Why freshly washed towels sometimes feel less absorbent

My towels smell clean after washing but seem less absorbent than they used to. Water sits on the surface briefly instead of soaking in, which feels odd for something made to dry me. Could detergent buildup or fabric softener be coating the fibers? I'm curious why a fluffy towel sometimes dries worse than a worn thin one, and whether a simpler wash routine can restore absorbency.