Dermatologists Say Waffle Towels Are Better For Your Skin—Here are Our 8 Favorites

Whether you’re settling into a bare-bones new home or simply looking to refresh your linen closet, new towels are both an essential and a luxury. As a beach town resident, I’m constantly going through my stash, so I always have a load of towels in the wash; ocean water, sweat, sand, and more keep them in constant rotation. Eventually, even my plushest of towels wear down to nubs.

Luckily, dermatologists recently let Real Simple in on a tantalizing little secret to change how we stock up our towel supply: Waffle weaves last longer between washes. Because of its texture, the fabric dries more quickly than other materials, allowing you to use it more frequently. Similarly, the waffle weave towels have more longevity in humid climates like mine.

From Brooklinen to Target, from the spa-worthy to the straightforward, there are plenty of waffle towel options available on the market. We’ve rounded up fifteen of our favorites to keep you company all summer—and all year—long.

Best Waffle Weave Towels Under $150

Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Sheets

Crafted from viscose that is sourced from bamboo, this set of two extra-large waffle weave bath towels from sustainable brand Cozy Earth has a clever reversible feature. One side has a mini textured waffle weave while the other has a comfortable ribbed terry. Personally, I love the giant, swaddle-worthy size, because they create the spa-like cocoon of plush towels with the quick-drying convenience of the waffle weave.

Brooklinen Waffle Bath Towels

Available in six attractive colorways, ranging from pale violet to classic black, these on-sale bath towels from Brooklinen are made from 100 percent long-staple Turkish cotton. The unique honeycomb weave is designed to quickly trap water so that it can also dry faster. Best of all, each towel in the set of two is pre-washed for immediate softness, but the material will actually get even softer over time.

Boll & Branch Single Waffle Terry Bath Towel

Bedding and bath brand Boll & Branch excels in luxury linens that feel good on your skin and on your wallet. For those not looking to entirely commit to the waffle lifestyle, this midweight towel also has dual sides: One side has micro-sized waffling, while the other has absorbent terry. The material is also Made in Green Oeko-Tex Certified to ensure that you get towels that are free of any harmful chemicals. P.S. Add in the brand’s vintage-inspired linen sheets if you’re looking to splurge.

Onsen Waffle Bath Sheet Set

Onsen’s Memorial Day sale means shoppers can score up to 40 percent off sitewide, so what better time than now to upgrade your towels. According to the brand, this waffle bath sheet set lasts 45 percent longer than other cotton towels and that these in particular will get softer and more absorbent over time. Personally? We’re just eyeing those ten gorgeous colorways, especially the rich ochre shade. The bundle is a smart buy, as ach set comes with a bath towel, hand towel, and face towel—all of which are 25 percent off this weekend only.

The Citizenry Imabari Waffle Face Towel

Don’t forget smaller hand and facial towels to round out your new waffle collection. From jute rugs to stylish planters, ethical marketplace The Citizenry has plenty to love, including its handcrafted waffle towels that are loomed in super soft Pima cotton in the oldest, family-run mill in Japan. On a functional level, these towels are lightweight, gentle, and have a flattering flat-run border. To keep the towels looking great (they’ll already feel great over time), the brand recommends washing them on cold and hanging them on a rack versus a hook to better retain the shape.

Figment Kitchen Towel

Whenever I’ve moved (frequently), I’ve immediately stocked up on low-cost yet lovely Target towels starting at just $3. Made with 100 percent terry cotton, these waffle weave towels are especially useful in the kitchen for mopping up quick spills, drying dishes, and more without any (ew) dripping or dampness. One shopper went as far as to say, “These towels are the best I’ve purchased so far. They are thick, absorbent and look beautiful in my kitchen. And you can’t beat the price.”

Polyte Oversized 6-Piece Bath Towel Set

Snag your full linen closet upgrade from Amazon with this shopper-favorite pack of waffle weave towels that has over 1,400 five-star ratings. Shoppers appreciate its lack of lint with one reviewer saying they’d buy multiple other sets. You’ll get six towels total (two bath, two hand, and two face towels) that are all made with 400gsm for a thick, durable towel. 

Bed Threads Petrol French Flax Linen Bath Towel

Opting for waffle texture doesn’t mean you have to be tied down to cotton only. Linen’s an excellent fabric choice year-round for its temperature regulation and is thick enough when it’s cool but light when it’s warm. Measuring at 35.4 by 66.9 inches, the towels feel heavyweight and “lightly exfoliating,” according to the brand. You can shop them in seven different colors, ranging from a soft Oatmeal to striking hues like Petrol and Turmeric. Keep in mind that the towels will shed a bit in the beginning but shouldn’t continue happening after the initial few washes.