Best Sustainable Towels of 2025

Want eco friendly towels that are soft, safe, and durable? Here is the quick guide to the best picks, how to choose, and how to make them last.

Quick picks (short answer)

Best overall: Under The Canopy (GOTS organic cotton; great value). See editor notes in this 2025 review.
Best quick-drying: MagicLinen (natural linen; OEKO-TEX). Brand profile at Sustainable Jungle.
Best water-saving bamboo: Ettitude (bamboo lyocell; closed-loop water reuse). Data via LeafScore.

If you want non toxic bath towels, look for organic and clean chemistries. Why it matters is explained here: why eco-friendly materials matter.

How we picked

Materials: Organic, linen, hemp, recycled, or bamboo made with safer methods (lyocell).
Certifications: Prefer GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100. Fair labor when noted.
Performance: Absorbency, softness, and dry time.
Planet impact: Water and energy use, recycled inputs, or closed-loop processes.
Value: Clear price tiers and long-term durability (fewer replacements).

Sustainable Towel Scorecard (2025)

Brand	Main material	Key certifications	Why it stands out	Price tier
Under The Canopy	Organic cotton	GOTS, OEKO-TEX (per editor review)	Reliable quality; strong sustainability signals	Budget–Mid
Ettitude	Bamboo lyocell	B Corp, OEKO-TEX; closed-loop water reuse (per LeafScore)	Very water-efficient process; light and quick drying	Mid
MagicLinen	Linen (flax)	OEKO-TEX; recyclable FSC packaging (per Sustainable Jungle)	Fast drying; durable; classic texture	Mid
Pact	Organic cotton	Organic and non-toxic claims (per brand profile)	Affordable organic basics	Budget
West Elm	Organic cotton focus	Organic sourcing and Better Cotton work	Wide availability; improved water savings	Mid
Nomadix	Recycled fibers	Fair trade ethos; recycled content (per Sustainable Jungle)	Lightweight; travel and beach ready	Mid
Terra Thread	Organic cotton	Guidance on organic vs. sustainable (per Terra Thread)	Clear education; organic fiber focus	Budget–Mid

Editor note: Certifications and features are taken from the brand profiles and reviews linked above. Always check the current product page before you buy.

Material deep dive: choose what fits your home

Organic cotton

Organic cotton is soft and absorbent. It is grown without harmful pesticides and synthetic chemicals. In the U.S., “organic” is regulated, while “sustainable” is broader. See this clear explainer from Terra Thread.

Pros: Plush feel; easy care; widely available.
Watch-outs: Look for GOTS to verify fiber and processing. Without it, “organic” may be unclear.

Bamboo (lyocell vs. viscose)

Not all bamboo is the same. Lyocell uses a closed-loop process that reuses most of the solvent and water, while ordinary viscose can use harsher chemistry. LeafScore notes Ettitude reuses more than 98% of water in its process.

Pros: Very smooth; quick drying; efficient water use (when lyocell).
Watch-outs: If a label just says “bamboo” with no process details or certifications, ask for more info.

Linen (flax)

Linen uses less water and fewer inputs during farming. It dries fast and gets softer with use. Read more on linen’s benefits in this guide to sustainable towels and the brand details at Sustainable Jungle.

Pros: Breathable; quick to dry; very durable.
Watch-outs: Texture can feel crisp at first; softens after a few washes.

Hemp

Hemp is sturdy and needs little water. It is a strong eco choice when you want long life. See hemp’s footprint notes in this overview.

Pros: Very durable; lower-input crop.
Watch-outs: Coarser handfeel at first; often blended to add softness.

Recycled fibers

Recycled fibers reduce waste and often dry fast. For travel and beach, check brands like Nomadix.

Pros: Helps keep materials in use; light and packable.
Watch-outs: Look for transparency on recycled content and dye safety.

Certification decoder (simple and clear)

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Covers organic fiber plus processing rules. See GOTS mentions across brands in this editor roundup.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances in finished textiles; useful for sensitive skin. Explained by Healthier Homes and this guide.
Fair Trade / Ethical production: Signals safer, fairer working conditions. See ethical notes in Sustainable Jungle brand profiles.
B Corp: Company-level certification for social and environmental performance; e.g., Ettitude.
Better Cotton (BCI): Aims to improve cotton farming practices; noted for West Elm.

Best by need (choose with confidence)

Families and sensitive skin: Start with GOTS organic cotton and OEKO-TEX labels. These cut down on harmful chemicals.
Most absorbent eco friendly towels: Plush organic cotton terry or cotton with a touch of lyocell (see mixed-fiber notes at LeafScore).
Quick drying sustainable towels: Linen or bamboo lyocell like Ettitude for humid spaces.
Budget picks: Pact and Under The Canopy often sit in the lower price range for certified options.
Spa-like plush feel: Thick organic cotton loops with GOTS.

Care tips: make towels last longer (and save money)

Wash cold with a gentle, eco detergent. This saves energy and protects fibers. See why safe materials matter in this explainer.
Skip fabric softeners. They coat fibers and reduce absorbency. Use wool dryer balls instead.
Low heat or line dry. Lower heat keeps loops springy and cuts energy use.
No bleach. For freshness, add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse.
Wash before first use. It helps set loops; more on towel construction in this quick read.
Rotate sets. Two to three sets per person reduces wear and keeps towels lasting longer.

Want deeper laundry guidance? Try our internal guides: Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips, Low-Waste Bathroom Setup, and Best Organic Bedding.

Sustainable kitchen towels

For the kitchen, linen shines. It is durable, absorbent, and dries fast. Learn why linen works well in the kitchen and how to cut paper towel use in this guide. If you prefer cotton, look for OEKO-TEX or organic labels.

A simple way to avoid greenwashing

Ask for third-party proof. Look for GOTS, OEKO-TEX, B Corp, or Fair Trade on the product page.
Be careful with vague claims. Terms like “earth friendly” without details are not enough. This guide explains the difference between “organic” and “sustainable.”
Check dye and finish. Look for low-impact dyes and OEKO-TEX testing.

First step and money-saving tip

Easy first step: Replace your two most-used bath towels with certified picks (GOTS or OEKO-TEX). Small swap, big impact.

Money-saving angle: Wash in cold water and line dry when you can. This lowers energy use and helps towels last longer, so you buy less often.

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Sources and further reading

Why materials matter: eco-friendly materials
Organic vs. sustainable terms: Terra Thread guide
Brand roundups and certifications: Sustainable Jungle, LeafScore, The Good Trade
Safe textile testing: Healthier Homes
Towel making basics: how towels are made

Best Sustainable Towels of 2025