If your bath towel stays damp between showers, it can develop a musty smell. The best odor resistant bath towels are designed to dry more quickly or hold less lingering moisture, which can help them stay fresher between washes. Our picks include an open-weave Pima cotton towel and two plush bamboo-viscose blends, so you can compare drying style, feel, and size before choosing.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Material | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUTERA Silverthread Waffle Bath Towel | Pima cotton with silver-infused threads | 60 x 30 inches | Fast air-drying and a lighter feel |
| Cariloha Bamboo Viscose Bath Towel | Bamboo viscose and Turkish cotton | 30 x 56 inches | Plush comfort with quick-dry design |
| Cariloha Two-Tone Bamboo Bath Towel | Bamboo viscose and Turkish cotton | 30 x 56 inches | A plush towel with a two-tone look |
Our Picks: Best Odor Resistant Bath Towels reviews
1. SUTERA Silverthread Waffle Towel: Best for Air-Drying
The SUTERA Silverthread towel takes a different approach from thick, traditional terry: its open waffle weave is designed to let air move through the fabric so it dries faster between uses. The towel is made from California-grown Pima cotton, with silver-infused threads woven into the fabric.
At 60 x 30 inches, it offers more length than a standard 27 x 54-inch bath towel while staying relatively light and compact for storage. The waffle construction may appeal if you want a towel that is easy to hang on a rack or pack in a gym bag. Pima cotton’s long fibers are described as strong and pill-resistant, though the feel and texture will differ from a plush pile towel.
This is the most focused option for shoppers who want to limit the time a towel stays damp. The open weave is a practical design choice, but it may not provide the thick, cushioned feel some people prefer after a shower. Its odor-related features are intended to help keep the towel fresher; as with any towel, proper hanging and regular washing still matter.
Pros:
- Open waffle weave is designed for faster air-drying.
- Silver-infused threads are woven into the Pima cotton.
- Oversized 60 x 30-inch coverage.
- Light, compact design takes up less space on a rack or in a bag.
Cons:
- The waffle texture is less plush than a thick terry towel.
- Its larger size may not suit shoppers looking for a compact bath towel.
Verdict: Choose the SUTERA if quick air-drying and generous coverage matter more to you than a thick, cushioned feel.
2. Cariloha Bamboo Viscose Towel: Best Plush Everyday Pick
This Cariloha towel blends bamboo viscose with Turkish cotton for a soft, plush feel. Its 600 GSM construction is intended to balance comfort, absorbency, and drying performance. The brand also describes the towel as designed to dry faster between uses and resist odors naturally.
The 30 x 56-inch size gives you broad coverage for everyday bathing. Compared with the SUTERA’s open waffle weave, this towel offers a more traditional plush feel. That makes it a better fit if comfort against the skin is a priority, while the SUTERA is the clearer choice if you want a light, open construction that can air-dry quickly.
Cariloha recommends washing this towel in cold water and avoiding high heat in the dryer to help maintain its color. It is also described as Made in Green and produced in line with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 guidelines. Because it has a plush 600 GSM build, it may feel bulkier on a rack than the waffle towel, even though it is designed for quick drying.
Pros:
- Bamboo viscose and Turkish cotton blend for a soft feel.
- 600 GSM construction balances plushness and absorbency.
- Designed to dry quickly and help resist lingering odors.
- Made in Green and produced in line with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 guidelines.
Cons:
- Its plush construction is bulkier than an open-weave towel.
- Care guidance calls for cold washing and avoiding high heat.
Verdict: Pick this Cariloha towel if you want a soft, plush everyday towel with quick-dry and odor-resistance features.
3. Cariloha Two-Tone Towel: Best for Plush Comfort and Style
The Cariloha Two-Tone towel shares the same key material and performance details as the Harbor Gray option: a bamboo-viscose and Turkish-cotton blend, a 600 GSM build, and a 30 x 56-inch size. It is designed to feel plush while absorbing moisture and drying faster between uses than a towel that holds water for longer.
Its distinguishing feature in the supplied product details is the two-tone Coastal Gray design. In practical terms, the choice between the two Cariloha towels is mainly about the look you prefer; the listed size, fabric blend, and performance features are the same. Both are a more plush alternative to the lighter, open-weave SUTERA towel.
As with the other Cariloha option, the care guidance recommends cold water and avoiding high heat to help preserve color. The thick, soft feel may be appealing for daily use, but shoppers who prioritize the fastest possible airflow or a compact towel may prefer the SUTERA’s waffle design.
Pros:
- Soft bamboo-viscose and Turkish-cotton blend.
- 600 GSM construction for a plush feel.
- Designed for absorbency, quick drying, and odor resistance.
- Two-tone Coastal Gray style offers a distinct look.
Cons:
- The plush build takes up more space than an open-weave towel.
- Care guidance recommends cold washing and avoiding high heat.
Verdict: Choose the Two-Tone Cariloha if you want the plush feel and features of the standard Cariloha towel with a two-tone appearance.
How to Choose an Odor Resistant Bath Towel
Consider how quickly it can dry
A towel that stays damp for a long time can develop a musty smell. Look for features that support airflow or faster drying, such as an open weave or a fabric blend designed to release moisture. Where you hang the towel matters, too: spread it out so air can reach more of the fabric instead of leaving it bunched up.
Choose a feel that suits your routine
Waffle towels and plush towels feel different in use. An open-weave towel tends to be lighter and less bulky, while a high-GSM towel offers a thicker, softer feel. If you want a spa-like touch, a plush blend may suit you; if you want something that takes up less room, consider a lighter construction.
Check the material and odor-related claims
These towels use different approaches: SUTERA combines Pima cotton with silver-infused threads, while Cariloha uses bamboo viscose and Turkish cotton and describes its towels as naturally odor-resistant. These features are intended to help keep towels fresher, but they are not a substitute for regular washing and thorough drying.
Compare the dimensions
Size affects how much coverage you get and how easily a towel fits on your rack. The SUTERA measures 60 x 30 inches, while both Cariloha options measure 30 x 56 inches. Consider your preferred wrap coverage as well as your available hanging and storage space.
Review the care instructions
Good care can help a towel stay comfortable over time. Cariloha recommends cold-water washing and avoiding high heat to help maintain color. For any towel, follow the care label and make sure it dries fully between uses. Avoid assuming that odor-resistant features mean the towel never needs washing.
Balance plushness with storage space
A thicker towel can feel comfortable but may occupy more space on a rack or in a linen closet. The SUTERA is described as light and compact, while the Cariloha towels use a plush 600 GSM construction. Think about where you will hang and store the towel, especially if your bathroom has limited ventilation or rack space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a bath towel odor resistant?
Odor-resistant towels are designed to dry more quickly, hold less lingering moisture, or use materials intended to help limit odors. In this group, SUTERA highlights an open waffle weave and silver-infused threads, while Cariloha describes its bamboo-viscose and Turkish-cotton towels as naturally odor-resistant.
Does an odor-resistant towel still need regular washing?
Yes. Odor-resistance features do not replace regular laundering. Wash your towel according to its care instructions and let it dry fully between uses.
Which towel is best if my bathroom is humid?
The SUTERA’s open waffle weave is designed to air-dry quickly, making it a strong option to consider when drying time is a concern. Your bathroom’s airflow and where you hang the towel will also affect how quickly it dries.
Are the Cariloha towels the same apart from the color style?
The supplied product details list the same bamboo-viscose and Turkish-cotton blend, 600 GSM construction, dimensions, and performance features for both. The Two-Tone option is described in Coastal Gray; choose based on the appearance you prefer.
Which towel feels more plush?
The Cariloha towels are described as plush and use a 600 GSM construction. The SUTERA uses an open waffle weave and is positioned as a lighter, compact alternative rather than a thick terry-style towel.
What size are these towels?
The SUTERA measures 60 x 30 inches. Both Cariloha towels measure 30 x 56 inches. The measurements are close, but the SUTERA is longer overall.
Final Recommendation
For a towel designed to dry quickly and take up less space, the SUTERA Silverthread Waffle Bath Towel is the best fit in this group. If a soft, plush feel matters more, choose either Cariloha towel; the standard Harbor Gray version and the Two-Tone Coastal Gray version share the same listed materials and performance features. Whichever you choose, hang it open to dry and follow its care instructions to help keep it fresher between washes.
