Alright, listen up—the holidays are coming and so are the guests, and it’s high time to retire that worn-out towel you’ve been using forever. Let’s get you sorted with this towel-buying guide
Navigating the towel aisle at your favorite store can be a bit overwhelming, but fear not! We’re here to guide you through the basics of buying a high-quality towel set that won’t set you back in your pocketbook.
Now, when it comes to choosing the right towels, there are a few key factors to consider. And don’t forget about details like construction, size, weight, absorbency, loop density, double-turned edges, sustainability, and care and cleaning. It might seem like a lot, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Cotton is the Gold-Standard for Towels
Quality is crucial, so look for towels made with long-staple cotton for that strong, smooth feel. Opt for cotton yarns to minimize breakage and extend the life of your towels.
Let’s delve into the world of cotton. Traditional cotton is fantastic, but if you want the crème de la crème, go for Turkish cotton. It boasts the longest, most stable strands of fiber, creating silky and durable yarns that last longer and stay fluffy. If you’re into eco-friendly options, check out organic cotton towels, harvested without pesticides and manufactured without harmful chemicals.
Now, about that weave. Terry cloth towels are incredibly fluffy thanks to their loops, providing excellent absorbency. On the other hand, flat-woven Turkish towels, like a peshtemal, have a tight weave, making them lightweight, durable, and quick-drying—perfect for your beach trips or vacations.
GSM
Weight matters, too. Heavier, thicker towels generally offer the softness and absorbency you crave. Look for grams per square meter (GSM) to gauge a towel’s weight. A higher GSM usually means a thicker plusher towel with 500 or more being a good benchmark.
But, if you want something that dries quicker but is just as absorbent, consider a lighter weight towel, like our Kind Earth.
Bath Towels vs. Bath Sheets
Size matters in the towel world. Bath towels are standard, while bath sheets offer more real estate for drying off. Don’t get them confused!
Standard bath towels vary in size from manufacturer to manufacture. A bath towel is the typical towel that you see pictured in towel racks, often in a double or tri-fold. They’re a good size for kids and adults alike, whether you are towelling down your body after a bath or shower or twisting them around wet hair after washing. They’re absorbent and most-often the go-to towel for most people.
Quite simply, a bath sheet is just like a bath towel, except larger — both in length and width. Bath sheets are usually 36” X 66” which means more absorbency and more to wrap around you! If you find that you need two towels to dry off, or that a bath towel just doesn’t cut it for wrapping around your body, then a bath sheet is the way to go.
So there you have it, your crash course in towel shopping. Now go forth and wrap yourself in the luxury you deserve!