Shopping for towels should be simple. But the second you start reading tags or product descriptions, you’re suddenly in a world of acronyms and adjectives: GSM, ring-spun, OEKO-TEX®, combed cotton, and more.
Feeling confused? You’re not alone.
We’re here to break it all down in plain English—so you can choose your next towel with confidence (and maybe impress your friends with your newfound textile wisdom).
What Is GSM—and Why Should You Care?
GSM = Grams per Square Meter. It’s a measure of towel weight and density. In simpler terms, GSM tells you how thick or plush a towel is.
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300–400 GSM: Lightweight (think peshtemals or travel towels)
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400–600 GSM: Medium weight (great for everyday use)
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600+ GSM: Plush, luxury hotel-style towels
There is no “right” or “wrong” GSM. We all have personal tastes. Higher GSM usually = more absorbent and softer, but it can also mean longer drying times. So, pick what suits your lifestyle best!
Organic Cotton vs. Regular Cotton
“Organic” isn’t just a trendy label—it means the cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or harmful chemicals.
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Why it matters: Better for the planet and your skin
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Look for: GOTS-certified organic cotton, the gold standard in organic textiles
At The Turkish Towel Company, we use GOTS-certified organic cotton in select towels because sustainability and softness go hand in hand.
Combed Cotton: Not Just a Fancy Term
Combed cotton sounds like something a towel might get at the salon, but it’s actually a sign of quality craftsmanship.
Combed cotton is made by brushing out short, uneven fibers, leaving only the long, strong ones.
The result?
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Softer feel
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Less pilling
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Longer-lasting towels
Think of it like giving your towel a glow-up before it even hits the shelf.
OEKO-TEX® Certified: No Nasties Here
Ever seen the label “OEKO-TEX® Standard 100” and wondered what it means?
It’s a third-party certification that guarantees your towel is:
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Free from harmful chemicals
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Safe for sensitive skin
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Made using responsible processes
Basically, if your towel has this label, it’s passed some seriously strict testing. (All of The Turkish Towel Company’s towels are OEKO-TEX® certified. Just sayin’.)
Ring-Spun vs. Open-End: The Weave Matters
If you really want to nerd out (and we fully support that), here’s a quick breakdown:
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Ring-Spun Cotton: Stronger, smoother, softer—made by twisting long and short fibers together
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Open-End Cotton: More economical, slightly rougher, less durable
When you want that hotel-level softness, ring-spun is your go-to.
Now You’re Fluent in Towel
Whew! That’s a lot of info for something that lives in your linen closet. But now that you speak “towel,” you can shop smarter, buy better, and feel more confident that what you’re wrapping around your body is not only soft—but safe, sustainable, and seriously well-made.
Looking for towels that check all the right boxes?
Explore our collection of premium Turkish towels—plush, organic, OEKO-TEX® certified, and seriously good-looking.