After a long, stressful day, few things can compare to the comfort and relaxation of a hot bath or shower followed by wrapping up in a warm, plush bath towel. But not all towels are created equal when it comes to providing that spa-like luxury. Upgrading to high-quality bath towels in muted, sophisticated colors like blue and gray is an easy way to add a sense of elegance and pampering to your daily routine.
Thick, fluffy, oversized bath sheets in soft blue-gray tones will make your bathroom feel like a five-star hotel. Read on to learn why blue and gray is a smart color choice, what makes a towel thick and absorbent, size and care recommendations, and where to find the best quality bath towels to treat yourself.
Why Choose Blue and Gray for Bath Towels?
Blue and gray may not seem like the most exciting color combination, but there are good reasons they work beautifully for bath towels:
- These cool, muted neutrals provide a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom.
- The colors pair nicely with white bathroom fixtures and accents.
- Blue and gray are sophisticated yet soft and understated.
- Towels in these tones look clean and elegant against tiled walls.
- Gray nicely complements wood cabinets and vanities.
While bright whites have a crisp, hotel-style aesthetic, going with paler shades of blue and gray lends a more modern, coastal feel. The versatility of these colors makes it easy to incorporate into any existing bathroom decor.
Benefits of Thick and Plush Bath Towels
Not all bath towels are created equal when it comes to delivering superior comfort and luxury. Thicker, plusher towels offer many advantages:
- More absorbent due to greater surface area
- Softer, more luxurious feel against skin
- Provide warmth and full coverage when wrapping up
- Hold up better to frequent washing and drying
- Mimic the indulgent feel of spa and luxury hotel towels
One of life’s greatest pleasures is enveloping your body in a soft, thick towel when you step out of the bath or shower. With higher quality, fluffier towels, you can recreate that five-star experience in the comfort of your own home.
Turkish Cotton Offers Superb Performance
When it comes to both softness and absorbency, towels made of long-staple Turkish cotton are widely considered the gold standard. The longer cotton fibers create a stronger, more durable towel that holds up well to repeated use and laundering. Turkish cotton also becomes plusher and softer over time.
Features That Make Towels Thick and Fluffy
It’s not magic that makes some towels delightfully thick and fluffy while others are flat and lifeless. Here are some of the key features that give towels their loft and plushness:
- Materials: Turkish cotton, bamboo blends, microcotton all enhance thickness.
- GSM or grams per square meter: This refers to the density and weight of the fabric. Higher GSM means a thicker, more absorbent towel.
- Weave style: Loop/terry or dobby weaves create fluffiness. Jacquard is also luxuriously thick.
- Yarn thickness: Lofty towels use yarns with a higher thread count.
- Pile height: Longer loops result in a deeper, more cushiony pile.
- Laundering: Proper washing and drying helps preserve thickness.
Target a GSM of 600 or Higher
Look for towels with a minimum GSM of 600, but ideally 800 and above. This ensures you are getting a dense, heavyweight fabric that feels ultra-soft and holds heat effectively when wrapped around you.
Size Options for Oversized Bath Sheets
Once you experience the pleasure of wrapping up in an oversized bath sheet, you may never want to go back to standard sized towels again! But what size options are available?
- Standard bath towel sizes are around 27″x 52″.
- Oversized bath sheets run approximately 35″ x 60″.
- Even larger oversized towels like 40″ x 70″ are available.
- Larger towels provide more coverage, though require more space.
- Consider your bath and storage space when choosing size.
Bath sheets are substantially bigger than the average bath towel. This means more fabric to soak up moisture and provide that spa-style luxury. Just be sure you have ample hanging and storage space in your bathroom.
Invest in a Few High-Quality Towels
Rather than buying a large set of standard towels, consider investing in just 2-3 ultra-premium oversized bath sheets. The quality over quantity approach means your towels will hold up better over time.
Absorbency of High-Quality Bath Towels
When stepping out of the shower or bath, the top priority is wrapping up in a towel that soaks up moisture quickly. What makes some towels more absorbent than others?
- Fabric material and density impact absorbency.
- Double-stitched hems prevent leakage.
- Weight, thickness, and pile height are factors.
- Ringing out excess water before drying.
- Allowing proper drying time between uses.
High-quality materials, thick piled loops, and proper laundering practices all contribute to superior absorbency you can rely on when towels are put to work.
Dry Thoroughly Between Uses
Even the most plush and absorbent towel won’t perform well if it’s still damp from the last use. Always allow bath towels to dry completely before using again for maximum absorbency.
Caring for Thick and Plush Towels
With the proper care, high-quality bath towels can last for years and maintain their loft, softness, and absorbency. Here are some tips for keeping towels thick and plush:
- Wash with like colors and fabrics to avoid lint.
- Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach.
- Shake out towels thoroughly and dry completely.
- For maximum fluffiness, dry flat or hang vertically.
- Fold correctly along the seams, not creased through the middle.
- Replace when towels show thinning, holes, or tears.
By laundering gently and allowing towels to fully dry between uses, you can help them hold their shape and performance over the long term.
Invest in a Washable Cotton Bath Mat
Pair plush bath towels with a coordinating cotton bath mat to soak up drips as you step out of the tub or shower. Look for one with a non-slip backing for added safety.
Create a Cohesive Bathroom Theme
Upgrading your towels is the perfect excuse to give your entire bathroom a cohesive style update. Here are some ideas for complementing the spa-like elegance of blue and gray bath linens:
- Paint walls a soft grayish-blue or light tan tone.
- Bring in blue and gray rugs and shower curtains.
- Incorporate driftwood, rattan, or marble accents.
- Add live plants like eucalyptus or lavender.
- Use glass containers for cotton swabs and Q-tips.
- Display rolled classic art prints.
With just a few affordable updates, you can transform your bathroom into a soothing oasis that complements the clean style of your new towel set.
Display Towels on Hooks or Ladders
Showcase plush bath towels by neatly folding and draping them over pretty storage ladders or wall hooks. This adds an eye-catching focal point to the room.
Shopping Tips for Blue and Gray Towels
Ready to treat yourself to some new oversized towels? Keep these shopping tips in mind:
- Focus on quality over quantity.
- Feel weight and thickness in person.
- Read labels and product details closely.
- Compare prices across brands and vendors.
- Consider buying a coordinating towel set.
The best values are going to come from higher-end specialty brands focused on towels, not big box stores. Don’t shy away from spending a bit more for towels that will last exponentially longer.
Order Swatches Before Committing
Since colors can look different online than in person, order fabric swatches from manufacturers before purchasing full sets. Make sure the blue and gray tones complement your space.
Recommended Blue and Gray Bath Towel Sets
Where are the best places to shop for sumptuous bath towels that won’t fall apart after a few washes? Here are some top-rated blue and gray towel sets to consider:
Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towels
- Made from long-staple organic Turkish cotton
- Available in white and pale blue stripe
- Plush terry material, GSM from 600 to 900
- Dobby weave provides thickness
- Price range: $38-$128 per towel
Boll & Branch Plush Bath Towels
- Ethically sourced organic cotton
- Woven for maximum softness and durability
- Simple stripe pattern available
- Price range: $58-$128 per towel
- Made of 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton
- GSM of 900 for substantial weight
- Available in pale blue and gray shades
- Price range: $19-$149 depending on size
From boutique brands to luxury department stores, you can find high-quality bath towels in beautiful shades of blue and gray. Investing in a few plush towels can instantly elevate your bathing experience.
Treat yourself to the simple luxury of wrapping up in an oversized, cloud-like bath sheet when you exit the shower or bath. With their cozy comfort and elegant, understated style, blue-gray towels look beautiful in any bathroom while providing the ultimate, indulgent spa-like experience right at home.