Buying guide: which towels are the best?

A towel is an everyday item, but—or perhaps precisely because of that—far from insignificant. When you reach for a fluffy, highly absorbent towel after your morning shower, you start the day in a more relaxed way. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look when buying towels. The question “Which towels are the best?” cannot be answered with a single criterion. Rather, the answer comes from an interplay of various factors: from the choice of material and workmanship to size, care properties and sustainability. This guide shows you what to look out for—and why MÖVE towels have set the standard for quality, design and durability for decades.

Criteria: which towels are the best?

Material quality as the foundation

The foundation of an excellent towel is, and remains, the material. High-quality cotton with long fibres creates a smooth, soft surface and ensures exceptional durability. The longer the fibres, the more densely the fabric can be woven—and the longer the towel will last. The weight of the fabric also plays a crucial role: towels with a weight of around 500–700 g/m² are considered particularly luxurious, as they are denser, more voluminous and more absorbent. Lighter towels of around 400 g/m², on the other hand, are ideal for sport and travel, as they dry more quickly.

Absorbency and softness

Absorbency is a key quality feature. High-quality terry towels are designed so that their loops absorb moisture optimally while drying quickly. What matters is that the towel retains these properties over many washes. A soft feel is not only due to the fibres themselves, but also to the craftsmanship. High-quality towels feel fluffy from the very first touch and maintain their softness for years when properly cared for.

Workmanship and details

Anyone wondering which towels are the best should also pay attention to workmanship. Fine double stitching and strong edges prevent the hems from rolling up or fraying after washing. High-quality borders add extra stability and are a clear sign of true quality. A good towel not only feels pleasant but also retains its shape, even when washed regularly at higher temperatures.

Durability and ease of care

The best towels are designed to retain their shape, colour and softness even after many washes. Quality brands like MÖVE test their products for durability, colour fastness and shrinkage to ensure long-lasting enjoyment. At the same time, it is important that the towels are easy to care for—meaning they can be washed at 60°C and tumble dried without losing their softness.

Certifications and sustainability

Another hallmark of high-quality towels is independent certification. Labels such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 or GOTS guarantee that the textiles are tested for harmful substances and produced in an environmentally responsible way. This is crucial, as a towel that comes into daily contact with the skin should not only feel pleasant but also be safe for health.

Design and style awareness

In addition to functionality, design also plays an important role. High-quality towels blend harmoniously into the bathroom and reflect personal style. Classic colours such as white or grey are timeless, while bold accent colours can create modern highlights. In combination—such as in a coordinated towel set—a cohesive overall look is achieved, combining aesthetics and everyday practicality.

Which towel sizes are the best?

At MÖVE you’ll find the right towel size for every purpose:

• Face cloths (approx. 30 × 30 cm) are perfect for daily facial or body care and are especially essential for families with children.
• Guest towels (approx. 30 × 50 cm) are practical for quickly drying hands and add a stylish touch to the guest bathroom.
• Hand towels (approx. 50 × 100 cm) are versatile all-rounders for everyday use—compact and always at hand.
• Bath towels (approx. 80 × 150 cm) are generously sized for drying off after a shower or bath, wrapping around the body and providing a spa-like feeling.
• Beach towels (approx. 100 × 160 cm) are particularly large, durable and colour-rich. They offer plenty of space at the beach or by the pool and dry quickly in the sun.
• Bath sheets (approx. 100 × 160 cm) are the perfect choice for wellness lovers who enjoy wrapping themselves in comfort.
• Sauna towels (approx. 80 × 200 cm) are ideal companions for relaxing spa moments. They serve as a comfortable surface in the sauna and provide cosy warmth after an ice bath.
• Children’s towels (approx. 85 × 85 cm) with a hood are specially designed for babies and toddlers. They wrap the body after bathing, keep the head warm and provide a sense of security.

With our towel sets, you can choose a combination of different formats that together create a harmonious and cohesive bathroom look.

Which towels are best for different needs?

For families

Families need durable, easy-care towels that can withstand frequent washing. Robust cotton towels that retain their shape while remaining pleasantly soft are particularly popular.

For singles or couples

Here, design and harmonious colour schemes often take centre stage. A coordinated set of hand towels and bath towels creates a tidy and elegant look.

For athletes and frequent travellers

Lightweight, quick-drying towels are ideal for on the go or for the gym. Towels with high shape stability are particularly advantageous here.

For wellness enthusiasts

Extra-large bath and sauna towels or particularly fluffy luxury collections bring a spa-like experience into your home.

MÖVE towels: quality you can feel

For decades, MÖVE has stood for German towel tradition, combined with innovation, a strong sense of design and a clear commitment to sustainability. All towels are produced in our own factory in Großschönau (Saxony)—from yarn preparation and weaving to finishing. This fully integrated production in Germany ensures the highest quality standards and short, transparent supply chains.

• Quality: Dense terry structures, precisely finished seams and high absorbency ensure long-lasting performance.
• Design: Timeless colour palettes and versatile collections suit both classic and modern bathroom styles.
• Sustainability: Certified materials, resource-efficient processes and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 reflect our commitment to people and the environment.

If you’re wondering which towels are the best, MÖVE provides the answer: durable, stylish and responsibly produced companions for everyday life.

Discover collections that combine design, comfort and sustainability. Find the towel that best suits your home and experience quality you can feel: View the MÖVE towel collection.

Conclusion: which towels are the best?

The best towels combine function and comfort: they reliably absorb moisture, feel soft on the skin and retain these qualities even after many washes. A good towel should not only be practical but also enhance the look of the bathroom and be responsibly produced. MÖVE towels meet all these criteria and additionally offer the reassurance of choosing a traditional German brand with the highest quality standards.