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The 5 best bath towels in Australia that stay soft after every wash

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There’s nothing like wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy towel after a delightful shower or bath.

But have you ever reached for your towel on the bathroom hook, only to come in contact with a rough, sometimes crusty surface? 

The problem is that some towels lose all their fluff after washing, and it’s difficult to restore them to their original softness.

Luckily, Aussie mums are on the case and have offered a multitude of tips, tricks, and towel recommendations to ensure your after-bathtime experience is soft and cuddly every time!

Towels that stay soft after washing

It all started with one mum writing to the Facebook Group, Mums Who Clean, to ask for towel recommendations.

“Looking for suggestions for bath sheets that stay soft even after washing. Thank you”

What kind of towels stay soft?

The mums have responded in spades, with over 150 comments outlining their favourite towel brands and even specific towel collections that seem to maintain their cloud-like quality for a long time. 

Here are the top five towels that remain soft, even after multiple washes.

canningvale soft towel in stack

Amalfitana 7-piece towel set, $129.99, Canningvale

Lots of mums recommend Canningvale towels.

“I’m a towel snob. I buy Canningvale towels, the more expensive ones,” said one commenter. 

“They don’t carry my favourite towel anymore. My next favourite is the Egyptian Royale, but I find it very heavy, so I opt for the sheet size. If you prefer a lighter towel, the Royal Splendour is a nice option and offers good value. Yes, I also buy their sheets, and I love bamboo sheets.

“I’m with you. Canningvale are the best towels I’ve owned in 45 years.”

Key features:

  • Lightweight & quick drying
  • Soft hand-feel
  • 100% zero-twist cotton
  • Full terry with pintuck borders
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified (ensuring no harmful substances)

Luxury Egyptian cotton bath towel $49.99, Sheridan

Sheridan towels also got a few mentions, with many saying they are “the best”.

“Sheridan towels are the best,” said one person.

Another added: “I love the Sheridan quick dry towels. All my Sheridan towels are soft, but they are the best.”

“I bought my Sheridan towels over 15 years ago, and it is still the best purchase ever.”

Key features:

  • Fibre Content: 100% Egyptian Cotton Pile, Excluding trims
  • Finished with a classic border style design
  • Crafted from the finest, combed ring-spun, certified Egyptian cotton pile, making it long-lasting with a beautifully soft hand feel
  • Towels can be tumble-dried for easy care

Available at:

target towel set in fawn

Grandeur bath sheet in Fawn, $16, Target

Target’s bath towels are a great budget option that don’t compromise on softness.

“I was a towel snob until I read on here about Target’s Grandeur towels. They are the best I’ve ever used and bloody cheap compared to all the ones I used to buy,” said one mum. 

“I was sceptical at first, but I’ve been a convert for 18 months now. Wash them on a hot or cold wash in the front loader, then straight in the dryer. Never had any fluff. They are super absorbent and hold their shape.”

Another said, “I love my target towels. I was very surprised at how soft they are, even if I don’t put them in the dryer.”

Key features:

  • Extra-thick combed cotton
  • Cotton pile, cotton base
  • Soft, durable and absorbent
spotlight towel set hotel savoy milk colour

Hotel Savoy super absorbent towel, $50, Spotlight

Of course, the ever-trusty Spotlight comes up again and again as the top retailer for linens and towels. 

One mum exclaimed, “I have bought beautiful towels from Spotlight!”

Key features:

  • Made from finely woven cotton
  • Ultra-plush and incredibly soft
  • Fast drying and highly absorbent
  • 720GSM face washer, hand towel, bath towel and bath sheet
  • 1200GSM bath mat
flinders towels from adairs

Morgan & Finch Blue bath towel, $26.95, Bed Bath & Table

Bring spa-like softness to your bathroom with the Flinders Seafoam Towel Range, Adairs’ signature low-twist cotton towel that combines durability, absorbency, and everyday luxury.

Key features:

  • Made from low-twist cotton yarn for softness and longevity
  • 650 GSM for towels and 900 GSM for bath mat – thick, plush, and absorbent
  • Available in a full range: face washer, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, and bath mat
  • Sold separately so you can mix and match across 9 colours
  • Soft-to-the-skin feel is ideal for the whole family
  • Linen Lovers save on every piece
  • Free returns and free shipping over $175

Tips for washing towels

While some people gave a shout-out to their favourite towels, others shared some tips for washing towels, so they stay nice and soft. 

“I wash them with minimal detergent. I don’t use a softener or vinegar (I tried it, but couldn’t tell any difference) and double-rinse them. I have a top loader. 

“Give them a good shake as you hang them out. If it’s particularly hot and sunny, I dry them in the shade. Take them off the line as soon as they are dry or a bit before and give them a quick whirl in the dryer.”

Another mum is a fan of the extra rinse cycle. “I wash towels as usual, but I do an extra rinse cycle.”

Another commenter shares her trick for making towels soft, regardless of the brand. 

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