Best Shower Curtains and Liners (2026)

What We Looked For

We hung each shower curtain in a standard bathtub over four weeks, evaluating water resistance, mildew buildup, ease of cleaning, and overall appearance. We tested whether each curtain could work without a liner, how well weighted hems prevented billowing, and how the fabric held up through multiple wash cycles.

Our Top Picks

Best Value: AmazonBasics Shower Curtain

The AmazonBasics polyester curtain does exactly what you need at the lowest price worth recommending. The heavyweight fabric is water-resistant enough to use without a separate liner, which saves money and simplifies your setup. It ships with 12 rust-resistant hooks, so you are ready to hang it immediately.

The fabric is functional rather than stylish. If you care about bathroom aesthetics, you will probably want the Barossa instead. But for a guest bathroom, kids’ bathroom, or rental, this curtain delivers reliable performance for under $15.

Best Liner: LiBa PEVA 8G

If you use a decorative fabric curtain, you need a good liner behind it. The LiBa 8G is our pick because its heavy-gauge PEVA material hangs straight, resists mildew longer than cheaper liners, and arrives without the strong chemical smell that plagues PVC liners.

The weighted magnets along the bottom hem are a practical detail. They keep the liner pressed against the tub wall, preventing water from escaping. Plan to replace it every six to twelve months depending on your bathroom ventilation, as all liners eventually develop mildew.

Best Looking: Barossa Design Waffle Weave

The Barossa waffle weave curtain transforms a bathroom. The textured fabric looks like something you would find in a boutique hotel, with a substantial drape that resists the annoying billowing effect that plagues thinner curtains. It is machine washable and dries quickly thanks to the waffle texture.

The requirement for a separate liner is the main consideration. The fabric itself is not waterproof, so you will want the LiBa or a similar liner underneath. But the visual upgrade is significant, and at $23, it costs less than most boutique alternatives.

The Bottom Line

Pair the Barossa waffle weave curtain with the LiBa PEVA liner for the best combination of style and function. If you want a simpler one-piece solution, the AmazonBasics polyester curtain handles everything on its own at a great price.