

The drying test: We poured a cup of water on each shower curtain and timed how long it took to dry.We also paid attention to any wear and tear that happened in the laundry machines. The laundry test: We then put each shower curtain through the washer (cold water) and dryer (low heat, tumble-dry) twice, and we remeasured the dimensions to calculate shrinkage.We measured each one, comparing it to the listed dimensions.

A close inspection: We spread each shower curtain out on the floor and examined it by hand, noting how the material felt, details of the texture and design, the evenness of the hook holes, and the overall construction.Stock and availability: We searched for shower curtains that seemed to be reliably available, and we eliminated several based on stock issues.Durability: We sought shower curtains that would resist wear and tear and last a long time, for the sake of your wallet and the environment.Care and maintenance: We looked for low-maintenance shower curtains that were machine-washable or that could be gently scrubbed clean, and we steered clear of shower curtains that called for dry cleaning.We were mindful of the negative environmental and health impacts from microplastics and toxic chemicals found in synthetic fabrics and certain types of vinyl. We steered clear of any shower curtains made of PVC because this type of vinyl off-gasses toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. Materials: We considered shower curtains made of high-quality natural or synthetic fibers and, to a limited extent, vinyl.Cost: We recognize that most people aren’t budgeting big money for a shower curtain, so we wanted to provide options at a wide range of prices.Style/colors: We looked both for classic, neutral shower curtains and for curtains featuring bright colors and patterns.
