10 Top Tips on How to Choose Bath Towels for Your Home

There are many things to consider when selecting the best bath towels for your home. All the factors that are influenced by the manufacturing process are crucial. You must consider who will be using them and what will be involved in ongoing maintenance. You’ll also have preferences for their look and style, not just for the towels themselves but how they complement the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.

The first thing you must do when choosing bath towels for your home is think about the different materials available. There are many bath towel fabrics, each with different absorbency, price, towel feel, etc. A popular choice are bath towels made from pure cotton. These towels are soft, absorbent and are easy to care for. Pure cotton towels also come in many colours, styles and textures. However, other types of cotton are considered even more luxurious, including Egyptian and Turkish cotton. Egyptian cotton is soft and gentle on the skin, while Turkish cotton is known for its superior absorbency. Bamboo towels are another great choice for bath towels. They can be even more absorbent than cotton and are a sustainable natural resource, making them a more eco-friendly option.

Towel size is another important factor to consider when buying new bath towels. If you buy towel sets or a towel collection, they will often come with a washcloth, a hand towel, bath mats, bath towels and bath sheets, so you’ll have all bases covered. If not, a big decision will be choosing between a bath towel and a bath sheet. If you’re a taller or bigger individual, bath sheets might be the better option as they offer more coverage. Because they are much larger than typical towels, they are usually more absorbent and luxurious than traditional towels. They also occupy more space in the washing machine, making it a balanced choice.

Related article: Bath sheet vs bath towel - which is right for you?

Another important part of choosing the best bath towels is finding the best texture and feel. Because skin is so sensitive, a gentle and soft towel makes for a more comfortable experience. The aforementioned Egyptian cotton towels are great options due to their natural characteristics and the fact they typically contain a longer, more plush pile. If you are looking for soft, smooth options for towels, bamboo towels or towels with waffle weaves represent fantastic choices. The best way to judge is to feel the different types of towel materials. As everyone has slightly different sensitivities, you might find that what’s right for you differs from another member of the household.

Next, you should consider the type of maintenance and care your bath towels will require. When you are regularly using your towels, they must be easy to clean. While some towels are completely fine going through the washing machine, others are not made for machine wash. They may start to shed or may lose some of the pile, making your towels look rough and flat. While incredibly soft, Egyptian towels are shed more quickly than other options. Those concerned about longevity also tend to choose white towels, too, as they don’t suffer from issues of their colours fading.

When you buy bath towels, it is also essential to consider their highlights and features. How your towels are made will impact the overall quality and durability. There are typically four ways that cotton towels are produced. The first type is combed cotton. This means the cotton is brushed during production to remove short fibres, making the fabric softer and more durable. Next, you can choose from ring-spun cotton. This uses long and short fibres twisted together to create loops, making the towel solid and smooth. You can also see how much the loop's yarn was twisted. The more you twist the yarn, the more durable your towel will be. However, low-twist towels are typically more plush and absorbent. Finally, you can choose cotton towels manufactured using the hydrocotton, microcotton, or aerocotton process. Each of these processes will make your towels softer and more absorbent. Our preference is for combed cotton or ringspun cotton towels, which produce plush towels that are functional for years, but it is something that is somewhat persona,l so be sure to feel the different types for yourself.

Towel weight is another essential feature to consider for the most luxurious bathing experience. Towel weight is typically measured by grams per square meter, also known as GSM and ranges from 300-900. The denser your towels are, the more plush and absorbent they will be. 600-900 GSM is the heaviest weight for towels and is the thickest, most plush option available. It is important to note that towels with a higher GSM typically take longer to dry. However, anything between 500 and 700 GSM will provide a great balance between feel and drying times.

Towels can be an essential part of bathroom interior projects. They can add a finishing touch to your bathroom design, so finding a colour and style that complements your bathroom is important. When choosing a colour for your bath towels, it is best to find one that suits the base colour of the bathroom rather than one that matches it. For example, if you have a neutral-coloured bathroom, bath towels with a splash of colour will work as a treat.

Related article: Accessorise your bathroom: Smart tips and ideas for a fresh look

Another important part of choosing towels to finish your bathroom design is to give them a close visual inspection. When you get your towels, ensure the edges fold together neatly and have secure stitching. Taking note of these signs will give you peace of mind that the towels were produced to high standards and won’t fray when you watch them. While you can feel a towel to see its softness, manufacturers may coat the towels with a finish to make them feel softer. This will typically wash off after you put it in the washer, so a bit of extra research into the manufacturing process or user reviews never goes amiss.

When selecting bath towels, consider the balance between absorbency and drying speed. Highly absorbent towels, such as those made from Egyptian or Turkish cotton, feel luxurious but may take longer to dry, leading to odour issues in humid environments. If quick drying is a priority, opt for lightweight towels with a lower GSM or microfiber towels. These are particularly suitable for households with limited drying space or use in high-turnover situations like guest bathrooms.

Hypoallergenic bath towels can be an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. Materials like bamboo or organic cotton are naturally hypoallergenic, free of harsh chemicals, and gentle on the skin. Towels labelled “OEKO-TEX certified” ensure they have been tested for harmful substances, offering extra peace of mind. Investing in hypoallergenic options can improve comfort and health, especially for children or those prone to skin irritations.

When shopping for bath towels, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you make the best choice for your entire household. Each family member may have unique preferences or needs, such as a softer towel for sensitive skin or a more durable option for everyday use. By considering these individual requirements, you can select towels that suit each person and provide greater comfort, functionality, and longevity. Investing time in this process ensures that your towels will work better and remain in excellent condition for longer, offering value and satisfaction for everyone in the household.

This article was updated on 29th November 2024

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