If your linen closet needs an upgrade but you don’t want to spend a fortune on bath towels, big-box stores offer quality options at low prices. The Simply Vera Vera Wang Signature Bath Towel is a popular brand that you can find at Kohl’s and Bed Bath & Beyond. These towels are made from 100 percent cotton and densely packed loops—all good indicators of softness, absorbency, and longevity. To see if the towels hit all those marks, I tested them for several weeks. Read on to see how well these towels hold up to regular use.  These towels felt soft and fluffy right out of the packaging. They don’t need a break-in period or multiple washes to soften up. (The manufacturer recommends that you wash your towels before using them.) Although I absolutely loved the texture, the towel didn’t prove to be all that durable. Upon arrival, I noticed some loose threads on both towels. I snipped them off with scissors, hoping this wasn’t a sign of poor craftsmanship. After one run through the washer and dryer, a few more loose threads were visible. I don’t think the towels will shred or unravel anytime soon, but they won’t last forever, either. I found that they also shed in the dryer. The first time I laundered them, I put the towels in with my bedding, and they left a good deal of lint behind on my sheets. The shedding is inconvenient, but you can dry the towels separately to prevent the transfer of fibers onto other materials. On a positive note, the towels got a little softer after laundering.  The Vera Wang Signature Bath Towel is very absorbent. My skin was completely dry after a few passes. I loved the towel’s soft feel against my skin. Even though it shed a lot in the dryer, the towel didn’t leave any lint behind on my skin. Measuring 30 x 60 inches, the generous length and width make drying off easier. Due to its large size and fluffy texture, the towel has a cozy, blanket-like feel. It stayed in place when I tied it around me. However, since the towel is so large, it was difficult to wrap my hair up in it.  Each towel has a decorative ribbed border at both ends, which adds some style and sophistication to an otherwise basic design. The border is made from the same soft cotton as the rest of the towel, which means it’s not scratchy or uncomfortable—a problem I’ve encountered with other towels. The towel is on the thicker side, but it is not bulky by any means, and it doesn’t get bogged down when wet. With a GSM of 470, it falls in the standard category for weight. Due to its thicker texture, the towel does take a bit longer to dry, but that’s to be expected. After several days of consecutive use without laundering, I was happy to see that the towels didn’t pick up any musty odors or dampness—a big plus in my book because I live in a warm climate.

What colors do they come in?

The Vera Wang Signature Bath Towel comes in a great selection of colors—17 options in all—ranging from neutral whites and grays to more vibrant shades like orchid, ocean blue, and eucalyptus. I ordered mine in sea glass, which is a nice, subtle shade of green with blue tones in it.

What sizes are available?

The towels come in four different sizes: a bath towel, bath sheet, hand towel, and washcloth. The coordinating towels also feature a matching border, which is great if you’re looking to build a set. 

What are the care instructions?

The towels should be machine washed in warm water on a gentle cycle and tumble dried on low. The manufacturer recommends washing the towels before using them.

Are these towels worth buying?

Considering their inexpensive price tag (around $26), these towels were surprisingly soft, fluffy, and absorbent. It’s a relief knowing that I can purchase a good quality towel set at my local department store for an affordable price—rather than shell out big bucks on high-end linens. The towels may not be as plush or luxurious as upscale brands like Brooklinen or Serena & Lily, but I’m satisfied with their overall performance. They produce a good amount of lint in the dryer, but shedding is common with cotton towels.

Simply Vera Vera Wang Signature Bath Towel vs. The Competition

If you’re looking for a towel that’s exceeding soft and spa-like, the Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels are cream of the crop. Although they have a much higher price tag—two towels will set you back $69—reviewers say they deliver top-of-the-line luxury. When compared to the Vera Wang Signature Bath Towel, they seem more durable and less prone to shedding. If you’re building out a set, you can add matching washcloths, hand towels, and a bath mat. With seven neutral shades to choose from, the color selection is decent, but not as plentiful as the Vera Wang Signature collection.  Casaluna Organic Bath Towels are a very affordable, highly-rated collection available exclusively at Target. They’re not quite as soft and fluffy as the Vera Wang Signature Towel, but they are pleasant to the touch and very absorbent. Retailing for $18 per towel, Casaluna offers surprisingly good quality for an incredibly low price. They’re available in eight solid colors and four different sizes—washcloth, hand towel, bath towel, and bath sheet. When compared to the Vera Wang Signature Towels, Casaluna’s towels held up better to multiple washes and everyday use. I was very impressed with the Simply Vera Vera Wang Signature Bath Towel’s attractive design, soft texture, and absorbency. Although the towels look and feel great, I did encounter some shedding and loose threads after laundering. The good news is that they’re inexpensive enough to replace if needed.