Top 5 Soft Organic Towels for Your Eco-Friendly Bathroom

Are you seeking the perfect organic bath towels to meet your sustainable lifestyle needs?

I understand how important it is to prioritize eco-friendliness without paying a premium or compromising on quality.

With that in mind, I've used my testing and research experience to comb through dozens of towel options to bring you this list of the best organic towels for 2023.

I'll also cover important topics such as what to prioritize when shopping for new towels, laundry care, and responsible disposal.

But first, here are the best bath towel brands that produce affordable, luxury goods without harming the planet...

My 5 Favorite Towels for Sustainable Showers and Baths

• Materials: 100% GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton

These are, without a doubt, the best bath towels I tested!

They're made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, ensuring high absorbency and incredible plushness.

Clocking in at 700 gsm, these Avocado towels provide a premium and indulgent experience that makes me feel like I'm taking a daily spa break. And the handy hanging loop on each towel makes it easy to dry them on a hook.

I also love that they're one of only a select handful of towels available in the US that are MADE SAFE® certified (this means no ingredients known or suspected to harm human health, animals, aquatic life, or ecosystems are used).

• Materials: 100% Organic Cotton

If you like the feel of Turkish cotton, then these towels (crafted with combed, long-staple organic cotton sourced from Turkey) will provide the premium quality you're seeking.

I'm very impressed with the coziness of the fabric and like the style of the clean finish hem.

The ribbed design also aids with drying, so you won't have wet towels hanging around for hours. Although, if quick drying is your number one priority, I have a better option for you below. 

Pact's commitment to sustainability goes beyond its Turkish bath towels, and I'm delighted to see it's partnered with SimpliZero to offset the carbon footprint of its entire supply chain. 

So, you can enjoy these luxurious towels knowing they're both premium and carbon neutral.

• Materials: 100% Long-Staple Cotton

Are you looking for a lightweight towel that dries quickly but is still super absorbent? Then you're in the right place!

I was disappointed by the lack of absorbency in most of the lightweight, quick-drying towels I tested. But not this one. Snowe Home has delivered here.

It uses a clever process that traps air within each cotton fiber, resulting in a quick-drying unbelievably soft masterpiece.

This is a non-organic option. However, thanks to the use of certified cotton, I'm happy that this is a non-toxic and sustainable product.

• Materials: 100% Organic Bamboo Lyocell

These are Mrs. M's favorite towels (she prefers a lighter-weight towel that clings like a robe).

Crafted from exclusive CleanBamboo® waffle fabric, these towels are irresistibly soft and sustainable.

The bamboo is grown using 100% rainwater and processed in a closed-loop system that recycles water up to 200 times.

These towels are also thoughtfully pre-washed and packaged in a reusable drawstring bag made from recycled polyester.

I love that the abundance of bamboo in China allows for sourcing raw materials near the certified factory that manufactures these towels, reducing travel miles and CO2 emissions.

However, the standout feature of these towels is they appear to be getting softer and softer after every wash.

• Materials: 54% Linen, 46% Cotton

If linen is more your thing, then these towels from AmourLinen are the ones for you.

These fabulous towels are crafted with love by talented artisans in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Made with 54% linen and 46% cotton, AmourLinen has carefully chosen sustainable and non-toxic materials for your utmost peace of mind. The linen is OEKO-TEX certified, and the cotton is sustainably sourced.

While this is not an organic product, you can rest assured it's still gentle on you and the environment.

A heads-up about delivery times. Because these towels are made to order, they usually take about two weeks to reach your door. But trust me, they're worth the wait!

Benefits of Using Organic Bath Towels

Environmental Benefit

• Pesticide-Free Production: Conventional cotton farming is one of the most significant users of pesticides in agriculture. The data shows that organic cotton production is better for the environment because it is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This means healthier soil, cleaner water, and a happier ecosystem.
• Water Conservation: Organic farming uses innovative irrigation techniques that can save a significant amount of water compared to traditional methods.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: By avoiding synthetic fertilizers, organic farming also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many organic towel manufacturers are committed to using renewable energy sources in their production process, further shrinking their carbon footprint.
• Promoting Biodiversity: Without harmful chemicals disrupting their growth, organic farms become safe havens for wildlife, promoting biodiversity.
• Waste Reduction: In general, in the production of organic goods, resources are used sparingly and reused when possible. Organically produced towels are also often packaged with minimal plastic, (if any at all). 

Health Benefits

• Breathable and Hypoallergenic: Many materials used in organic towels (such as organic cotton and bamboo) are naturally breathable and hypoallergenic. These natural fibers can absorb and wick away moisture more effectively than synthetic materials, keeping you dry and comfortable.
• Non-Toxic: One of the biggest health benefits of organically produced towels is that they're non-toxic. Traditional towel manufacturing can involve a cocktail of chemicals, from bleaches to dyes, many of which can linger on the final product (for example, standard cotton towels marked as 'antiwrinkle' or 'antibacterial' often contain high levels of formaldehyde). Organic towels are made with minimal processing and natural dyes, making them a safer choice for you and your family.

How to Choose the Best Organic Towels

If you want to find a genuinely organic and sustainable bath towel, you should take the following factors into account:

Materials

There are various materials to choose from when deciding on your next towel purchase, including:

• Cotton: The superstar of the organically produced towel world is undoubtedly organic cotton. This natural fiber is not only soft and absorbent but also grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. High-quality Turkish and Egyptian cotton are particularly prized for their plushness and durability.
• Bamboo: Another popular choice is bamboo. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, growing much faster than cotton and requiring less water. Towels made from bamboo are naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and incredibly soft. Plus, they're super absorbent, making them perfect for bath time. However, it's worth noting that some bamboo towels are actually a mix of bamboo viscose and cotton.
• Linen: Although less common, linen is another excellent option for towels. Made from flax fibers, linen towels are incredibly durable and get softer with every wash. They're also naturally antibacterial and can absorb a good amount of moisture. As with bamboo, most linen towels are a mix of linen and cotton.

Company Ethics

It's not just about what's in your towels; it's also about who made them.

When you're looking for ethical towels, look for companies committed to fair trade and sustainable production methods.

This means paying workers fairly, providing safe working environments, and having systems to ensure products are made ethically.

Certifications

When you choose products certified by respected organizations, you make a positive impact while avoiding greenwashing.

Look out for the following certifications and feel confident that your new towels align with your eco-credentials and contribute to a greener world:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): When it comes to towels, the GOTS certification is the gold standard. Recognized worldwide, it ensures that the entire production process, from harvesting raw materials to the final product, is organic and environmentally responsible. It also includes social criteria, ensuring fair working conditions for everyone involved.
• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification is another crucial label to look for. It guarantees that every component of the product is free from harmful substances. So, when you wrap yourself in an OEKO-TEX® certified towel, you can be sure it's skin-friendly.
• USDA Organic: The USDA Organic seal is a trusted certification for consumers in the US. While it primarily focuses on food products, it's also applicable to cotton used to make towels. This certification assures that the cotton was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it a safer choice for your skin and our planet.
• Fair Trade Certified: The Fair Trade seal tells you that the product was made in accordance with rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards. By choosing a Fair Trade towel, you support a system that empowers farmers and workers, protects the environment, and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
• MADE SAFE: MADE SAFE is a certification program that evaluates products for harmful chemicals and ingredients. This seal assures you that the product has passed rigorous testing to ensure it's free of known toxins and safe for human health.
• 1% for the Planet: By choosing a product with the 1% for the Planet seal, you're joining an innovative alliance that brings together businesses and nonprofits to help protect our planet.

Thickness / Weight

This is a matter of personal preference.

Thicker, heavier towels are more absorbent but take longer to dry.

Towel weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter). A higher GSM usually indicates a denser, more absorbent towel.

Softness & Plushness

Again, this comes down to personal comfort.

Some people prefer the plush feel of a thick towel, while others like the lightweight softness of a thinner one.

Size

• Hand Towels (Typical Size Range 15" x 27" to 18" x 32 "): The unsung heroes of our day-to-day life. Perfectly sized to hang next to your sink, these towels are your trusty companions after a quick face wash or a hurried hand rinse.
• Bath Towels (Typical Size Range 20" x 40" to 30" x 60 "): Bath towels are just the right size for a good rub-down post-shower.
• Bath Sheets (Typical Size Range 35" x 66" to 35" x 70 "): If you love the feeling of being wrapped up in softness after a bath, then bath sheets are for you. They provide that extra coverage and absorbency but require more water and energy to clean due to their larger size.
• Washcloths: (Typical Size Range 12" x 12" to 13" x 13") Small but mighty, washcloths are your go-to choice for facial care routines. Their small size makes them quick to launder and dry, making them a sustainable choice for daily use.
• Beach Towels: For those sunny days by the sea, beach towels are your best bet. Usually bigger than a bath towel but smaller than a bath sheet, these towels offer ample room to lounge on the sand. Just shake off the sand before you wash them to avoid clogging your washing machine.
• Fingertip Towels: Measuring approximately 11" x 18", fingertip towels are ideal for guest bathrooms. They're a thoughtful touch when you have company and help reduce the use of larger towels, thus saving water and energy.

Color Fastness

High-quality, sustainable products can be more expensive, and organic bath towel sets are no exception.

You don't want your hard-earned money wasted on towels that quickly fade.

That's why I've prioritized brands that kept their color bright and vibrant after multiple washes.

Organic Towels vs. Eco-Friendly Towels: What's the Difference?

To be classed as organic, a towel must be specifically made from organic materials. But eco-friendly towels may be made from various sustainable materials that are not necessarily certified organic.

While not organic, eco-friendly towel companies often display ethical business practices and typically employ manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact.

In order to cover as many options and price points as possible, I've included both organic and eco-friendly towel recommendations in this article.

How to Care for Your Towels

Keeping your certified organic bath towels fresh and fluffy while being eco-friendly is a breeze if you follow these simple pointers.

Wash Wisely

Washing your towels after every use is unnecessary.

You can typically use a towel 3-4 times before it needs to be washed.

When it's time to wash, use cold water settings on your washing machine. Not only does this conserve energy, but it also helps your towels retain their color.

Also, try to fill up your washing machine to its full capacity to maximize water efficiency.

Detergent Dos and Don'ts

When washing your towels, less is more! Overusing detergent can lead to a buildup of residue, which reduces the absorbency of your towels.

Choose eco-friendly detergents free from harsh chemicals to keep your towels soft and kind to your skin.

Steer clear of fabric softeners. Yes, you heard that right. While they might make your towels feel soft, they coat the fibers and reduce their absorbency.

Instead, you can use white vinegar, which naturally softens your towels and removes any lingering odors.

Dry with Care

Drying your towels properly is crucial for their longevity.

If possible, line-dry your towels outside. The sun's UV rays have natural sanitizing properties, and the breeze leaves your towels beautifully fresh. Plus, you'll be saving energy by skipping the dryer!

If you need to use a dryer, opt for a lower heat setting to prevent your towels from shrinking or losing their softness.

And remember, don't over-dry your towels, as it can make them stiff and brittle.

Fold and Store

Once your towels are completely dry, fold them neatly and store them in a cool, dry place.

Avoid piling too many towels together, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew.

Are organic cotton towels better than regular cotton?

Organic cotton is better because it is grown without pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. This type of cotton is better for both your health and the environment. Steph covers this in greater detail in her why is organic cotton better article.

Is Turkish cotton a good choice for towels?

Yes, Turkish cotton is highly regarded for its softness and absorbency. It's an excellent choice for the best organic bath towels (and also bath mats, face towels, robes, etc.), offering both luxurious comfort and superior absorbency. 

Is Egyptian cotton a good choice for towels?

Yes, Egyptian cotton is considered one of the world's finest fibers and is renowned for its softness and absorbency. It is also highly durable, making it a good choice for towels (although it's much more commonly seen in organic bedding).

How often should I replace my towels?

Bath towels should generally be replaced every two to five years, depending on usage and washing. Don't just toss your old towels in the trash; donate them to a worthy cause.

Are microfiber towels a sustainable choice?

Microfiber is not a sustainable choice. As covered in my is microfiber toxic article, one of the major concerns with microfiber is the amount of microplastics that enter our waterways after each wash.

How many bath towels do I need?

 Generally speaking, two to four towels per person is a good rule of thumb for most households, but it depends on the size of your family.

How do I stop towels from shedding fluff?

To stop towels from shedding fluff, it's essential to use a mild detergent and gentle cycle when washing them. Also, avoid using fabric softeners, as they can coat the towel's fibers and make it more likely to shed. Finally, follow the care instructions on your towels for the best results.

The Final Word

Organic bath towels are crafted with a focus on sustainability, ensuring they're made from environmentally friendly materials and produced using methods that minimize harm to the planet.

By choosing organic towels, you are actively making a conscious decision that benefits not only your health but also the well-being of our planet.

Get In Touch

Do you prefer a plush towel? Or is lightweight more your thing? Have you already made the switch to eco-friendly bath towels? Or are you happy using conventional cotton towels? Drop me a line and let me know.