If you’ve ever reached for a bath towel that’s still damp from the last time you used it, you likely haven’t forgotten about the experience...and you’re now well aware of the importance of investing in one of the best quick-dry towels on the market. These specialized cloths are highly absorbent—certainly more so than most of their “regular” towel counterparts—and yet most premium models still feel soft to the touch. Note, too, that ensuring that your towel dries quickly isn’t just a matter of preference and comfort; it can also minimize the odds of bacteria or odor build-up. In 2023, our top recommendation is Brooklinen’s Classic Bath Towel, a not-so-conventional pick that isn’t uniquely marketed toward the quick-drying camp, but offers the best of both worlds: a relatively plush feel alongside fast drying capabilities.
The best quick dry towels are highly absorbent, and yet most premium models still feel soft to the ... [+]
Less expensive quick-dry towels are usually made from wicking microfiber polyester or a nylon material, says Ajoy Sakar, Ph.D., assistant chair and professor of Textile Development and Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology. However, some higher-quality quick-dry towels are crafted from pure cotton for a softer feel. “These towels offer the convenience of repeated use within a narrow time frame—a dry towel every time,” he says. “As well, drying quickly prevents mildew growth.” You might be surprised to know, though, that when it comes to getting these towels to dry faster than standard models, for manufacturers, it’s less about material—and all about finding the right weave. The fast drying time is “always helpful, especially if you’re on the go a lot,” says Preeti Arya, Ph.D, assistant professor of Textile Development and Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She points out that these towels can be great for people who travel a lot, those who shower at the gym and people who like to wash up more than once a day.
- Best Quick-Dry Towels Overall: Brooklinen Classic Bath Towel
- Best Value Quick-Dry Towel: Latitude Run Quick Dry 6 Piece 100% Cotton Towel Set
- Softest Quick-Dry Towels: Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towels
- Best Quick-Dry Beach Towel: Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towels
- Best Waffle-Weave Quick-Dry Towel: Parachute Waffle Towels
Can You Put Quick-Dry Towels In The Dryer?
Most quick-dry towels can be put in the dryer, yes. However, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions thoroughly before doing so. Cotton towels will be just fine in the washer; those made with synthetic fibers might need to be dried at a low heat. “At a high heat, they might melt,” Arya warns.
Do Bamboo Towels Dry Faster?
Bamboo towels and textiles made from bamboo are essentially rayon, Arya says—the end result of processing the bamboo plant. “Bamboo is chopped into pieces, dissolved into a chemical and then extruded like a fiber,” she explains. “It’s just marketing and misleading information—people think this material is coming straight from the stalk or grass, but it’s not. It’s chemically treated, dissolved and converted into a honey-like solution first.” For that reason, bamboo towels “have a pretty decent absorbency like cotton and, if they’re lightweight, they can dry faster,” Arya says. However, cotton towels tend to be softer and feel more plush than their bamboo counterparts.
Why Might My Towels Not Be Drying In The Dryer?
Theoretically, these types of towels should dry well in the dryer, but if you find that your towels aren’t getting fully dry, there could be an issue with your appliance or a discrepancy with the manufacturer’s preferred mode of cleaning. Towels do tend to be some of the most difficult laundry items to dry and if your dryer’s vent is clogged or your appliance isn’t performing up to par, your towels could come out still damp. If it’s been a minute since you had your dryer vents cleaned or you suspect that there’s an issue with your dryer vent, consider having a professional come out to take a look and perform this routine maintenance. If that doesn’t work, it may be worth your time to have your dryer serviced.
