Our expert demystifies towel shopping—from plush terry to spa-like waffle—and reveals why that soft store feel is deceptive. Plus care tips to make them last.

Guest: Staff senior writer Jackie Reeve 

Products We Recommend: 

• Top terry cloth towels: Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel
• Budget terry cloth towels: Threshold Spa Plush Towel
• Upgrade terry cloth towels: Riley Spa Bath Towel
• Budget waffle towels: Casaluna Waffle Bath Towel
• Upgrade waffle towels: Onsen Waffle Bath Towel
• Upgrade peshtemal towel: Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel 
• Also great (cheaper) peshtemal towel: Huckberry Mediterranean Turkish Towel 
• Jackie loves: Sugoi Mart Japan KitKat Variety Pack

Additional Reading: 

• The 5 Best Bath Towels of 2025 
• The 4 Best Beach Towels of 2025
• All My Houseguests Ask Me About My Towels by Daniela Gorny
• More about Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towels

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Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast