Bathroom Towel Guide: Types, Sizes & How to Choose the Right One

If you’re not sure what towels to buy for your bathroom, our expert towel guide will help you find the right types, sizes and materials for everyday comfort and performance.

Whether you’re revamping your ensuite or simply replacing worn-out towels, Myer has you covered with our full range of bath towels, bath sheets and more. Keep reading for advice on how to choose towels that feel good, dry well and suit your routine.

No bathroom is complete without the right towels. Here, we’ll look at the different types available at Myer, from everyday bath towels and bath sheets through to face washers and bath mats.

A staple in any bathroom, bath towels are designed for everyday drying after a shower or bath. They offer a practical balance of coverage and softness, making them a reliable option for daily routines. Available from Myer in a wide range of fabrics, weights and finishes, they’re easy to mix and match with your bathroom style.

• Standard dimensions: 70 x 140 cm  
• Best for: Everyday use  
• How many to have: 2–3 towels per person

If you prefer extra coverage, bath sheet sizes are larger than standard bath towels. With more surface area, they feel enveloping and are ideal if you like a more indulgent, spa-like experience. While they take up more space to store and dry, the added comfort is well worth it.   

• Standard dimensions: 90 x 165 cm+
• Best for:  Full-body coverage and comfort
• How many to have: 2 towels per person

Hand towels are a practical essential for any bathroom or powder room. Designed for frequent use throughout the day, they provide a convenient and hygienic way to dry hands. Easy to swap out and quick to wash, they’re ideal for shared spaces and can also add a highlight to your bathroom styling.

• Standard dimensions: 40 x 70 cm  
• Best for:  Drying hands and quick use
• How many to have: 2–4 towels per bathroom

Face washers are small, versatile towels designed for gentle cleansing. Soft and easy to handle, they’re great for everyday skincare routines, removing makeup, freshening up at the basin or using in the bath or shower.

• Standard dimensions: 30 x 30 cm   
• Best for:  Face and body cleansing  
• How many to have: 3–5 per person

Bath mats are a finishing touch that can make your bathroom more comfortable. Placed just outside your shower or bath, they help absorb excess water while giving you a soft, cushioned surface underfoot. The right bath mat can elevate the look of your space, bringing together your towels and overall styling.

• Standard dimensions: 50 x 80 cm
• Best for: A comfortable place to dry off
• How many to have: 2 per bathroom

For premium and more affordable options, explore our full range of bath mats.

The material that towels are made of determines how they feel, absorb moisture and hold up over time. From classic cotton through to blends designed for softness or quick drying, each option offers something slightly different.

Cotton is the most common towel material, known for its reliable balance of softness, absorbency and durability. It’s a versatile option that works well for everyday use, with a natural feel that suits most households. Depending on the weave and finish, cotton towels range from lightweight to plush.

• Pros: Soft, breathable and consistently absorbent
• Cons: Can take longer to dry than lighter materials

Bamboo towels are typically made with a blend of bamboo and cotton, for exceptional softness with added absorbency. They have a smooth, almost silky that’s gentle against the skin. They’re a good option if you’re after something a little different from traditional cotton.

• Pros: Soft, absorbent and naturally antibacterial
• Cons: Can be less durable with frequent washing

Microfibre towels are made from very fine synthetic fibres, designed to be lightweight and quick drying. They’re highly practical and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for travel, gym or busy households.

• Pros: Quick drying, lightweight and easy to handle
• Cons: Less soft and plush compared to natural fibres

Viscose is blended with cotton to enhance softness and create a smoother finish. It adds a gentle drape and a slightly more refined feel that adds comfort and visual appeal.

• Pros: Smooth, soft feel with good absorbency
• Cons: May not be as durable as pure cotton over time

GSM stands for grams per square metre and measures the density of a towel. It helps indicate how absorbent and thick a towel will feel.

• 300–400 GSM: Lightweight – best for gym, travel or quick-drying use
• 400–600 GSM: Everyday use – a balance of absorbency and drying time
• 600–900 GSM: Luxury – best for a deluxe, spa-like feel

Higher GSM towels feel thicker and take on more moisture, while lower GSM options dry faster and are easier to handle.

With so many options available, choosing the right towel comes down to a few key factors. It’s not just about bath towel size—things like absorbency, texture and how quickly it dries all play a part in how well a towel performs day to day.

• GSM (Grams per Square Metre): Indicates thickness and absorbency
• Absorbency: How effectively the towel dries moisture
• Softness: The feel against your skin
• Drying time: How quickly the towel dries between uses
• Durability: How well it holds up after repeated washing

Looking after your towels properly can make a big difference to how they feel and perform over time. With a few simple habits, you can keep your towels soft and absorbent.

• Wash before first use: Helps remove any coatings and improves absorbency from the start
• Use less detergent: Excess detergent can build up in fibres and make it more difficult for towels to absorb water
• Don’t overload the machine: Gives towels enough space to wash and rinse properly  
• Dry thoroughly after use: Prevents dampness and reduces musty smells
• Shake out before drying: Helps keep the pile soft and evenly distributed

The main difference comes down to size. Standard bath towel dimensions are around 70 x 140 cm, while bath sheet measurements are larger at around 90 x 160 cm or more. Bath sheets offer more coverage and a more enveloping feel, while bath towels are easier to handle, store and dry.

Not always. Heavier towels with a higher GSM can feel thicker and more absorbent, but quality also depends on the material and how the towel is made. A well-constructed mid-weight towel can offer the right balance of softness, absorbency and drying time for everyday use.

New towels can have coatings from manufacturing that reduce absorbency at first. Over time, detergent build-up or fabric softener can also affect how well they perform. Washing towels correctly and avoiding excess laundry products can help restore absorbency.

To make your towels softer, avoid overloading the washing machine and use the right amount of detergent. Avoiding fabric softener and shaking towels out before drying can also help maintain a softer feel over time.

It depends on how you plan to use it. Bath towels are ideal for everyday drying, while bath sheets offer more coverage if you prefer a larger, more comfortable wrap. Smaller options like hand towels and face washers are suited to specific tasks in the bathroom.

A good starting point is two to three bath towels per person, so you always have a clean one on hand. It’s also good to have a few extra hand towels and face washers, especially in shared or busy households.

If your towels feel rough, lose their absorbency or develop lingering odours, it may be time for a replacement. Visible wear, thinning fabric or frayed edges are also signs they’re no longer performing as they should.

Most towels should be replaced every one to three years, depending on how often they’re used and how well they’re cared for. Regular washing and proper drying can help extend their lifespan.

Make sure towels are dried thoroughly after each use and avoid leaving them damp. To help prevent musty smells from developing, wash them regularly and allow them to dry somewhere with good airflow.

Yes, most bath towels can be tumble dried on a moderate setting. Avoid high heat, as it can damage fibres over time. Shaking towels out before drying can also help keep them soft and evenly textured.