research, bearing in mind that some consumers prefer thin towels whereas others prefer thick towels.

We understand that towel sizes can vary across brands. For example, bath sheets range from 36 x 60 inches to 40 x 70 inches. When shortlisting products, we keep these dimensions in mind.

We look at a towel’s overall durability when evaluating it. Will it stand up to daily use? Can it withstand frequent washes?

When researching towel sets, we note how many towels come in each set. Many consumers prefer a set that includes a minimum of six towels.

Because some consumers prefer to keep a bath mat on the floor, we appreciate bathroom towel sets that come with matching bath mats

Dark towels may need to be washed in cold water to avoid bleeding. We find out specific washing instructions before recommending towels.

When looking for the best towel sets, we note how many color options are offered. Some towels also come with unique textures, prints, or other embellishments.

Common threads: It’s mostly about cotton

Although “alternative” fibers like bamboo are gaining popularity, most quality bath towels are made of some form of cotton. But it’s not enough for shoppers to search for “100% Cotton” on the label. Manufacturers can legally blend small amounts of genuine Egyptian or Turkish cotton with cheaper synthetic fibers and still use descriptions such as “Made with Egyptian Cotton” or “Contains Turkish Cotton.” The key phrase to look for is “100% Cotton.”

Here are some common fibers, cotton and otherwise, used in the manufacture of quality towel sets.

Egyptian cotton

Often found in bed sheets and other linens, Egyptian cotton has very long fibers that help create a high GSM rating of 700 to 900. This material is highly absorbent but also tends to cost a lot. Authentic Egyptian cotton is actually grown in the country of Egypt, where the climate is ideal for such a crop.

Pima cotton

Pima cotton is often sold under the brand name Supima, but it is the same material. Grown in the southern states, Pima shares many characteristics with pricey Egyptian cotton. Its extra-long fibers provide good absorbency and a silky texture. If you love Egyptian cotton but your budget limits what you can spend, consider a set of Pima cotton towels.

Retail stores often offer deep discounts on towel sets during seasonal sales. There’s a hidden reason for this: store managers expect consumers to also spend money on products that aren’t on sale. Discount towel sets are sometimes called “loss leaders” for this reason.

Microcotton

Unlike the synthetic material known as microfiber, MicroCotton is an organic fiber developed in India. With a GSM rating of 500 to 800, absorbency is its claim to fame. Some consumers compare the feel of MicroCotton to soft suede.

Turkish cotton

Turkish cotton isn’t the household name that Egyptian cotton is, but a number of consumers prefer the Turkish variety for its luxurious feel. Turkish cotton has the same extra-long fibers as Egyptian cotton, but it develops a noticeable sheen over time.

Bamboo

Soft and velvety, bamboo fiber is perhaps the most environmentally friendly material choice for towels. It’s not quite as absorbent as similar cotton fibers, but it offers a natural resistance to mildew formation — a common problem with damp, cotton-based towels.

Common towel sizes

From oversized bath sheets to small personal washcloths, towels are designed to meet a user’s different needs. You can expect towel sizes and quantities to vary from set to set. Here are some typical towel dimensions found in traditional towel sets.

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Bath sheet

A bath sheet is generally the largest towel in any given set. Typical dimensions of an oversized bath sheet range from 36”x 60” to 40"x70”. Many people prefer the luxurious feel of a wraparound bath sheet to the smaller, functional bath towel.

Hotel sets are more likely to include a bath sheet than traditional sets. Of course, you could always order a bath sheet separately and add it to your collection.

Bath towel

The bath towel is perhaps the most versatile member of a towel set. It’s large enough to dry off after a shower yet small enough to fit in a gym bag. Typical dimensions are 27”x52” but can run as high as 30”x58”. This may not be long enough for a full-body wrap, but it works well as a hair cover or quick waist wrap.

Washcloth

Washcloths are extremely useful in and out of the bath. They can be used to apply soap or lotion, scrub away dirt, remove makeup, or dry the hands or face. Most washcloths are perfect 13-inch squares, but some are slightly larger rectangles. The GSM rating for washcloths may be lower than that of luxurious bath towels and sheets, but this slight abrasiveness serves a definite purpose.

Bath mat

A bath mat can sometimes be confused with a bath towel, but a mat fulfills an entirely different purpose. A bath mat is typically thicker and heavier than a standard bath towel, but its dimensions are similar at 27”x52”.

A bath mat’s main function is to absorb excess water that spills out of the tub. It also provides traction for the user as he or she enters and exits the tub.

You’re more likely to find a bath mat in a hotel towel set than a retail set.

A few tips to take care of your towels better — be sure to wash them in hot water, use a towel bar rather than hooks to hang them up, do not use too much detergent or fabric softener when washing them, and rotate the towels you use instead of overusing any one.

FAQ

Q. What types of towels are typically included in a towel set?

A. Surprisingly, there is no such thing as a “standard” towel set. Manufacturers are free to bundle any quantity and style of towels and call it a set.

However, most towel sets sold in retail stores should contain at least two wash cloths, two hand towels, and two bath towels. A set may also include additional washcloths, fingertip (guest) towels, a bath mat, and a large bath sheet.

Q. Is purchasing a towel set more economical than buying individual pieces?

A. Generally speaking, most towel sets cost less than the sum you would pay to buy each piece separately. However, some manufacturers package low-grade towels as a set in order to offer an enticing price.

Q. Why should I buy a complete towel set when all I really need are bath towels or washcloths?

A. There is no such thing as a standard towel set. Theoretically, you could find a set that offers exactly what you want, although it may take a bit of searching if your needs are unique.