The right bath towel can turn your shower routine into a spa-like experience. Heavier towels tend to be more absorbent than those with a thinner build, but the Parachute Soft Rib Towels are an exception to that rule of thumb. According to the manufacturer, these towels are lightweight, absorbent, and luxuriously soft. I tested a set to see if they deliver on all of these promises. The Parachute Soft Rib Towels felt sumptuous right out of the packaging. Made from 100-percent long-staple Turkish cotton with a 450 GSM, they are incredibly soft and lightweight. I’ve tested many different brands of towels, and these far surpass the competition when it comes to softness. Despite their plush texture, I was surprised at how thin the towels are. A thin towel isn’t a bad thing, especially if you live in a warm climate like mine. I initially had my doubts about absorbency, but their performance did not disappoint. These towels meet OEKO-TEX standards, feature a ribbed design on both sides, and have a classic style that’s simple yet sophisticated. If you want to make a set, the Parachute towels are available in four sizes—washcloth, hand towel, bath towel, and bath sheet. Although I love the look of these towels, I was disappointed by the extremely limited color selection. They only come in white, light grey, and clay. These neutral earth tones will blend in with most decor styles, but you won’t find any eye-catching colors or patterns. Despite their thin build, these towels are very absorbent. After a few passes, I was completely dry. The towels feel lovely against my skin—luxuriously soft and practically weightless. I live in Florida, close to the ocean, and the humidity makes drying fabrics a real challenge. I’m happy to report that the Parachute towels dried quickly and didn’t pick up any damp or musty odors, even after I reused them several times. They’re also great for wrapping my hair up to dry. Unlike thicker towels, which tend to weigh down my head or fall right off, these stay comfortably in place. The only feature I would have appreciated is a built-in hanger loop for convenient storage. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the Parachute Soft Rib Towels and don’t have any complaints. There are a few things that potential buyers should consider, especially those that live in colder regions. A thin towel is not without its drawbacks. These towels don’t provide much warmth or insulation. Sometimes I have to turn down the AC before I take a shower, or else I’ll be shivering in the cold when I get out. If you prefer a thicker towel that you can bundle up in, these towels are definitely not for you.
How is the sizing?
Measuring 56 x 30 inches, the sizing is standard for a bath towel. It wrapped around me just fine, but I didn’t have all that much room to spare. I’m of average height and weight for a woman and usually wear a medium. This towel might not suffice for larger adults. For extra coverage, you can opt for the bath sheet, which measures 40 x 70 inches.
What are the care instructions?
Parachute recommends washing the towels in cold water and tumble drying on low. To prevent discoloration, avoid using bleach and fabric softeners. Do not wash the towels with any other clothing because zippers and hooks can damage the material.
How much do the towels shed?
You can expect a good amount of shedding the first time you run the towels through the wash. Normally, towels tend to shed more in the dryer, but I found large clumps of lint on my linens when I removed everything from the washing machine. The shedding is inconvenient, but it wouldn’t dissuade me from buying the towels. It’s probably best to wash them separately—or with similar items that are the same color and fabric, as the manufacturer recommends.
Did the towels hold up well in the wash?
I washed the towels three or four times over the course of two weeks. They retained their shape, soft texture, and bright white color. I spotted a few loose threads here and there, which I snipped off with scissors.
Are these towels worth buying?
Considering their timeless design and luxurious feel, it’s no surprise that the Parachute Soft Rib Towels come with a fairly steep price tag. A single towel will set you back $39. They are exceedingly soft—much more so than the majority of towels offered at a lower price point. Because they’re thin, lightweight, and fast-drying, they’re an excellent pick for warmer climates. Those that prefer thicker, fluffier towels should explore other options, however.
Parachute Soft-Ribbed Towels vs. The Competition
Not a fan of thin towels? The Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels are not only exceeding soft, but they also have an extra-thick weave that gives them a lot more heft than Parachute’s offering. Made of 100 percent Turkish cotton with 820 GSM, these towels provide an ultra-plush, blanket-like feel. When it comes to price, Brooklinen’s bath towels are a better value—a set of two costs about $69. Available in seven neutral shades, the color selection is a bit more varied. The Everplush Diamond Jacquard Bath Towels also fall into the thin category, but they offer better absorbency. According to the manufacturer, these cotton/microfiber blend towels can absorb up to eight times their weight. Our reviewer says they’re soft, quick-drying, and have a nice lightweight feel. In addition to their superb water absorption, the Everplush towels have a few advantages over Parachute’s: They cost a bit less—one towel retails for about $30. The towels come in a lot more colors (ten in total) with vibrant options like lavender, magenta, and aquamarine. The Parachute Soft Rib Towels are exceedingly soft, absorbent, and quick-drying. Their light and airy texture make them ideal for summer use and warmer climates. Note that these towels are on the thinner side, which may not suit your needs.
