We chose blue, green, and light brown towels, to more easily see any bleaching, from these brands: L.L. Bean Premium Cotton Towels, $14.25, at L.L Bean; Real Simple Bath Towel, $10, at Bed Bath ...

Here’s one way to find the best bath towel: Buy a hand towel from every towelmaker you can think of and blind test them by feel. That’s what Chicago-based interior designer Alessandra Branca ...