Cotton vs. Bamboo vs. Microfiber: What Makes the Best Bath Towel?

When purchasing bath towels, what qualities are most important to you? Absorbency...Durability...Comfort? The market is filled with unique options, some of the most popular being cotton, bamboo, and microfiber. Each has its advantages and disadvantages - but which material is right for you?

We asked ourselves the same question when choosing a material for our towels. With the help of expert, American-based manufacturers and weavers, we’ve figured out what is the best material to get that spa-quality towel.

Cotton Bath Towels

There's a reason so many luxury hotels use cotton towels. They are incredibly soft and absorbent, a perfect combo to keep in your bathroom year-round! Cotton towels are also very durable, making them an ideal choice for daily use.

Cotton towels are also easy to care for. They can be machine washed and dried. It’s important to keep in mind that their excellent absorbency does give cotton towels a slower drying time. This can leave your towels more susceptible to mildew and mold. Their high absorbency also makes them susceptible to staining. But, with the proper care, cotton towels are a great, high-quality addition to your home.

 

Cotton Pros	Cotton Cons
More Durable Very Soft Super Absorbent Easy to Wash US-Grown* *Not all cotton is grown in the USA. However, the USA is the 3rd largest supplier of cotton in the world. This towel is 100% Seed-to-Stitch® Made in USA.	Slower Drying Time Heavier Stains Easier

Bamboo Bath Towels

Looking for something more natural? Bamboo bath towels may be the option for you! Bamboo is a sustainable material, as it grows quickly and abundantly, and only needs 1/3 of the water that it takes to grow cotton. Those with sensitive skin can also appreciate their hypoallergenic qualities.

However, processing bamboo bath towels is not as environmentally friendly. The process of turning fibers into towels requires a lot of chemicals. And once in your hands, bamboo bath towels may continue to cause issues. Unlike cotton towels, bamboo bath towels require special care to keep them durable. They can also be rather expensive. If you’re willing to spend a little extra on price and upkeep, then these towels are worth a try.

 

Bamboo Pros	Bamboo Cons
Sustainable Material Hypoallergenic Very Soft	Chemical Intensive Hard to Clean Expensive Not Durable Not US-Sourced

Microfiber Bath Towels

Microfiber bath towels are an excellent choice if you’re looking for something absorbent. Their lightweight quality makes them quick-drying and easy to clean.

However, if comfort is your top priority, then microfiber bath towels may not be the best option. Because they’re made of synthetic materials (such as polyester and nylon), they are also not as environmentally friendly as their cotton and bamboo alternatives. But if you’re looking for something low maintenance, you can rely on microfiber bath towels to get you dried off!

 

Microfiber Pros	Microfiber Cons
Absorbs Well Lightweight Dries Quick Easy to Clean	Uncomfortable Synthetic Not Eco-Friendly Not US-Sourced

So, what do we recommend?

After weighing all of the options, we’ve found that cotton is the best all-around material for bath towels. Cotton bath towels have a durability, softness, and absorbency that just can’t be beat. If you're looking for the best cotton towel on the market, check out our premium, spa quality Essential Cotton Bath Towels. They're 100% cotton, 100% made in the USA, and 100% for you!

We are also committed to creating a cleaner Earth and want to create mindful products. Cotton is a natural-grown plant that is an eco-friendly choice (unlike microfiber towels) and makes a towel that's easy to upkeep (unlike bamboo towels).

When you buy an Authenticity50 Essential Cotton Towel, you know exactly where your cotton is coming from. Unlike other cotton, bamboo, and microfiber towel manufacturers, all of our bath towels are made in the USA, negating the need for container ships that are nasty for the environment. We guarantee that your new towels have traveled less miles than any other towel on the market.

So, the next time you’re drying off after a bath or shower, we’d recommend giving our Essential Cotton Towels a try! Transform your bathroom with this spa-like staple with our free and fast US shipping.

"I received these as a gift and they are next level! Once you use these towels you can't go back. They're better than any 5 star hotel. They're thick, plush, absorbent and super luxurious. Your old towels feel wimpy after using these!"
-Ali L.

 

Want to learn more about how to choose the right bath towels for your home?

Check out our tips on how to find the best bath towels!