While most towels are generally perfect all year around, some people like to swap out their towels for hotter or cooler weather. Let’s take a look at some of the key considerations.
Summer: Lightweight Peshtemals for Breathability
Hot, humid summer months call for quick-drying, breathable towels, and that’s where peshtemals shine. These flat-woven Turkish towels have been used in hammams (Turkish baths) for centuries, and for good reason—they are:
✔ Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry
✔ Highly absorbent despite their thin design
✔ Quick-drying, preventing mildew and musty smells
✔ Versatile, doubling as a beach towel, sarong, or even a lightweight throw
Peshtemals are perfect for warm-weather travel, as they pack down small and dry much faster than traditional looped towels. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or heading to the beach, a peshtemal is a must-have summer essential.
Winter: Plush, Cozy Towels for Warmth
When temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than wrapping up in a thick, plush towel after a warm shower or bath. Traditional Turkish cotton towels—especially those with a heavier GSM (grams per square meter)—offer the softness, thickness, and warmth needed during colder months.
✔ Dense, fluffy texture traps warmth
✔ Long Turkish cotton fibers get softer over time
✔ Highly absorbent, perfect for drying off quickly
✔ Spa-like luxury, bringing warmth and comfort
For winter, look for premium Turkish cotton towels with a GSM of 600 or higher. These towels provide the ultimate coziness, making chilly mornings and evenings much more comfortable.
Breathability and Quick-Drying Factors
One of the key advantages of Turkish cotton is its ability to strike a balance between absorbency and quick drying. Unlike some heavy, ultra-plush towels that stay damp for hours, Turkish cotton’s long fibers allow for efficient moisture-wicking while maintaining breathability.
- Peshtemals dry the fastest due to their flat weave, making them ideal for humid climates and outdoor use.
- Mid-weight Turkish towels (500-600 GSM) offer good absorbency while still drying relatively quickly.
- Ultra-thick plush towels retain the most warmth but take longer to dry, making them best for indoor winter use.
To keep your towels fresh year-round, it’s important to hang them in a well-ventilated area after each use and avoid overloading the washing machine to ensure thorough rinsing and drying.
Finding the Perfect Balance Between Softness and Thickness
Whether you prefer lightweight or plush towels, investing in high-quality Turkish cotton ensures durability and comfort through every season. If you want a towel that works well year-round, a mid-weight Turkish cotton towel (500-600 GSM) provides the perfect compromise—soft, absorbent, yet quick-drying.
By choosing different towel styles for summer and winter, you can enjoy the benefits of Turkish cotton no matter the time of year. Whether it’s a breathable peshtemal in the summer or a cozy, thick bath sheet in the winter, the right towel can make all the difference in your daily routine.