Best luxury towels 2023: Super soft bath and beach towels

Throwing in the towel has never been so stylish

othing says luxury like stepping out from a steaming hot shower or fresh ocean dip and snuggling into the velvety swathes of a towel.

Yet a high quality towel is surprisingly difficult to get your hands on. Often, they are too small, wear quickly, or are solely reserved for house guests to enjoy.

That’s where we come in. We’ve scoured the luxury market to find brands that understand the art of towel design like no other. From aesthetically-pleasing styles to comfort-centred textures, luxury towels offer the most sumptuous of post-bathe experiences.

Esteemed fashion houses including Gucci, Burberry and Hermès have an array of kaleidoscopic beach towels to complete your holiday edit. Sunset hues, sprawling summer blooms and tropical prints make for an uber-refined recline.

Other brands such as Missoni, Versace and Lacoste champion comfort within the home. For the maximalists among us, bohemian bath sheets and cotton-terry wrap-arounds are a quickfire way to elevate your bathroom interiors. Minimalists may prefer a classic white sheath or a khaki cotton design for a more masculine touch.

Of course, there is always the option to invest in both a luxury bath and beach towel. Bath towels adopt a more textural, fuzz-friendly style, while beach towels are required to tackle the wear and tear that comes with a seaside holiday. Sand, sun, suncream and salt have never mingled well with soft furnishings.

While it may be easy to gravitate towards a certain towel depending on its pattern, it’s important to take note of the small print too. After all, never judge a book by its cover.

Fabric is essential when choosing a luxury towel. Bath towels are often thicker than beach towels because they are designed to absorb more water. Beach towels are used primarily as an extra layer between a sun lounger and skin.

Unlike high street brands, luxury labels often use 100 per cent cotton for beach and bath towels alike, making this decision a bit easier for shoppers.

Most importantly of all, if you’re dropping big dollar on a luxury towel, have fun with it. Shopping luxury means more artisan, awe-inspiring pieces to choose from that will ensure your towelling archive is a cut above the rest.

Shop the best below

Available in both pink and blue, Versace’s opulent offering is perfect for those who think subtlety is overrated.

Bring the South of France home with Missoni’s eye-catching zigzag bath towel in muted rainbow hues, which will spice up any interior instantly.

Ralph Lauren never fails to provide the goods when it comes to classy homeware. The brand’s signature Polo towels are a sleek, understated option that channel all-American clean-cut style.

Lacoste’s khaki bath sheets are both a practical and preppy pick. Featuring a dark moss green shade and crisp white trim detailing, the item was designed to last for years to come.

A subtle take on monogram mania, Hermès’ bath towel in jacquard terry cloth is a low-key yet elegant choice for any all-white space.

This cloud-like towel is as classic as they come. Encase yourself in a soft blend of cotton featuring embellished tonal embroidery in the House’s iconic Cannage motif.

Infuse your poolside aesthetic with some Seventies nostalgia courtesy of this cabana striped towel used at Soho House White City. Displaying a burnt orange and monochrome striped print and a fluffy Turkish cotton finish, the towel is an excellent choice for all.

Loewe’s aqua-toned towel boasts the brand’s sleek insignia set against a crisp blue background. Team yours with the label’s TikTok favourite raffia basket bag and you have the dreamiest poolside look.

Isabel Marant’s Soverato Beach Towel, featuring the brand’s text logo in candy pink, a raspberry backdrop and fringed trims, is landing straight on our wish lists. Add to bag and complete your punchy poolside look.

Heritage label Hermès undoubtedly reigns supreme in the beach towel department. With over fifty opulent designs to choose from, you’re never short of inspiration. Our eyes fell on this beach towel in terry cloth with beautiful sunset tones and a Versace-esque chain print.

Florals are never just for spring, a philosophy Gucci stands by. This uber-luxe cotton terry creation showcases a blossoming blooms galore in girlish shades of hot pink, cream and fern green encased by a sharp sky blue trim. Have a look at the back for a fun surprise.

Jacquemus adopted a Matisse-like expressive form for this radiant rust-coloured beach towel. Perfect for basking in blistering Mediterranean heat, the piece is the ultimate It-girl buy for sun worshippers.

Tangerine dream was the goal for Proenza Schouler and its citrus-centred creation. The zestiest pick, this portable towel exudes tropicana charm with its ripe orange design and fiery tones.

Funky florals come to life in Kenzo’s red and cream beach towel. Showcasing a Swinging Sixties style print, this bold item is a playful choice for out of office days.

One for the Noughties babies, Burberry’s classic nova check towel is a not-so-subtle selection for Y2K followers. Pair yours with a coordinating Burberry bikini for the full look.

Adopt the role of golden girl (or guy) with Jil Sander’s honey yellow logo beach towel. If the latest movement for quiet luxury is for you, then this piece with a towelling finish and frayed edge is a modest yet sophisticated choice.

Delightfully oversized and satsuma in shade, this tiled towel is cut from luxurious thick soft brushed cotton and woven on special jacquard looms. The reversible piece is a vibrant way to spruce up your timeless summer style.

Known for its Tuscan palette and motion-like prints, Pucci never sleeps on the jazz-factor front. This beach towel aptly reflects rippling water in shades of royal blue, cobalt blue, turquoise and white.

Dior’s lavish offering is a recognisable statement of high end luxury. Part of the Dioriviera capsule collection, the piece comes in an ivory and blue terry cotton and features a contrasting jacquard design with the Dior emblem and hand-tied fringing.

Fashion aficionados will be thrilled that cult label Alaïa has released a collection of towels. This one showcases a moody design, complete with the maison’s signature logo in bright white text.