We’re on an eternal quest for the perfect white towel; here are our picks for basic (and not-so-basic) essentials.

N.B.: Prices listed are for standard-size bath towels, unless otherwise noted.

Above: One of our go-to towels is the durable Turkish Bath Towel (“They maintain their integrity through endless washings”); $30 from Restoration Hardware.

Above: Janet’s splurge: The oversize, 31-by-63-inch Riviera Bath Towel features a convenient hanging loop and is made of Turkish cotton; $70 at Matteo Home.

Above: Christine’s favorite is the Anatolian Bath Towel, £45 at Toast.

Above: Sarah favors the Lexi Towel Collection ($75 for two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths) from the Turkish Towel Company. Weighing 1.29 pounds each, these towels are exceptionally absorbent and soft.

Above: Julie’s staple towels are Organic Cotton Towels from Coyuchi, based in Point Reyes, California; $58 through Amazon.

Above: Waterworks Cumulus Towels are designed for extra softness; $80 each at Waterworks.

Above: Janet’s linen closet basics include the white Signature Towels in Egyptian cotton; $24 each at Garnet Hill.

Above: Francesca stocks Pottery Barn Classic 820-Gram Weight Bath Towels made of Turkish cotton in her linen closets. “We go through a lot of towels between three kids, guests, and an in-law apartment. These towels are always in stock and arrive within a day or two of ordering.” The towels are available in 12 colors, including white, from Pottery Barn; $28.50.

Above: The Hamam White Bamboo Bath Towel is designed with Microban technology to add antibacterial properties to the fibers of the towel; $90 at ABC Carpet & Home.

Above: A good budget choice is the Frajen Bath Towel in waffle-weave cotton, which comes with a convenient hanging twill tab; $5.99 each at Ikea.

N.B. This post is an update, the original post ran on May 18, 2011.