Latest news with #Supima
NBC News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
I've tested 20+ t-shirts over the last few years and this Uniqlo U t-shirt is still one of my favorites
Finding the perfect white T-shirt is harder than it should be. I've tested dozens over the years, including those from indie labels and global basics brands. It's my version of Homer's 'The Odyssey' — an epic that often leaves me feeling underwhelmed. Either the sleeves are awkwardly short, the fit is too long or the fabric doesn't hold up after a few washes. But, if there's one shirt that checks all the right boxes for me — and might just work for you, too — it's the Uniqlo U Crew Neck T-shirt. I've been buying and wearing this tee for nearly a decade (not the same one, obviously) and it continues to hold its place in my closet. The boxy silhouette, thicker cotton and just-right, elongated sleeves give it a look that feels equal parts '90s and modern. What I like about the Uniqlo U t-shirt Uniqlo has a whole range of tees — Supima, Airism, Heattech — but the Uniqlo U crewneck, designed in collaboration with Christophe Lemaire, is the one I keep coming back to. Every season Lemaire and Uniqlo collaborate on a new collection called Uniqlo U. The collection usually changes, but the one constant is the Uniqlo U crewneck t-shirt. Basic color options like white, gray and black are always available, but each season also offers new colorways like purple, natural, brown and more. There are currently up to eight colors to choose from. The shirt's sizing also ranges from XXS — 3XL. It's made with heavyweight cotton and features a thick neckline that holds up after many washes. The cut is unisex, with a boxy, cropped shape and longer sleeves that hit just above the elbow. It's flattering without feeling tight or trendy, and fits nicely into casual and styled outfits. The fabric has a noticeable weight to it — not overly heavy, but enough to stand out next to more lightweight options. It maintains its shape and structure even after multiple washes and dryer cycles (oops). It's one of the few shirts I own that actually gets better with wear. Things to note While the construction is solid, I've noticed some slight shrinkage over time, mostly in the length and sleeves. It's not dramatic, but worth keeping in mind if you prefer a looser fit. Also, this shirt loves to hang onto stains. A full wash usually gets them out, but quick fixes like Tide pens rarely do the trick. If you're the kind of person who's always holding a coffee or pasta fork mid-gesture, just know that you might need to wash it a little more often. T-shirt alternatives Buck Mason Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee I've owned the Field-Spec Heavy Tee from Buck Mason for about four years. I still have the original shirt and have bought a few more since then. It's truly one of my favorite shirts. It has a classic cut that is at a perfect length, and it's made of a soft heavyweight cotton. Like most things from Buck Mason, inspired by vintage clothing, the cut isn't too restrictive or loose. It also comes in seven neutral colors. Lady White Co. Our T-Shirt 2 Pack The Lady White Co t-shirt two-pack is one of the best shirts I have ever worn. It's pricey, but it's extremely comfortable with a perfect classic fit. It's preshrunk in the wash, so you don't have to worry about any issues with length or sleeves shortening in the future. It also has a tubular design, which means there aren't any seams along the shirt's side, making for a really comfortable and flattering fit. Tubular shirts are tough to make, so side seams are more popular. The Lady White Co shirt is also knit, cut and sewn in Los Angeles, CA, according to the brand. If money is no issue, finding a better shirt on the market would be hard. The bottom line The Uniqlo U crew neck shirt is my go-to shirt. It's affordable, it has a flattering silhouette and sturdy construction. Even minor issues like minor shrinkage are easy to ignore. I've been wearing Uniqlo U tees for over a decade, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Why trust NBC Select? I am an editor at NBC Select who writes and edits stories on various topics including tech, apparel, home and more. I have covered major shopping holidays and other events for over five years. For this article, I used my years of apparel and fashion experience to find my ideal t-shirt.
NBC News
23-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
The best finds in the Everlane sale section right now
Everlane is one of those brands proving that basic pieces don't have to look basic. The retailer is known for closet staples — think jeans, t-shirts, work pants and button downs — that are simple while still being incredibly chic. Beyond clothes, it also offers minimalist bags, sandals and sneakers that go with almost any outfit. While the brand is always relatively budget-friendly, the affordability factor skyrockets when they have sales, and one is happening right now. The site has 742 items marked down; some pieces are under $50. To help you shop, we selected a handful of our favorite marked-down items for men and women from Everlane. Currently on sale at Everlane for women The Gathered Shirt in Silky Cotton A striped button-down is the workhorse of any wardrobe — tuck it into a pencil skirt for a work look or wear it loose with jeans for the weekend. This one is 50% off and made from silky Supima cotton. It has an oversized fit and shirring details at the shoulder and yoke for specialness. The Short-Sleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit This bodysuit is a great base layer, giving you a sleek look under blazers, sweaters, jackets and more. It molds to your body and has a snap closure. The sleeves hit just above the elbows, and it has a high crew neckline. The bodysuit is available in sizes XXS through XXL, though the largest size is currently sold out. The Chino in Buttersoft Meet your new favorite spring pants. These chinos are made from a soft Tencel fabric and have a slouchy fit that is great for casual wear. They are high-rise, taper at the leg and have asymmetrical back pockets — one slit pocket, one flap pocket. The Dream Pant Everlane calls these the Dream Pant because they feel like sweats but look professional enough to wear to work. They are made with a double-knit fabric, have an elastic waist and have pintuck detailing that runs vertically down each leg. The pants hit just above the ankle and are available in sizes XXS through XXXL. This small crossbody looks like a tiny duffel bag and the parchment color is currently 65% off. The bag has top handles and a strap to wear on your shoulder or across your body. It has one main zippered compartment with two slip pockets inside. It's made from recycled nylon that can easily be wiped down if it gets dirty, according to the brand. Currently on sale at Everlane for men The Pique Polo This polo looks dressier than a t-shirt but is made from cotton, giving it a comfortable feel. The standard fit works on most body types and has nice breathability, according to the brand. The toasted coconut color is currently 69% off and is available in sizes XS through XXL. The Slim 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean These jeans have four-way stretch, making them comfortable for all-day wear and various activities. They have a regular rise, a slim fit and a slightly tapered leg. The washed black color is currently 50% off and they have a 4.6-star average rating from 585 reviews at Everlane. The Essential Organic Crew You can't go wrong with a classic tee, especially when it is 40% off. It's made from organic cotton and only shrinks minimally when washed (provided you tumble dry it on low), according to the brand. Currently, the spring lake color is on sale and is available in sizes XS through L. More deals from Everlane Why trust NBC Select? I'm a writer at NBC Select who covers a variety of topics, including home, tech and beauty. I have been covering major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday for over a decade.
Telegraph
11-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The White Company Rib Hydrocotton Towel review: ‘If I close my eyes, it feels like I'm in a spa'
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. What are The White Company Rib Hydrocotton Towels? Established 30 years ago by founder Chrissie Rucker, The White Company does a great job of producing premium homeware from bath gifts to candles, bed linen and bedroom furniture at relatively reasonable prices. The brand's signature style is simple yet luxurious and its towels are no exception. After testing a wide selection to find the best bath towels for their softness and absorbency, I rated The White Company's Rib Hydrocotton Towels as the best overall. I was impressed from the off with both the quality and durability of this pure cotton collection and it appears I'm not not alone. The range is one of The White Company 's most reviewed towel collections on its website, with a customer rating of around 4.6 out of 5, based on 256 reviews. They are soft and plump and come in an attractive ribbed design. They feel great against your skin, wash well and dry fast. The five available sizes range from a face cloth (£6) to a super jumbo towel (£56), and will upgrade any bathroom experience. How we test bath towels In my previous quest to find the best bath towel on the market I tested a wide range of Turkish, Egyptian and Supima cotton bath towels, which made it easy to compare the quality and absorbency of the White Company's towels first hand. I repeatedly used the Rib Hydrocotton range over the course of three weeks, keen to see how they felt against my skin and how well they dried me after showering. To further test absorbency, I put a towel corner under water to see how the fibres responded. I also washed the towels regularly at 30 degrees, testing how quickly and efficiently they dried afterwards and how well they kept their soft and fluffy texture. Finally, I rated the durability of the material, the sizes in the range and the colours available. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Material Made from 100 per cent Turkish cotton, these towels have a GSM rating of 500. Short for grams per square metre, this metric denotes the weight of the towel and a higher number indicates a softer, more absorbent design. This is slightly lower than some of the super-thick towels I have previously tested, like Soak and Sleep's 700 GSM Egyptian Cotton Towels. But it doesn't make the Rib Hydrocotton range any less absorbant. The towels dried my skin quickly without becoming overly heavy and when I tested how well the fabric absorbed water from a running tap, it appeared to quickly draw the liquid in without feeling sodden to the touch. Another reason these towels feel softer and lighter than others is their low-twist design, which means the cotton fibres were spun together fewer times than weaker, lower-quality cottons. While staying plump and absorbant it helps speed up drying times, too. Finally, the towels are finished with a high-pile border design that looks neat and contemporary while keeping all the fibres in check. Softness Score: 10/10 If you take a look through the customer reviews of the Rib Hydrocotton towels on The White Company's website, you'll see phrases such as 'light and fluffy' and 'so soft to use on the face' over and over again. I agree with them. These towels have a satisfying softness that doesn't feel annoyingly fluffy. The fibres didn't shed either, which demonstrates the higher quality of the material. This is where the 500 GSM rating and that low-twist technology comes in again, helping the towels more than live up to their luxurious billing. I found the towels maintained their softness after washing; the gentle fibres felt great to wrap myself in, something I particularly appreciated when I doubled the Super Jumbo size around my body. The rib design gave them a bit of grip too, making it easier to dry my body without the towel sliding over my skin too quickly. Colour and style Score: 9/10 There are five colours to choose from across a 'greige' colour palette of crisp white, oatmeal, soft grey, pearl grey and slate. While I love these colourways – greige is my go-to bathroom palette, so these fitted in well – it would be nice to have pops of colour available, whether that's a soothing green or a bolder blue. The ribbed design gives the towels a contemporary look and while they are lighter than your average pure cotton design (many are around the 600 GSM mark), they still felt indulgently thick. I liked the luxurious the size and weight of these towels, but I imagine they could be too fluffy if you prefer a less bulky towel (like Dunelm's Dorma Sumptuously Soft TENCEL Cotton Towel). The slimmer the towel, the easier it is to store in the cupboard, after all. Size and range Score: 10/10 There are five sizes to choose from here, including a face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet and super jumbo towel, which measures at a generously long 180cm and feels truly huggable. While this might make the towels harder to store if (especially if you're tight on space), I loved how sumptuous the towels felt when I got out of the bath and wrapped them around me. There's also a Rib Hydrocotton Bath Mat from £38 and a Ribbed Hydrocotton Robe from £90, so you can entirely coordinate your bathroom scheme, should you wish. Washing Score: 10/10 Finally, I tried to answer a crucial question: will these towels retain their fluffiness after washing? To find out, I washed them a number of times at 30 degrees and dried them both in the tumble dryer and naturally. While they didn't retain the box-fresh softness they had when I first tried them (brands generally use fabric softener to make them feel extra velvety at first, so this isn't that surprising), they still felt huggable and soft against my skin after each wash. Ultimately, how soft the fabric stays depends on how well you look after them. Unlike most of the other towels I have tested, which have wash temperature limits of about 30 degrees, these towels can go up to 60 degrees for a more thorough clean – another testament to their robust and durable design. Thanks to their lighter GSM, they didn't take long to dry naturally either; within a few hours on a heated airer or an hour on the washing line on a sunny day. As for the tumble dryer, it took an hour, but a low heat is essential to ensure lasting softness and prevent the fabric fibres from fraying or damage. For this reason, I'd generally opt for air drying. Technical specifications Both The White Company Rib Hydrocotton towels and Christy Supreme Hygro Towels are made from pure cotton, and their premium quality ensures they wouldn't look out of place in a luxury hotel bathroom. Both brands are popular go-tos for bath and bed linens online, which makes this towel set great for comparison. Telegraph verdict Score: 10/10 In true White Company style, these towels come in attractive neutrals that add a serene touch to my cluttered bathroom. I tested the oatmeal colourway which elevated the look of my neutral bathroom and washed well over the course of three weeks. Overall, this towel range makes quite the statement and provides a mix of high quality softness, absorbency and practicality. If I close my eyes for a second when coming out of the shower I can almost fool myself into thinking I'm in a spa-hotel and it's these small wins that help set me up for the day. Yes, if: No, if: You don't have much storage space You prefer slimmer, less bulky towels The White Company Rib Hydrocotton Towel FAQs Are The White Company towels worth the price? The Rib Hydrocotton towels are reasonably priced for such a well-made Turkish cotton. While they don't have the highest GSM you can find, they are still thick, soft and absorbent and worth considering for a bathroom upgrade. What materials are The White Company towels made from? These 500 GSM face cloth, hand and bath towels, bath sheet and super jumbo towels are made from pure Turkish cotton using low-twist technology which makes them fluffy and quick drying. What's the best way to wash towels? Always refer to the manufacturer's label when washing your towels to ensure you use the correct temperature for the towel material. You should always tumble dry on a low heat to maintain the towel's quality. Are The White Company towels durable? The White Company Rib Hydrocotton towels can be washed at 60 degrees. This is above the average recommended for your standard towel, which is around 30 degrees. I found they washed well and came out soft and fluffy every time. What sizes and colours are available? These towels come in five sizes including The White Company Super Jumbo Towel which measures a generous W100 x 180cm. The colours of the towels are restricted to neutrals including Oatmeal (pictured), Slate, White, Pearl Grey and Soft Grey.
Telegraph
13-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
The best bath towels for softness and absorbency
Small homeware upgrades such as buying the best bath towels can have a big impact on the look and overall experience in your bathroom. Find a hotel-quality bath towel and it not only feels great against your skin but instantly adds a touch of spa-like luxury to your daily routine. The most effective towels are made from highly absorbent materials that dry your body efficiently. They are designed to wash well too, so they feel great against your skin every time you go to use them. Simply team your favourite bath towel set with one of the best shower heads – like the viral Hello Klean – and you'll give your bathroom an instant refresh. 'You can find towels in varying weights, sizes and colours to meet your functional needs and aesthetic preferences,' says Emma Franklin, Senior Technologist in the Textile Sourcing Department at Dunelm. 'A good quality bath towel should be soft, durable and absorbent while remaining easy to care for by maintaining its texture and performance wash after wash.' Just like choosing the best bed linen or best dressing gown material to cosy up to your skin, there's a surprising amount to consider before you buy a bathroom towel set. Once you've set your budget, think about which materials, colourways and designs you like and that match your scheme. Do you need a material that is hypoallergenic and good for sensitive skin? If so, pure Egyptian cotton or bamboo may be preferable over synthetic blends. Also consider the GSM (grams per square meter) which indicates how heavy a towel is – those with a higher GSM (above 400) will be more absorbent and tend to stay softer for longer, although they can take longer to dry when wet. Check the design and edges of the towel to see how it's stitched together. Does it look well sealed so that it maintains its shape and doesn't snag or fray easily? And does the towel set you choose have all the sizes you need to suit your body shape, height and number of uses – for a cloakroom's handrail, main bathroom or when you're going swimming, for example. Also, look at any care labels for indications whether the towel is responsibly sourced and made from quality materials. What is the best bath towel? At a glance What is the best material for bath towels? Emma Franklin says that pure cotton remains the most popular choice for bath towels due to its exceptional comfort, durability and high absorbency. 'Egyptian, Turkish and Supima cotton types are considered premium choices due to their longer staple fibres, which enhance absorbency, improve softness, increase durability and reduce fibre shedding,' she says. 'High-quality cotton can also be blended with other fibres for optimal performance. TENCEL Lyocell fibres (derived from wood pulp) are naturally smooth and feel extra gentle against the skin, for example. Another option is bamboo which has a silkier feel, is lightweight and, depending on the fibre source, can be a particularly eco-friendly option. If you need a towel for the gym, you may want to consider one with a polyester mix that will be quick to dry after use.' Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product at the best price. No manufacturer ever sees copy before publication and we do not accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. How I tested the best bathroom towels With the best excuse ever to annoy the whole family by taking one too many long, hot showers I tested a selection of the most popular bath towels at home. I rated each towel set on design, type of material, feel against my skin, absorbency and the sizes and colourways available. I think there's a sweet spot between annoyingly thick and fluffy and absorbent and I was keen to see how effective and quickly each towel dried my body. To further test absorbency, I ran a corner of each towel under the tap to see how well the fibres took in the water. I also washed each towel set numerous times at 30 degrees (without fabric conditioner that can tarnish the fibres) to test durability and see how well they maintained their soft and fluffy texture. Best bath towels 1. The White Company Hydrocotton Towels £40 for a bath sheet, The White Company Best bath towel overall, 10/10 We like: generously thick and attractive ribbed design We don't like: only neutral colours available Material: 100 per cent cotton, 500gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W100cm x L150cm Sizes available: face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, super jumbo Colourways available: oatmeal, pearl grey, white, soft grey, slate Made in Turkey with a low-twist technology, these pure cotton towels look and feel sumptuous. They come in five sizes and the bath sheet felt comforting and soft against my skin after showering. I loved the super jumbo size in the set as it gave that extra bit of towel to wrap inside for quick drying. It felt luxurious, too. While the towels look thick and fluffy, at 500gsm, they are surprisingly lightweight and don't feel too heavy. The design of this towel range stands out from others I've featured here as it has a contemporary ribbed pattern that adorns the entire structure, making them tactile. I think this design increased their overall plush feel and made me feel like there was more grip to absorb the water when I was drying my body. The oatmeal colourway is easy on the eye and it blended effortlessly into my neutral bathroom scheme – instantly upgrading the look. I think the crisp white colourway looks equally attractive as the design is so clean and contemporary with neatly stitched edges and a subtle The White Company label on the side. They washed well and dried in the tumble dryer on a low heat and – so far – keep coming out as fluffy as they go in. 2. Soak & Sleep Egyptian Cotton Towels From £24 for a bath sheet, Soak and Sleep Best value bath towel, 9/10 We like: the boutique hotel-like smooth and weighty finish We don't like: may be a bit too heavy to take to the gym Material: Egyptian cotton, 700gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W100cm x L160cm Sizes available: face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, jumbo bath sheet Colourways available: white, light grey, mid grey, smoke, taupe, mink, dusky blue, teal, mineral blue, mustard yellow, olive green With a high GSM count, each towel size in this Egyptian cotton range has that weighted spa-like finish I was looking for and felt thick and soft. The set stood out for me as I liked the weight and its smooth finish, the short twisted loop piles making them that bit more tactile to run your hand over. You get a choice of 11 attractive colourways, although the sizes differ depending on which colour you choose. The deep teal and white finishes I tried looked like they would maintain their colour wash after wash due to the quality of the material. The towels washed well at 40 degrees and maintained their softness, although they came out heavier when wet. I think this set is great value for money and at the time of writing you can get up to £30 off the white colourway, with a face towel starting from £4 for a pack of two. 3. Marks and Spencer Luxury Egyptian Cotton Towels £19.50 for a bath sheet, M&S Best bath towel for softness, 8/10 We like: the way it feels against the skin We don't like: not all colourways are available in all sizes online Material: Egyptian cotton, 600gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W90 x L170cm Sizes available: face towel, guest towel, bath towel, bath sheet (for the white) also comes in an XL bath sheet in some colourways Colourways available: 29 colour options including white, hot pink and turquoise These luxury cotton towels are made in Turkey with 100 per cent Egyptian cotton pile. The fine long-staple cotton comes from the Nile Delta in Egypt, which is a prime growing region. Marks and Spencer has added its own StayNew technology, to help keep the towels feeling smooth and looking bright and clean after every wash. I found that they washed well at 30 degrees although you can go up to 40 should you want a deeper clean. The colour options are vast too with 29 to choose from including a crisp white, which looked great in my bathroom and felt equally lovely on my skin. The bath sheet was satisfyingly soft and its size and 600gsm gave it a nice weight. The towels were absorbent without feeling too soggy when wet and the trim seemed made to last. They come in a range of sizes but – as I noticed online – this depends on which colourway you choose. So if you want a complete set, check the colour you want carefully first. Material: Egyptian cotton, 700gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W90 x L160cm Sizes available: face cloth (set of 2), guest towel, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, extra large bath sheet Colourways available: 40 including white, claret and raw sienna The long, fine fibres on these Egyptian cotton towels make them pleasingly soft. With a 700gsm, they absorbed water well and dried me quickly after showering. They are pre-washed to avoid shrinkage and got fluffier the more I washed them making them soft and tactile underhand. They also come with an antimicrobial 'Natural Life' peppermint treatment to make them feel fresh and clean for longer. But don't expect a minty scent here, as this is designed to ensure that the towels remain odour-free. And they have an OEKO-TEX Made In Green label giving peace of mind that the supply chains are traceable and socially responsible. 5. Christy Supreme Towels – Supima Cotton £42 for a bath sheet, Christy Best Supima cotton towels, 9/10 We like: so silky, soft and smooth We don't like: at 90cm, the bath sheet is not as wide as some 100cm designs we've tried Material: 100 per cent Hygro Supima cotton pile, 100 per cent combed cotton base, 650gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W90cm x L165cm Sizes available: face cloth, guest towel, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, jumbo towel Colourways available: 12, including graphite and bay leaf As you'd expect for Wimbledon's towel supplier, Christy has done its homework to make sure its towels ticks all the boxes in terms of performance, design and responsible sourcing. Made with 650gsm Supima cotton (which has extra long fibres giving extra softness), it has a short loop finish and comes in a wide range of sizes. The fabric is OEKO-TEX Made in Green certified, too. The word that springs to mind when trying these towels is 'slinky' as the material was so soft and velvety that it seemed to drape effortlessly over my body and dry me quickly. In fact, it's hard to fault this towel as it washed well, was beautifully crafted and dried fast after washing. If I were to pick holes I would say a wider bath sheet would be good, but the jumbo size (measuring a generous 100cm by 180cm) provided more than enough coverage after the shower. Material: 65 per cent combed long-staple cotton and 35 per cent bamboo, 600gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W100 x L150cm Sizes available: hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet Colourways available: ink, white, urban grey These attractive towels from Panda are made from a mix of combed long-staple cotton and bamboo. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, which can make it a good choice if you have eczema or suffer with hay fever. It can prevent irritation and soothe skin in the process, so I used these on my eight year old at bath time who suffers with allergies and his skin was happy. The bamboo fabric felt silky soft too, without losing any of that luxurious fluffiness that gives towels a premium finish. I tested these towels in the midst of winter when bathroom temperatures were chilly and I loved cocooning myself in the bath sheet. It felt sumptuously thick against my skin and dried me quickly. There's something attractively simple about Panda's range of bamboo towels, which come in three distinct colours and three useful sizes. They took a little longer to dry after washing but it was worth the wait. 7. Dorma Sumptuously Soft TENCEL Cotton Towel £30 for a bath sheet, Dunelm Best bath towel for eco friendly credentials, 8/10 We like: It's OEKO-TEX Made In Green certified We don't like: there's not much to fault here, but these towels aren't pure cotton, so may not be for everyone Material: 30 per cent Tencel lyocell and 70 per cent cotton, 650gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W100 x L150 cm Sizes available: face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, super size bath sheet Colourways available: 15 including, dusky pink and light grey Like the John Lewis towels in this round up, these Dorma towels have an OEKO-TEX Made In Green label, making them a good pick if you want reassurance about how they're made. Dorma has added responsibly sourced Tencel to the fabric mix here too; derived from wood pulp it makes the towels feel soft. It enhances the absorbency too, which was noticeable in my tests. I loved the super-sized jumbo bath sheet in the range, which measures 200cm long. They got heavy when wet, but were relatively quick to dry when shaken and popped in the tumble dryer. There's a wide choice of colourways on offer here too, so you can mix and match with ease. Dusky pink and light grey look particularly great stacked up together, if you're wondering. Material: 100 per cent Egyptian cotton, 720gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W100 x L160cm Sizes available: face cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, Colourways available: pearl grey, silver grey, white, creme There's a premium feel to these bath towels that you can buy either in a set of two bath sheets or in a bundle with various sizes. I think their quality feel is much to do with how weighty they feel underhand and the impressive 720gsm that makes them super soft. It's this that makes them absorbent too and stepping out to dry myself in them felt quite the treat. The stitching around the edges looked well crafted – with not a snag in sight – giving me confidence these high-end towels should maintain their quality wash after wash. 9. Hampton and Astley Egyptian Cotton Towel Set £59 for a bath sheet, Hampton & Astley Best luxury bath towel, 8/10 We like: the bundle sets look and feel luxurious We don't like: pricier than your average bath sheet Material: Egyptian cotton, 650gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W90 x L165cm Sizes available: face cloth, hand towels, bath towel, bath sheet Colourways available: grey, pink, white, charcoal dark grey With 650gsm Egyptian cotton, these towels have that luxurious finish you usually find in five-star hotels. They didn't feel too thick though, so I found them easy to handle and store. In fact, they arrived looking quite thin, but they got fluffier after the first few washes in the machine and the generous 165cm length of the bath sheet gave me great coverage. I was impressed by their texture and absorbency, which dried me quickly after showering. A single bath sheet is a little pricier than your average Egyptian cotton design, but if you buy the towels in a bundle set they come at a great price. At the time of writing you can find generous discounts on each bundle set, too. 10. JYSK Nora Towels £15 for a bath sheet, JYSK Best towels for travel, 9/10 We like: the pure cotton towels aren't too thick and roll up nicely for travel We don't like: sold individually and not as a bundle Material: 100 per cent cotton, 600gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W100 x L140cm Sizes available: hand towel, guest towel, bath towel, bath sheet Colourways available: dusty rose, white, sand, dark blue, grey, dusty blue JYSK is a home furnishing retailer with Scandinavian roots and sells a variety of bathroom ware including mats, mirrors, laundry baskets, towels and more. The pure cotton finish on these Nora towels felt good underhand and the sides of the towels looked securely stitched and therefore hard wearing. As the GSM is 600, the towels didn't feel too thick – I'd say they were more lightweight than other designs I tried, making them good for rolling up in your suitcase for travel or in your swim bag. I liked that they can be washed at 60 degrees and that they dried easily too, meaning I could just bung them in the washing machine after use and not worry they may shrink or snag. Material: 100 per cent cotton from Pakistan, 500gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W100 x L150cm Sizes available: face cloth, hand towel, bath towel and bath sheet Colourways available: charcoal, white and light grey There's a satisfying sumptuousness to these pure cotton towels that seem surprisingly thick for just 500gsm. The ribbed design of the towels is reminiscent of The White Company's design, but they differ when it comes to cotton type and quality, wash temperature and price. These are made from pure cotton in Pakistan using a 'zero-twist technique', which is designed to enhance the softness and make sure they are fast drying and absorbent. I enjoyed the feel of these towels; they drew water in well and dried nicely after washing. Quite a bit of fluff flew off them when I first opened the packaging, which I found a little annoying, but this calmed down after the first wash. You need to ensure you wash below 30 degrees and dry them on a low heat to maintain their quality. Overall, I think these towels could be great value for money if they wear well over time. Having tried them for just a few weeks, it's hard to say at this point if they will, but so far so good. Material: 100 per cent cotton terry, 600gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W90cm x L170cm Sizes available: wash cloth, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet Colourways available: speckle These Cultiver towels arrived stylishly packaged in a cardboard box that has the message 'Embrace daily rituals' written on the inside. While this made the delivery feel luxurious and mindful, each towel was then individually wrapped in plastic, which seems unnecessary. They're woven in Turkey from OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton, confirming that they have been made using non-toxic materials. But what made them stand out to me was their premium feel – at 600gsm, they have a nice thickness to them. I liked their overall texture and felt their fibres created good traction and quick absorbency when I was drying myself after showering. The towels have subtle flecks of colour woven into them and minimal pattern on the edges, which creates a clean and contemporary design. The minimal stitching made them look particularly attractive in my neutral bathroom scheme. At 170cm, the length of a bath sheet is a little above average and that extra bit of fabric made all the difference to coverage. But, it can only be bought as part of a bundle price with the wash cloth, hand towel and bath towel included. 13. Tielle Luxury Hotel White Towels £32 for a bath sheet, Tielle Best hotel-style towels, 9/10 We like: the choice of two towel bales that come presented in a linen bag We don't like: only available in white Material: 100 per cent PureTurkish combed cotton, 650gsm Bath sheet dimensions: W90cm x 165 cm Sizes available: face cloth, guest towel, hand towel, bath towel, bath sheet, jumbo towel Colourways available: white Tielle was launched in 2014 by its parent company Tradelinens, which supplies linens to the world's finest hotels. Unsurprisingly, guests wanted to buy its textiles and take a piece of life at these luxury hotels home and these towels are the result. Its collection of sumptuous 100 per cent Turkish cotton towels comes thoughtfully presented in a white drawstring linen bag, which I found useful for storing them neatly together in my linen cupboard. You can buy them individually, or choose between a standard bale containing one face cloth, hand towel, bath towel and bath sheet or a jumbo one that features two of each size. They arrived pre-washed to avoid shrinking and shedding, which initially made them look thinner than they are. I appreciated how absorbent and soothing these towels felt against my skin though and they seemed to get softer wash after wash. Bath towel FAQs Are Egyptian cotton towels better than bamboo towels? Both Egyptian cotton and bamboo towels are excellent choices as they are absorbent and breathable. 'Egyptian cotton towels tend to have longer fibres and a higher GSM making them thicker, softer and more absorbent, while bamboo cotton blends can be more lightweight as well as hypoallergenic,' says Claire Jeffrey, Bath and Utility Buying Manager for John Lewis & Partners. Which bath towels stay soft after washing? If cared for correctly, most towels will keep their softness. 'Good quality cotton towels with a high GSM (around 700gsm, for example) tend to stay softer for longer while bamboo blends maintain a silky softness over time,' continues Claire Jeffrey. How often should you replace bath towels? Trust your judgement – it's time to replace your towels when they no longer feel soft and comfortable against your skin, are frayed and seem flat or have lost their absorbency. 'To prolong the life of your towel, wash them separately from garments with zips or trims to avoid snagging,' says Claire Jeffrey. 'Snip off any pulls or snags with scissors and avoid contact with cleaning products, facial cleansers and toothpaste that can contain bleaching agents that damage your towels.' What's the best way to wash and dry bath towels? Check the label for the recommended washing temperature and if you're using a tumble dryer, set it to a low to medium heat. 'For washing colourful towels, use a detergent without added bleach or optical brightening agents as these can affect colour intensity,' says Claire Jeffrey. 'To keep white towels bright, the opposite is true. Shake your towels before washing to open the fibres and allow the detergent to sink in. Shake them when washed to help promote drying.' Why do some bath towels lose absorbency over time? General wear and tear and overuse of your towels can cause the fibres to breakdown resulting in a thin and rough finish. Avoid using fabric softener in your wash as it can coat the fibres with a film that repels water, reducing fluffiness and absorbency. If you're drying them in a tumble dryer, use a low heat.
WIRED
10-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- WIRED
The Best Flannel Sheets for Chilly Nights
Lands' End Luxe Supima Cotton Heathered Flannel Sheet Set If you aren't familiar with Supima cotton, it's a long-staple cotton grown in the United States that promises softer fabrics, better strength, and less pilling thanks to its longer fiber. You're likely more familiar with Egyptian cotton, which is a more popular long-staple cotton. Long-staple means that the fiber is longer, and longer fiber makes the cotton stronger and less likely to pill since you have fewer cotton ends. It makes it softer, too, since you'll touch more of the silky cotton fiber rather than fiber ends. It's thanks to that Supima cotton that I found the Lands' End Luxe Supima Cotton Heathered Flannel Sheets so soft. They're heavier than our top pick, both in the weight of the flannel and in the overall feel of the sheets on a bed, so they're a good choice if you need something extra warm. Long-staple cotton does tend to have less airflow, too, so it's no surprise these are some of the warmest sheets I slept on. Still, I loved the super-soft feel, making this heavy flannel feel delightfully cozy instead of scratchy or suffocating, and especially loved these sheets during the coldest nights of the year. Includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Legends Luxury Luxe Velvet Flannel Sheets Flannel already has some texture to it, thanks to the brushed-out cotton fibers you'll find on both sides of the sheet. If you're looking for a more velvetlike softness, though, several companies make a velvet flannel that promises to last longer and pill less, all while retaining warmth and a cozy texture that will feel like velvet instead of fluffy cotton. My favorite set comes from the Company Store. The Company Store has made a few different lines of velvet flannel, and the Legends Luxury Luxe set has a fantastic soft feel to it that will keep you cozy. The velvet feel, in my opinion, doesn't make a huge difference, since it's still made from cotton (while true velvet is made from silk). But side by side you can feel there's a different texture, and it feels a little denser than your classic fluffy flannel. It feels warmer, too, due to that denser design that can retain more heat. I still prefer more classic flannel, but if you're looking for something soft and dense, this is the set I'd recommend. The only downside? You have to purchase the parts of these sheets individually. It's annoying. For that reason alone, I'm probably more likely to buy the Lands' End heathered set above if I wanted a super soft, extra warm flannel sheet set with some extra texture to it, but to each their own. The Fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases are all sold separately.
