A hand towel hanging in a bathroom reflects the care (or lack thereof) that goes into a space
Imagine visiting a colleague and spotting a towel in their bathroom with loose threads hanging off the edges. Immediately, an unspoken question forms: “Is this the level of attention everything else receives?”
In a world where snap judgments are made in seconds, seemingly inconsequential details often speak volumes. This is less about being picky and more about the messages we pick up, even when we’re not trying. A crisp towel shows pride in one’s bathroom. Moreover, the Hawmam Linen cotton hand towels won’t lose that brand-new crispness. They’ll stay soft and retain their color—week after week. We voted them the best overall hand towels out of five popular sets.
One day, I bought a cheap towel because, well, it was cheap. After just three washes, it started to fade and unravel. It looked like a sad, washed-out rag—definitely not what I wanted hanging in plain view. Cheap hand towels might seem like a bargain, but they fade fast. That means replacing them frequently. In contrast, a towel that costs a few dollars more stays new longer.
How do you spot a quality towel? Look for premium materials like pure cotton. The Hawmam Linen hand towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton. We voted them best overall for their low-lint fabric and double-stitched edges that prevent fraying. Essentially, they have the same quality as towels used in spas and hotels. They are soft, highly absorbent, and OEKO-TEX certified. As a bonus, they’re available in multiple-size sets and come in 12 stunning colors. If you’re ready to ditch cheap towels for something that lasts, these are worth every penny.
The thought of kids coming over and only having white towels in your bathroom is scary. There are times when you need a particular color towel—and that could be the deciding factor in choosing a brand. The Lruuidde cotton hand towels come in a 2-pack and are available in five colors: white, gray, blue, green, and yellow.
These towels are made from 100% cotton with a super flexible yarn weave. This gives them a soft, fluffy, and incredibly absorbent feel. Likewise, they’re lightweight but quality and dry quickly. You can use them in the bathroom, kitchen, or gym—they’re practical enough for everyday use and stylish enough to stand out. Personally, I like this towel in “Slate Blue” and “Lime Green.” These colors are ideal for a boy’s bathroom—practical yet fun. Because they come in a 2-pack, they’re a smart add-on to a birthday or Christmas gift.
A pattern on a towel says you have an eye for sophistication. The color scheme of the Newraturner cotton hand towels is called “A Clover” and includes four towels in mustard yellow, creamy yellow, and green. Personally, I prefer this set in the blue 2-pack called “Maoj-lassical Blue.” White embroidery on blue always looks refined and is easy to match with most decor.
Moreover, the towels are 100% cotton, quick drying, and highly absorbent. Each towel is reinforced along the edges to prevent unraveling or tearing, even after repeated washing. Most importantly, you can easily machine wash and tumble dry them.
The American Veteran cotton hand towels have a 4.5-star rating and 1,000+ packs sold this month. Why do they sell like hotcakes? The quality is undeniable, but their color selection really sets them apart. This brand offers 18 different colors, including unique shades like “Mint” and “Coral” that you don’t see everywhere.
Are they soft and absorbent? Absolutely. Are they made from 100% Turkish cotton? Without a doubt. Do they meet the same high standards as hotel and spa towels? They sure do. Interestingly, the material isn’t just sourced from Turkey; the towels are made in Turkey, too—a country renowned for exceptional textile craftsmanship. The navy blue in this set stands out as the most classy color to me.
Our final set from Classic Turkish Towels made the list for two reasons: their unbeatable price (6 hand towels at a steal) and their OEKO-TEX certification. And with a name like Classic Turkish Towels, of course, the towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton.
Remember earlier we said the deciding factor in choosing a brand could be a towel’s color? This brand offers unique shades like “Deep Taupe” and a distinctive “Yellow.” They also check all the boxes you’d want in a towel: quick-drying, highly absorbent, durable, and soft enough for guests and everyday use. And if you’re looking for a bath towel, be sure to check out their jumbo bath sheet (photo below)—it’s perfect for those who love a larger, softer towel.
I used to think any towel would do… until I bought cheap ones that fell apart quickly. Cotton hand towels are naturally soft and absorbent. You pay more upfront, but they last longer and feel better.
If you spend $200 a year on cheap towels that constantly need replacing, it’s better to invest $100 in quality towels that last longer.
$200/year on cheap towels versus $100/year on durable towels
Quality cotton towels = better investment
This shows that buying fewer, longer-lasting towels ends up costing less overall.
The type of cotton makes a big difference. Egyptian or Turkish cotton towels are my favorites—they’re incredibly soft and get better with every wash. But I also found that how you care for them matters just as much. Skipping fabric softeners and drying on low heat makes a difference.
Turkish cotton is soft, durable, and highly absorbent, which is why it’s sought after. The Hawmam Linen hand towels are 100% Turkish cotton and have strong, double-stitched edges that prevent fraying. They feel just as luxurious as the towels in a spa or hotel.
Here’s where I’ll admit I’ve made mistakes. I used to throw my towels in with the rest of my laundry and wonder why they didn’t last. Now, I wash them in warm water with a gentle detergent and skip fabric softener entirely. It’s a game-changer. And for white towels? A little baking soda or vinegar keeps them looking fresh, even when they start to show dirt (because white towels get dirty fast).
GSM stands for “grams per square meter.” It’s a measurement used to indicate the weight (and often the thickness and absorbency) of a towel’s fabric. A higher GSM typically means a heavier, denser, and more absorbent towel; a lower GSM usually means a lighter, quicker-drying towel.
Personally, I love the plush feel of 600+ GSM towels—they’re thick, absorbent, and just feel like quality. But if you’re looking for something lightweight for quick drying, a GSM around 400-500 is a good compromise. Either way, understanding GSM makes it easier to avoid those flimsy, cheap towels I used to waste money on.
Here’s my dilemma: I love white towels for their clean, classic look. But white shows dirt so easily, especially in a busy household. My solution? I keep a mix—white for guests or display, and neutral grays or beiges for daily use.
If you’re into bold colors, I’d say match them to your bathroom’s accent pieces like a rug, washcloth, or shower curtain. It’s amazing how quality towels can elevate a space without much effort.
When redoing a bathroom, the colors you choose can set the tone. Here’s how different hues can affect the mood and energy of your space:
White bathrooms feel open, airy, and spotless (at least when they’re clean). The only downside? It shows every smudge and speck of dirt, so you’ll need to stay on top of cleaning.
If you want your bathroom to feel like a retreat, shades ranging from sky tones to deep navy have a calming effect that reminds people of the ocean. Pair it with white or gray for a sophisticated look.
Gray is another go-to for me—it’s modern, sleek, and pairs well with almost any accent color. It creates a balanced, neutral space that can feel either warm or cool depending on the shade. I’ve seen gray bathrooms look luxurious with the right lighting and metallic fixtures.
Light greens bring a touch of nature indoors. Darker greens, like forest or sage, feel earthy and grounded. I’d recommend green if you want your space to feel rejuvenating but not overwhelming.
Yellow bathrooms? They’re like a burst of sunshine! While I personally lean toward neutral tones, I can see the appeal of a soft, buttery yellow for a cheerful, inviting feel. Just avoid overly bright yellows—they can be too much in a small space.
Black bathrooms are dramatic and chic, but they’re definitely a commitment. I love the idea of black accents—think matte fixtures or tiles paired with white walls—for a striking look. A fully black bathroom can feel luxurious, but it needs the right lighting to avoid feeling too dark.
Soft pinks can add a subtle warmth without being too overpowering. I’ve seen blush tones work beautifully in bathrooms, especially when paired with gold fixtures. Ultimately, it’s a playful choice that feels unique.
When choosing colors, think about how you want your bathroom to feel—relaxing, energizing, or something in between. And remember, small changes like towels, quality sheets, rugs, and artwork can make a big difference without a full remodel.
Egyptian cotton towels are known for their extra-long fibers, which make them softer, while Turkish cotton towels are slightly lighter and dry faster. The Hawmam Linen cotton hand towels are made from Turkish cotton, so they balance softness and quick drying for everyday use.
Cotton hand towels are more absorbent and feel softer than microfiber. Microfiber is great for cleaning surfaces but can feel less comfortable against your skin.
Towels like the Hawmam Linen cotton hand towels are designed to dry faster thanks to their lightweight yet absorbent weave. This not only saves time but also helps prevent musty odors between washes.
I cut up old cotton hand towels to use as polishing cloths for my furniture. They’re perfect for the job and save money on cleaning supplies.
Absolutely. The Hawmam Linen cotton hand towels are white (photo above), but if you want something more practical for everyday use, you can pick a darker shade like gray. With 12 colors to choose from, there’s a color that will work for every household.
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