HOW WE TESTED:

All the towels tested were 100% cotton. They were assessed by an independent laboratory for absorbency, shrinkage and fabric weight (mass). Drying time, softness and feel were also considered.

VALUE SHEET (90 X 160CM – AVAILABLE IN ONE SIZE ONLY) R159,99 (2101111511); MR PRICE HOME

This soft, comfortable towel earned the highest rating and stood out for being the most absorbent. It is a generous size, and is thick without being bulky. The colour didn’t come off onto other fabrics in the wash and it barely shrunk after many cycles. Drying time was slightly longer than for some other towels tested.

VERDICT: This towel is soft, highly absorbent and great value for money

– a good-quality towel at a bargain price.

BATH TOWEL (70 X 130CM) R180 AND SHEET (85 X 160CM) R280 (504219318); WOOLWORTHS

This well-made towel is reasonably priced and fared extremely well in the absorbency tests. It isn’t as soft as some others tested and is textured, so it doesn’t travel as smoothly over wet skin but does cling better to it. Shrinkage was slightly high after washing when compared to others tested. In our tests, the towel retained its colour after washing, and the colour didn’t come off onto other fabrics. Drying time was good. VERDICT: This towel is ideal for those who don’t like overly fluffy fabric.

COLIBRI BATH TOWEL

(70 X 130CM) R219,95 AND SHEET (90 X 170CM) R339,95; MAJOR RETAILERS

If you like very fluffy fabric you’ll love this towel: it was the softest plush towel tested. Thicker than the others on test, it offers great coverage and held its shape well after several washes, with minimal shrinkage. But absorbency was average compared to others tested. Because it’s so soft and weighty, drying time is longer. VERDICT: This was the most expensive product in our round-up, but if a luxurious towel is what you want, this is worth considering. Exceptional quality.

CHENILLE TOWELS: BATH TOWEL (70 X 130CM) R99,99 AND SHEET (85 X 150CM) R139,99 (2101111307001); MR PRICE HOME

The great thing about this towel is that it absorbs water without feeling heavy or soaked, and it stood out for its absorbency. Although it’s less luxurious, it’s relatively soft and has a good weight and feel to it. It dried pretty quickly too. There was some shrinkage in our tests but it was acceptable.

VERDICT: Soft and exceptionally absorbent, this towel is ideal for everyday use and is friendly on your wallet.

BATH TOWEL (70 X 127CM) R89,99 AND SHEET (85 X 150CM) R129,99 (4200110973); SHEET STREET

For those that prefer a thinner, lighter towel, this is an excellent pick. It is of average weight, yet has a good thickness to it. It was also one of the quickest to dry in our tests. We were impressed by how minimal the shrinkage was after the towel had been through a few washes. While absorbency was also relatively good, it didn’t fare as well as some other products on test. VERDICT: Good overall performance and comfortable on the skin. This towel is a great budget-friendly option.

BATH SHEET (90 X 150CM) R120 AND TOWEL (70 X 130CM) R129 (196732); CLICKS

Expect good coverage from this affordable, generously sized towel. This product isn’t as soft as some others tested, and absorbency is average. But it dried faster than many of the other plush towels on test. We found there to be moderate shrinkage after washing when compared to others on test, and that the intense colour did come off in the wash.

VERDICT: A great option if you prefer a light, unfussy towel for everyday use. Wash separately to start with.