Bath Towels & Washcloths

Find the Perfect Bath Towels: A Practical Guide to Scandi Living Drift, Njrd Stripes and Other Top Picks

Why the right bath towel matters more than you think

Have you ever stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel that felt rough, thin, or somehow disappointing? A towel is more than just a cloth—it's the final touch to your daily routine, the warm hug you get after a long day, and a small luxury that sets the tone for your bathroom. Choosing the right bath towel impacts comfort, drying efficiency, and how your bathroom looks. In this guide we'll dig into popular options like the Scandi Living Drift and Njrd Stripes lines, discuss materials and sizes in easy-to-understand terms, and help you make a choice you'll actually enjoy using every day.

Quick look: the products on people's radar

Several compact and mid-size towels are trending for their balance of style and function. Notable options include the Scandi Living Drift towels in a variety of colorways—blue-red, brown-white, beige-white, white-black, pink-red, and green-purple—offered in both about 12 x 20 inches and roughly 20 x 27.5 inches sizes. The Njrd Stripes towels come in classic stripes and colors like beige and blue, typically around 20 x 27.5 inches. These pieces are great for hand use, guest bathrooms, or as decorative accents that still perform well when you need them.

Spotlight: Scandi Living Drift Towels — style meets function

Scandi Living Drift towels stand out because they pair minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics with practical details. They come in a palette of mixed colors—think the blue-red or pink-red combinations—that make a bold statement without screaming for attention. If you like a clean, modern bathroom with pops of pattern, these are worth considering.

About the smaller size: roughly 12 x 20 inches

The smaller Scandi Living Drift option, about 12 x 20 inches, is perfect as a hand towel or face cloth. It’s compact enough to fold neatly on a towel rail, and large enough to dry your hands and face without feeling skimpy. Use this size in guest bathrooms, kitchens, or as a soft layer in a baby changing kit.

About the mid-size: roughly 20 x 27.5 inches

The mid-size Scandi Living Drift towel at approximately 20 x 27.5 inches sits between a hand towel and a full bath towel. It works wonderfully as a multipurpose towel—great for children, for use at the sink, or as an extra to wrap around your hair. If you prefer lighter, easier-to-dry towels that still offer coverage, this is a smart pick.

Spotlight: Njrd Stripes — timeless stripes with everyday performance

Stripes never go out of fashion, and the Njrd Stripes towel line proves the point. With a simple striped design, options like beige and blue blend into many bathroom themes, from coastal to classic. The Njrd Stripes towels are often sized around 20 x 27.5 inches, offering a reliable middle ground for daily use.

Why stripes can be a smart aesthetic choice

Stripes hide wear better than plain towels, add visual interest without clashing, and coordinate easily with patterned mats or shower curtains. If you’re decorating on a budget or want a cohesive look without too much fuss, striped towels give you that layered, curated vibe with minimal effort.

Choosing the right towel size: what the measurements mean in real life

Towel sizes can feel confusing, but thinking about what you actually do with the towel helps. A roughly 12 x 20 inch towel is ideal for hands and face. A towel close to 20 x 27.5 inches is a great all-rounder for children, hair drying, and quick wrap-ups. If you need full-body coverage, consider larger bath towels or bath sheets—those can be anywhere from about 27 x 54 inches up to 40 x 70 inches for oversized sheets. Match the size to the task instead of guessing based on habit.

Material matters: cotton, bamboo, Turkish vs. Egyptian and microfiber

Material is the single biggest factor in how a towel performs. Cotton remains the most popular because it’s soft, absorbent, and durable. Turkish cotton tends to dry quickly and becomes softer after repeated washes, while Egyptian cotton is known for plush, long fibers and a luxurious feel. Bamboo blends are naturally antimicrobial and very soft, though they can be pricier. Microfiber towels are ultra-light and quick-dry—excellent for travel or gym bags but they feel different from cotton. Pick based on what you prioritize: softness, absorbency, speed of drying, or packability.

Practical tip: pile and loops

The pile—how long the loops are—impacts how plush and absorbent a towel feels. Longer loops generally mean a plusher towel that soaks up more water, but they may take longer to dry. Short loops dry faster and resist snagging. If you live in a humid environment or prefer towels that dry quickly between uses, shorter loops are a smart choice.

Style and color: using Scandi Living and Njrd options to upgrade your bathroom

Color and pattern can make a bathroom feel intentional. The Scandi Living Drift range offers bold two-tone combos—like white-black or beige-white—that can either pop against neutral tiles or coordinate with patterned accessories. Njrd Stripes in beige or blue give a timeless backdrop that lets you change rugs and art without swapping towels. When in doubt, neutral stripes or two-tone palettes give you flexibility and a long lifespan in terms of style.

Care and cleaning: keep towels soft and absorbent longer

Want your towels to feel like new after months of use? A few simple habits go a long way. Wash new towels before first use to remove any manufacturing residue and to increase absorbency. Use a mild detergent and avoid added fabric softeners—they coat fibers and reduce absorption. Dry on a medium setting or hang to air-dry when possible. For that fresh, fluffy feel, toss towels in a low-heat dryer with a clean tennis ball or dryer ball to help lift the fibers.

Spot-cleaning and stain removal

If you get a stain, treat it promptly. A gentle soak with a small amount of baking soda or a paste of water and mild detergent often works. Avoid chlorine bleach unless the towel is pure white and fabric-safe, since bleach can weaken fibers and fade colors.

Matching towels with accessories: create a layered, hotel-like look

Think of towels as part of a set rather than lone items. Match Scandi Living or Njrd pieces with a coordinating bath mat, shower curtain, or small decorative basket to elevate the look. If you like a curated hotel feel, choose three sizes—washcloths or small hand towels in about 12 x 20 inches, mid-size for general use, and a full bath sheet for wrap-around comfort. Layering different sizes in the same color family creates depth and balance.

Alternatives and complements: bath sheets, hand towels, and washcloths

If the 12 x 20 inch and 20 x 27.5 inch sizes are stepping stones, consider where they fit in a full towel collection. Hand towels, often slightly larger than 12 x 20 inches, are for daily sink use. Bath sheets give full-body coverage and wrap comfort that mid-size towels can’t match. Washcloths are small but indispensable for face care and spot cleaning. Mix and match fabrics and weights to serve different purposes—quick-dry microfiber for the gym, plush cotton for home relaxation.

Budgeting and value: when to spend and when to save

Towels range from wallet-friendly basics to investment-level luxury. A mid-priced cotton towel often gives the best balance of softness and durability. Spend more if you want long-staple cotton or special finishes; save on extras like guest towels or gym towels where performance matters more than plushness. Comparison tools are your friend here—look at product specs, customer reviews, and return-friendly sellers when deciding. You’ll often find that paying a bit more upfront saves you money over time because higher-quality towels last longer and keep their feel.

Sustainability and ethical choices

Buying with the planet in mind is increasingly easy. Look for towels made from responsibly sourced cotton, organic fibers, or certified mills. Bamboo blends and some recycled-fiber towels offer environmental benefits too. Certifications and clear labeling help you verify claims about sustainability. Remember that the longest-lasting towels are often the most sustainable choice because they stay in service longer, reducing waste.

Practical buying checklist

Before you click “buy,” run through a quick checklist: decide the primary use (hands, hair, body), pick a size that matches that use, choose a material based on drying needs and softness, select a color/pattern that fits your decor, and check care instructions. Don’t forget to read a handful of reviews to spot recurring issues or praise—real-life experiences often reveal how a towel performs after several washes.

Final takeaways: small changes, big comfort

Upgrading your towels doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you opt for the patterned ease of Njrd Stripes, the modern palettes of Scandi Living Drift in colors like blue-red or white-black, or a mix of basics and splurges, the right towels can transform your daily routine. Think function first—absorbency, drying time, and size—then add aesthetics. With a few thoughtful choices, your bathroom becomes a calm, tactile retreat where each towel feels like it belongs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right towel is a small investment that pays big dividends in comfort and style. The Scandi Living Drift and Njrd Stripes collections offer versatile options in practical sizes—about 12 x 20 inches and 20 x 27.5 inches—that work across many routines, from hand drying to hair wrapping. Consider material, loop length, color, and care needs when building your towel lineup, and don’t be afraid to mix sizes and fabrics to meet different uses. With the right picks and a little care, your towels will stay soft, absorbent, and visually pleasing for years.