How Many Towels Do I Need?

Whether you’re registering for your wedding, preparing for holiday guests, or sending a kid to college, you’ll likely find yourself asking, “How many towels do I need?” The answer is frequently debated, with preferences ranging from a minimalist two towels per person to a set per day. When it comes to the right number of bath towels, our recommendation falls somewhere in the middle.

Our rule of three for stocking up on sheets also applies to towels. Keep three sets of towels for each individual who lives in your household—one in the wash, one in the closet, and one in use. This ensures there is always a towel in reserve for when you might need it. Plus, it means you’re only storing one set of towels per person at a time, freeing up storage space for other home linens and household essentials.