Best Waffle Towels You Can’t Live Without

I’m totally sold on waffle towels now. I’ve always believed a good bath towel can make or break your bathroom and showering routine, but it also levels up your bathroom décor. When I moved into my new home, I decided to upgrade from my old terry cloth standbys to waffle towels, the kind you usually see in fancy boutique hotels or dreamy bathroom Pinterest boards.

Now that I’ve tried them, I see what all the hype is about. They’re lightweight, nicely textured, and (when you find a good one) they dry faster than you can say “laundry day.”

But not all waffle towels are created equal, something I learned the hard way. Some are way too stiff and scratchy, some lose their shape after just a few washes, and others are so thin you’re basically drying off with a cheap napkin.

So, I tried a bunch, did some digging around, and rounded up the best waffle towels you can buy. I included options for every budget and preference, so you’ll definitely find at least one waffle towel meant for you right here.

Bottom Line Upfront: Parachute’s Waffle Towels Are the Best

After trying, testing, and honestly living with multiple waffle towels, Parachute’s stand out every single time. I just can’t believe how amazing these are. Seriously. They’re crazy soft, absorbent, dry quickly, and hold up beautifully after dozens and dozens of washes.

They also look great draped over a rack or rolled up in a basket, especially in guest bathrooms. If you’re looking for a great towel that ticks every box—function, style, and longevity—this is the one. But I have other options, so keep reading!

How I Chose the Best Waffle Towels

Here’s what I looked for when picking the best waffle towels for this list (and what you should look for, too):

• Material quality: 100% long-staple cotton or blends that are OEKO-TEX certified and safe for sensitive skin.
• Absorbency and drying time: A waffle towel should dry you—and itself—quickly.
• Durability: No fraying edges, no shrinking, no “sad towel” vibes after a few washes.
• Style and color range: Towels are décor now. You want them to look as good as they feel.
• Price and value: There’s no point in paying luxury prices for a towel that acts like a bargain bin find.

The 6 Best Waffle Towels to Buy

After trying a few waffle towels, I know now that you can usually tell the difference between the good and crappy ones just by feel. But that doesn’t help when shopping online. So, I did the hard work for you, and behold! The best waffle towels in one place.

1. Parachute Waffle Towels

Best Overall

Parachute’s Waffle Towels are strange because they’re super light but mighty. When I first got mine, I honestly wondered if they’d be absorbent enough, they’re that airy. But they pull water off your skin quickly and then dry themselves even faster, which means no funky smells or damp-towel grossness sitting at the bottom of your laundry basket. They also soften beautifully with every wash without losing their shape, so they’re never scratchy against your skin.

The design is simple and chic with muted, neutral colors (charcoal is my fav) that fit into pretty much any bathroom aesthetic. They’re made from long staple Turkish cotton, and you can get them as bath towels, hand towels, or full sets, so you can mix and match sizes depending on your space.

The prices are a bit steep, starting around $30 per towel, but you can save money by going with their bundles of 4 and 4 or 6 and 6 (body and hand towels), and they’re worth every penny, I promise.

Price range: $29-$49 each, depending on size

Best for: People who want spa-quality towels that actually live up to the hype

Pros:

• Softens with each wash
• Dries fast and stays fresh
• Minimalist, elevated look

Cons:

• On the pricier side compared to mass-market brands

2. Onsen Waffle Bath Towel

Best for Fast Drying

Onsen’s waffle towels are lightweight with a crisp, tactile weave that gives you that “just-left-the-spa” feeling. They dry incredibly fast, which is perfect for humid climates or small bathrooms with little ventilation.

I noticed a few customers state that they do have a bit of a “break-in” period and feel stiffer at first, but they’re durable and don’t trap moisture.

They come in over ten different color options, and are made from Supima cotton (yay!). Grab a single towel, a set of two, or a set of four. Also, you get free shipping for any order over $95.

Price range: $60-$180 depending on set

Best for: Humid climates or people who want ultra-fast drying

Pros:

• Crisp, airy weave
• Dries faster than most towels
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Stiff at first
• Edges can fray if not laundered gently

3. Brooklinen Waffle Towels

Best Color Variety

Brooklinen’s waffle towels were always my top choice when I was moving into my first house. I told everyone that’s what I wanted as a housewarming gift. But when I tried Parachute’s…okay, it’s a close race, but I have to say Brooklinen might be my second favorite now.

These waffle towels are slightly denser than Parachute or Onsen, which makes them great if you like a little more heft. They’re still fast-drying, but they feel more substantial in hand and do take a smidge longer to air dry after use.

I like these for cooler months or when I want that “wrapped-up” feeling without sacrificing the benefits of a waffle weave. They also have a broader color palette than most brands, so you can coordinate with your existing bathroom décor.

Price range: $130 for a set of 2 hand and 2 body towels

Best for: People who like a heavier towel and lots of color options

Pros:

• Heavier feel without losing waffle benefits
• Excellent color selection
• Good durability

Cons:

• Slightly slower drying than Parachute
• Can feel bulky in smaller bathrooms

4. Slowtide Waffle Towels

Best Organic Option

Slowtide is a newer company, but with a ton to offer, and users are loving them. They have waffle towels that are made from sustainably sourced cotton and are Oeko-Tex certified. They’re really soft on the skin, even right out of the package, and are highly absorbent. You can pick from six great colors that are made to pair with most décor styles. Honestly, these are perfect for gifting or for upgrading your own towel situation.

Price range: $49ea or $260 for a set of 8 pieces

Best for: Eco-conscious buyers who still want style

Pros:

• Affordable
• Fun designs
• Decent absorbency

Cons:

• Not as durable as premium brands
• Limited sizing

5. Boll & Branch Waffle Towels

Best for Everyday Luxury

I first stumbled upon Boll & Branch when I had to test their mattress (which is amazing, BTW) a while back, and only just realized that they have waffle towels! I love how they take everyday basics and elevate them to look and feel like luxury items. Their waffle towels are plush yet breathable, with a soft feel that makes daily showers feel like a treat. They’re also Fair Trade certified, which adds to their whole appeal.

They’re a little bit heavier than Parachute but lighter than Brooklinen because you get a micro waffle weave on one side and a terry cloth on the other. They’re not the best if you live in a humid climate. I would suggest going with something lighter, like the Parachute waffle towels, if you live in a coastal area or somewhere that tends to be damp all the time.

Price range: $69ea

Best for: People who want everyday luxury and a heavier towel

Pros:

• Fair Trade certified
• Plush but breathable
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Limited color range

6. The Citizenry Waffle Towels

Best Aesthetic Design

I’m totally in love with how Citizenry’s waffle towels are made with unique artisanal vibes and hand-woven looks. They claim to be small-batch production, not mass produced, so you can literally feel the extra level of care and attention that comes from one of the oldest looms in Japan. And, honestly, the price isn’t that bad when compared to other brands.

For hand-woven and small batch, I expected a higher price, for sure. With that being said, it’s still a lot to pay for towels, but waffle towels are in right now, so expect to pay a premium no matter the brand.

They come in five different colors that range from neutrals to darks, and you can get a set of six (2 body, 2 hand, 2 cloths) for about $285, and there’s free shipping.

Price range: $45–$155

Best for: Design lovers who want something unique

Pros:

• Beautiful, artisanal aesthetic
• Lightweight and quick-drying
• Great for guest bathrooms

Cons:

• Premium price
• Limited availability

Which Waffle Towel are You Picking?

Waffle towels aren’t just a trend (even though they’re everywhere right now) they’re a real upgrade for your bathroom because they’re fast-drying, stylish, and (when you pick the right ones) they literally last for years.

From my testing, Parachute’s Waffle Towels are still the clear winner for performance, style, price, and longevity. If you’re ready to swap out your old terry cloth towels for something that feels spa-worthy every day, start there. You won’t regret it.

Want more bathroom upgrades and honest product roundups? Check out our other guides! We test and check things out so you don’t have to!