Buying towels sounds simple until you start looking. Every brand says “luxury,” “plush” or “hotel quality,” and the photos all look the same. Then the towels arrive, and after a few washes they feel thin and scratchy.
If you’re shopping for bath towels in Canada, this guide will help you tell the good ones apart, so you buy once and enjoy them for years.
What Cotton Makes the Best Bath Towels?
Cotton matters more than anything else. The key is the length of the fibres.
- Long-staple cotton, like Turkish or Egyptian cotton, has longer fibres. That makes a smoother, stronger yarn, so the towel feels softer, absorbs more water and lasts longer.
- Regular short-staple cotton is cheaper, but it tends to feel rough sooner and can shed or pill.
Turkish cotton is a great everyday choice. It’s soft and absorbent, and it dries a little faster between uses, which helps when the air is humid in summer or when towels dry slowly indoors in winter.
Tip: look for “100% cotton” on the label. Blends with polyester feel smooth at first but don’t absorb as well.
What Does GSM Mean, and What Should You Choose?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It tells you how thick and heavy a towel is.
- 300–400 GSM: thin and light. Good for the gym or travel.
- 400–500 GSM: medium weight. Dries quickly and still feels soft.
- 600 GSM and up: thick and plush, like a hotel towel.
For your main bath towels, around 600 GSM is the sweet spot. It feels luxurious without taking forever to dry. A set like the Boulevard Bath Towel Set in Azure is woven at 600 GSM from Turkish cotton, which gives you an idea of what that weight feels like.
What Size Bath Towel Do You Need?
Towel sizes vary a lot between brands, so always check the measurements.
- Bath towel: about 70 x 140 cm (28 x 55 in). The everyday standard.
- Bath sheet: about 90 x 150 cm (35 x 60 in) or larger. Great if you like full coverage.
- Hand towel: about 40 x 70 cm (16 x 28 in), for the bathroom sink.
- Washcloth: about 33 x 33 cm (13 x 13 in), for your face.
If you want everything to match, a mixed set is the easiest option. The Boulevard Complete Towel Set in Taupe includes a bath towel, hand towel and washcloth. You can also add extra hand towel sets for guest bathrooms or the kitchen.
How Can You Tell a Towel Is Good Quality?
A few small details show whether a towel will last:
- Dense, even loops that spring back when you press them.
- A woven border, often called a dobby border, that keeps the edges strong.
- Neat, double-stitched hems with no loose threads.
- OEKO-TEX® certification, which means the fabric was tested for harmful substances.
If a towel feels unusually silky in the store, it may have a softener coating. That washes out, and it can make towels less absorbent at first.
What Colour Bath Towels Are Best?
This one comes down to your bathroom, but a few things are worth knowing:
- White looks clean and fresh, and is easy to brighten when washing.
- Grey and taupe hide everyday wear and suit most modern bathrooms.
- Darker colours look rich but can fade faster if washed hot.
If you can’t decide, choose one neutral colour for bath towels and add a second shade for hand towels or face towels.
What Should Canadians Check Before Ordering Towels Online?
Buying online is convenient, but the extra costs can surprise you. Before you order, check:
- Where it ships from. Orders from outside Canada can come with higher shipping costs, import fees or brokerage charges at the door.
- Shipping costs. Some stores offer free shipping within Canada, others add it at checkout.
- Prices in Canadian dollars. That way you know exactly what you’re paying.
- The return policy. Towels are personal, so make sure you can return unused items if they don’t feel right.
How Do You Keep New Towels Soft?
Even the best towels need a little care:
- Wash before first use to remove any factory finish.
- Skip the fabric softener. It coats the fibres and reduces absorbency.
- Don’t overload the washer, so towels rinse properly.
- Tumble dry on low, or hang them where air can move around them.
For more tips, see our guide on how to make your towels last longer.
So, What Are the Best Bath Towels?
The best bath towels for most Canadian homes are:
- 100% long-staple cotton, such as Turkish cotton
- Around 600 GSM for a soft, plush feel
- The right size for how you like to dry off
- Well finished, with a strong border and neat hems
- Bought from a store with clear shipping and returns in Canada
Get those right, and your towels will feel good for years, not just for the first few washes.
And if you’re buying for someone else, the same rules apply. A plush, well-made set in her favourite colour makes a thoughtful gift for a girlfriend, and you’ll find more ideas in our Christmas gifts for her
FAQs
What are the best bath towels to buy in Canada?
Look for 100% long-staple cotton, like Turkish or Egyptian cotton, at around 600 GSM. Buying from a store that ships within Canada helps avoid import fees and makes returns easier.
Is Turkish cotton or Egyptian cotton better for towels?
Both are long-staple and very soft. Egyptian cotton feels extra plush, while Turkish cotton dries a little faster between uses.
What GSM is best for bath towels?
Around 600 GSM gives a thick, hotel-like feel while still drying in a reasonable time.
How often should bath towels be replaced?
Good towels can last several years with proper care. Replace them when they feel thin, stop absorbing well or start to fray.
