Towels! Is there a secret to knowing what to buy??

[ChishandFips33]

I'm desperate for new towels because old ones dont go with the new decor but new ones bought previously don't actually dry as well as the old (especially for hair drying)
They're made from the same stuff so I'm confused as to what to look for - is there some sort of secret?? Help please I'm finding it irritating having things mismatched!

I bought some towels from BHS Home around 4/5 years ago, I bought 2 full sets and paid around £150. They still do not dry us, I have boil washed them and tumbled them and they are a little better but we all fight over the old towels as these big lovely looking fluffy ones just do not do the job. I am watching this with interest as I would LOVE to know the towelling secret too!

you need to wash towel a dozen couple of times before using them to get rid of the extra fluff and whatever they put in to make them fliffy in the shop.

Fabric conditioner for soft towels. No fabric conditioner for absorbant towels.

Best ones I bought were from Matalan about 6 years ago. They are brilliant, the right balance of weight and ability to dry, fluff up nicely in the dryer but not too fluffy. Not expensive, lasted through an international house move and I'll be bringing them back home again as they still have loads of life left!

Crikey Cats I'd be bliddy furious if I'd paid that much! cheapskate here

I've even gone back and bought same brand (but several years later) and they disappoint too. My old ones feel crustier (in a nice way!) for want of a better way to differentiate (but still nice to touch!)

Anything in particular they need washing in mous? - they've been washed stacks and no softener used ever

I have paid a fairly hefty price for towels but the best ones I have are from matalan too

The ikea blue and white striped ones dry well

I will never buy expensive towels again. I just wish I could make the ones that I have work

Don't buy Asda towels - they never stop shedding fluff !

I think Aldi towels came out best in some recent Daily Fail thing I read.

As upthread- don't use fabric conditioner, dry outside and only tumble dry to fluff up - 10-15 minutes.
I love really nice thick towels -if you are on a budget, TK Maxx has good towels occasionally but you may have to look a few times- they come in every now and then.
I can highly recommend Sheridan , but yes, they are expensive....

Thanks everyone, lots of suggestions there to try out - love an excuse to visit Matalan and Ikea.

Didn't know Aldi did towels - will take a look!

The cats towels are cheapies from Asda and they actually do dry - but again, got them a couple of years ago - bought another in a different colour and rubbish! Wonder if it has something to do with the dyes used???

Best I have found are the plain Autograph ones from M & S, the ones I bought in 2008 look better than the JL similar priced ones from 2012.

Try using white vinegar in the wash, in place of fabric softener. I find it great on towels.

Best we ever bought were John Lewis Pima cotton - in a sale at the time, like new 10 years on.

I have no idea - we have tried expensive, inexpensive and between. The towels stay nice but lose their gleaming whiteness.

We now buy 10 white bath towels from CostCo every January and donate the old ones to our vets as they will have gone slightly grey.

We have nice White Company towels for guests, but they only get washed maybe 12 times a year as opposed to every 2 days or so.

I use micro fibre turbans for my massive hair.

Jees Annie I daren't buy white anything!!! I sooo admire you

Costco added to the list! The quest continues

John Lewis Egyptian cotton - had ours for 15 years and still going strong. Debenhams equivalent have lasted ok too.
Dry ours over bannister after use and part tumble dry part airing cupboard after washing.

Our Costco ones are great, and still going strong (not grey) after several years. New towels every year??? Mind you the costco ones were very reasonable when we got them.

A bit left field here, but in summer - especially if when it's hot I like Turkish pestemal or hammam towels. They are thin fabric made of cotton or linen and very absorbent. They dry quickly too. Bought some to take on holiday last year and I think they are great.

Christy towels are by far the best. They are usually on sale in House of Fraser.

Ooo saw some of those Turkish towels in TkMaxx I think ...was dubious so left them behind! Are they the ones that are similar to a lightweight throw/pashmina Wowfudge?

Thanks FF off to google HoF

I'm either going to be successful on my quest or end up with an extensive collection of towels from various places but not white ones!

I've got Christy and Sheridan ones my Grandparents gave me. They are nice but we all fight over the Primark cheapy ones.