Listen, the “Big Towel” industry has been telling us lies about white towels for decades, so that we buy new towels every year. I’m on them. As I was at my annual “Whole Home-Re-Org, 2026” (over-excited from the stress of the news), I encountered all my white towels and wanted to talk about it again in a public forum. A brand new white towel is a luxury and looks really great in the bathroom, but they don’t last that long. Now, I want to warn that I also love a self-tanner or spray tan (yes, year-round – mood boost in the winter!). So my life probably lasts a lot less than most people’s. But still, unless your white towels are in a guest room and are used infrequently, they will look dirty and dated within a year. And maybe that’s okay, but while reordering, I had a lot of gray, blue, green, or pink towels that were 3 years old that are still fine (not great, not good enough for shooting, but good enough for us), but all the white ones were disgusting. Meanwhile, the patterned and colorful towel industry has exploded, and I’m here as their unpaid spokesperson. So instead of white towels do this:
solid colored towels
Now, a colorful towel is certainly not new on the scene, so this category will be brief and only include ones we’ve used, love, and can recommend.
Waffle towels have a beautiful texture, but I’ve found that the weave can easily pull (but not that big of a deal, just good to know). we experimented those beautiful copper ones In the guest bathroom above my brother’s, and they are just a fun Pop!
If you want a classic plush towel, these are gorgeous. i like short fringe green towel For some cool but fun details, and those ultra-plush blue towels Are from Brooklyn and are luxurious. This price is for two towels, please 🙂 Also, these two come in a bunch of other colors. The fringed one also comes in a gorgeous burgundy color.
Plush towels are basically “you get what you pay for” and the cheaper they are, the more they can get scratchy – fast. My rejuvenation, brooklinenAnd parachute towels Still softer than my goal after a year, but it doesn’t feel like bedding for me (which I take very seriously). While I love a large plush towel immediately after a shower, I use it for drying and wear a large plush robe (which I wash very rarely, so they stay softer longer than towels) so I don’t mind it not being the softest thing after a year and ultimately I don’t want to replace my towels annually (every two years seems to be good enough).
These are basically “concrete” with a little fun detail. i got it Scalloped one for a shoot and I love how much personality they bring to my bathroom. They are great. I have not used the green oneBut I think the simple border is perfect for those who want a classic look with a little something extra.
Wait, bath towels vs. bath sheets?
This is a very personal decision based on your own habits. I, in a way, don’t entirely care, because I put on a robe immediately after toweling off. The towel serves as my dryer, the robe as my comfort. I spend not on my towel, but on my robe. Sometimes bath sheets can be really big to fold and store (about the size of a beach towel), but a larger man who is anti-clothing (like Brian) will want a sheet, not a standard towel.
striped towels
I wonder, I wonder Love A striped towel, ha. It’s fun but simple, not overwhelming, but adds so much to the bathroom! I don’t think you can go wrong with a classic stripe. Here are some of our favorites:
These colors are so much fun and more on the unexpected side but they still seem neutral and versatile.
But if you’re looking for a classic black and white stripe, these are great. Marley has ikea one And he says it’s amazing. So in that case, $13 for a full bath sheet is great. Second It’s from Brooklinen, so I stand with the brand 🙂
Now, I know there are color lovers in this group so these are for you. multicolored very funny and blue coloredWell, we all know I’m very attracted to her 🙂
these green ones Above are shots of my bathroom! I love the two-tone look, the fringe and the quality is great. I think my spray tan and these towels will live very happily together. white and green stripe It’s H&M so based on the price I can’t tell you how long they’ll last but a deal’s a deal! And it feels great.
Do you love stripes but want something with a twist? here you go! That Terry Cloth Bath Sheet It’s so much fun with its multi-striped design. Then on the opposite side of the stripe game, these mint towels So cute with that little striped edge.
Other patterned towels we love
I think patterned towels are having a resurgence and I’m so happy about it. i mean look these patterned towels Which Caitlyn used in her daughters’ bathroom! They’re currently out of stock but don’t worry, there are other great options here…
Although I never stopped using them in my home, those luxurious turkish towels Feeling very comfortable. If my bathroom were a different style I would definitely use these. and how cute they are These “wavy” patterned towels?! I like that the colors are a little more subdued but still very fun.
Let’s talk about gingham because it’s a great pattern for any garment. I’m obviously a green lover but each of these gives a different feel. soft colored The one on the right seems a little more classic that bath sheet Still “traditional” but the bright Kelly green feels really fresh and almost “pop-y”.
A checkered pattern is another not-fail option. Here are two good options that are actually pretty similar at two different price points.
This two-tone checkered bath sheet It is very beautiful. The design was inspired by traditional katazome stencil practices. This feels really special. Then those window glass towels are also very good!
If you want to be a little bold with patterns, how fun those with flowers. Caitlin (photographer:)) has had these as handtowels for years and says they hold up very well! geometric patterns on second towel Also inspired by traditional Katazom stencil practices. It’s a little hard to tell but the colors are olive and ecru which I really like.
Hope this has been helpful and inspired you to move away from white towels (if you even know how quickly they get dirty). So go ahead and enjoy colorful and patterned towels to make your bathroom even more fun.
By Design and Photo Caitlin Green | From: Caitlyn’s primary bathroom revealed
