Buying towels for our home has always been a time-consuming task for modern homeowners. We all have experienced that feeling of looking at a wall of white terry cloth and wondering, “why this one costs $10 and that one $40?”
The thing is, all these items look like bath towels, but they are not the same. You realize it when you step out of a warm shower and start using it. The difference between a scratchy, thin rug and a plush, skin-friendly, and cloud-like wrap is crystal clear.
Choosing the right towels for your home is a thoughtful task and in this guide, we will answer all your questions in detail to give you a deep understanding of what to think of while buying towels. This towel buying guide is what you need to cut through the marketing fluff and give you the real answers to choose the perfect linens based on your comfort and budget.
Towel Basics– What You Should Know Before Buying
First of all, let’s establish a baseline before we dive deep into the technical details. The main purpose of a towel is simple: To get you dry. However, a good towel performs this basic duty while making you feel good against your skin and lasts for years.
What Should You Look for When Buying Towels?
There are three main things to focus on while buying towels:
- Comfort: Which type of towels offer comfort to you? Do you like thick, spa-like embraces or a thinner, more scrubby feeling?
- Absorbency: High-quality absorbent towels are good at pulling moisture away instantly. Don’t buy a towel that moves water around your body.
- Durability: Go for double-turned edges with double stitching. It will help prevent fraying after repeated washes.
You also need to consider usage. If you are buying a towel for your guest room that will be used once a month, you can go for aesthetics. On the other hand, a bath towel for daily family use must be durable.
What is the Best Material for Towels?
The gold standard in the market is cotton towels. However, there are various towels made of different materials available in the market. Cotton is a natural fiber and is thirsty and soft. You can also go for towels made of bamboo blends, linen, or synthetic microfibers, as each of them offers different benefits.
Understanding Towel Materials
The material plays a huge role in offering you comfort and durability. It dictates how you feel while drying your body and how much water it holds.
Types of Cotton Towels Explained
- Standard Cotton: It is made from upland cotton and is affordable and highly functional. However, it might lead to shedding over time due to its shorter fibers.
- Long-staple Cotton: It refers to the length of the individual cotton fibers. Longer fibers mean fewer ends, offering a smoother experience.
- Egyptian Cotton: it is the gold standard and has extra-long staples that create an incredibly soft towel that is durable and absorbent.
- Turkish Cotton: They are like Egyptian towels with a small difference. They are flat and lightweight, and they become softer and more absorbent with every wash.
Are Non-Cotton Towels Worth Buying?
Yes, even non-cotton towels offer some incredible benefits. Let’s check them out.
- Microfiber Towels: They are synthetic and dry fast. They are the perfect towels for gym or camping as they are lightweight and antimicrobial. However, they don’t offer the fluffy feeling.
- Blended Towels: Blended towels like cotton-bamboo are getting popular as bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and sustainable. They add a silky sheen to the cotton’s sturdiness.
Softness, Absorbency, and Towel Weight
What does a “600 GSM” mark on the towel’s description reveal? It is the weight of the towel.
What Makes Towels Soft and Absorbent?
GSM (Grams Per Square Meter) is the measure of density, and it determines the towel’s softness and absorbency.
- 300-400 GSM: They are thin and light, especially used in gyms and kitchens.
- 400-600 GSM: Medium-weight towels are mostly bath towels. They dry quickly and are very absorbent.
- 600-900 GSM: They are heavyweight and premium towels that you find in five-star hotels.
Are Thicker Towels Always Better?
This is a misconception. While a 900 GSM towel looks luxurious, it takes a long time to dry. If your bathroom has limited ventilation, this towel might stay damp for 24 hours. Mostly, homeowners go for medium-weight absorbent towels that are more practical for daily use.
Towel Sizes and Their Uses
The towel sizes also matter a lot, as small towels leave you shivering and large ones can be cumbersome.
What’s the Difference Between Bath Towels and Bath Sheets?
This is the most common question in any towel buying guide.
- Bath Towels: The standard size of bath towels is roughly 27” inches × 52 inches and are ideal for kids and average-sized adults.
- Bath Sheets: This is the oversized version with a size 35 inches × 60 inches. If you want to fully wrap yourself up after a shower or if you are taller, a bath sheet is a good choice.
What Are Hand Towels and Washcloths Used For?
- Hand Towels: They are essential for drying hands after washing. As these hand towels are used frequently, make sure that they are durable and match your bathroom decor.
- Washcloths: They are small, square types of cloth that are used for scrubbing the body or face in the shower. Make sure that you wash them after use for hygiene reasons.
Choosing Towels Based on Your Lifestyle
For Everyday Use
If you are looking for towels for daily use, go for cotton towels in the 500-600 GSM range as they can handle frequent hot-water washes and high-heat drying.
For Guest Rooms
For your guests, go for the WOW factor to impress them. Go for high-GSM soft towels in crisp white or neutral tones. As you don’t use them daily, you can go for the plush, high-quality Egyptian cotton that offers a good experience to guests.
For Gym, Travel, and Quick Drying
Go for low-GSM or microfiber as they are lightweight and can easily be packed without taking up too much space.
Towel Care and Maintenance
Even high-quality towels might lose their texture and appearance if you treat them poorly.
How Should Towels Be Washed to Keep Them Soft?
- Skip the Fabric Softener: Never use fabric softeners as they cost the fibers in a waxy film, reducing its absorbency.
- Use Less Detergent: Excess soap will make towels stiff.
- The Vinegar Trick: Wash your towels with a cup of white vinegar every few months to strip away mineral buildup and restore their fluffiness.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right towels for your home does not have to be a tiresome job. Keep in mind your needs and preferences to make the right choice. Keep your priorities straight and you can ensure that your investment lasts for years. Don’t forget that the best towel is the one that makes your morning routine easier and comfortable.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and provide helpful guidance on choosing and caring for towels, individual preferences, experiences, and results may vary. Product recommendations, materials, and specifications mentioned are based on common industry standards and personal comfort considerations and are not intended as professional advice. Always follow the care instructions provided by the towel manufacturer to maintain quality and longevity. The author and publisher are not responsible for any damage, injury, or dissatisfaction resulting from the use of towels or care methods mentioned in this article.