The Plushest Towels, Tested By Our Editors

If softness is your top priority, your best bet is a towel made from long-staple cotton—specifically Turkish, Egyptian or Pima cotton—woven using either zero-twist or low-twist yarns. The term “long-staple” refers to the length of the cotton fibers themselves: The longer the fiber, the fewer ends stick out of the weave, creating that silky-smooth, cloudlike feel (and fewer chances for pilling). Zero-twist towels are spun without twisting the fibers, which leaves the threads open and extra fluffy, enhancing softness and absorbency at the same time.

Material aside, softness is also influenced by weight, measured as GSM (grams per square meter). Towels in the 600 to 900 GSM range tend to feel the plushest—lightweight towels below 400 GSM are faster-drying but rarely have the same soft, thick handfeel. Look for a balance between dense, looped pile and breathability for that true “wrapped-in-a-spa” sensation.

According to the team at Parachute, Egyptian cotton is known for its ultra-fine, silky fibers, which makes it incredibly soft—especially right out of the box. Turkish cotton, on the other hand, has slightly longer fibers with a more open, airy weave that starts out soft but actually gets softer and fluffier over time with repeated washing. In other words, Egyptian cotton tends to offer immediate softness, while Turkish cotton offers lasting softness.

For everyday use, many people (myself included) lean toward Turkish because it strikes a better balance between plushness and practicality. Egyptian cotton can feel heavier and take longer to dry, which is why it’s often reserved for luxe spa environments or formal guest baths where drying time isn’t an issue. But Turkish cotton gives you that soft, cozy feel and dries faster—which means it’s the more functional option for daily showers.

Here’s the secret: Less is more when it comes to laundry care. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets might seem like the obvious move, but they actually coat the fibers with a waxy layer that builds up over time, making your towels feel stiff and reducing absorbency. Instead, stick to a gentle detergent (ideally free of heavy fragrances and additives) and skip the softener altogether.

To keep that fluffy texture, tumble dry your towels on low heat with wool dryer balls, which help lift and separate the fibers while cutting down on dry time. If your towels are starting to feel crunchy, a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle can help break down detergent residue and restore softness. And one more pro tip? Avoid overcrowding your washer—giving towels room to move around lets them rinse and fluff properly.

A high-quality towel comes down to three main factors: fiber length, weave construction, and finishing details. You want long-staple cotton (like Turkish, Egyptian, or Pima), tightly looped terry construction (no sparse, uneven loops), and a GSM of at least 600 if you’re after that plush, soft feel. Zero-twist or low-twist yarns are also a good indicator, as they enhance softness without compromising strength.

Beyond the material, look for thoughtful design details like double-stitched or hemmed edges (to prevent fraying), colorfast dyes, and certifications like OEKO-TEX® (which ensures the fabric is free from harmful chemicals). And trust your hands: A good towel should feel dense but not stiff, soft but not limp, with a smooth, even pile that bounces back when you run your fingers across it. If it feels too thin or scratchy in the store? It’s not getting any better at home.