Everything You Need To Know About Towel Fabrics

How do you choose the perfect fabric for your towels?

Towel shopping is a not a simple process with the numerous choices that exist. Most towels are made from cotton, but there are many types of cotton and other fabric blends you can choose from. If you do not know the difference between a Turkish and an Egyptian Cotton towel, this information will come quite handy in picking up a product. Here are the most common fabrics and methods used in towel construction.

Bamboo/Cotton – This popular product is a bamboo cotton blend although you might get 100% bamboo too. These types of towels are known for their softness, colorfastness and super absorbency. Bamboos are antibacterial and bamboo fabrics also inherit the same properties. Since bamboos are eco-friendly, a bamboo towel might cost you slightly more than other towels.

Egyptian Cotton – These towels are considered a high-end premium product, primarily because their fibers are grown in the land of the Pharaohs, resulting in extremely soft, plush, absorbent and durable fabric. Some claim that the towels last for years under proper care. Regarded as the best towels one can buy, they are expensive. In spite of the price tag, many luxury hotels and spa look up to this product as they render an exquisite experience.

Turkish Cotton – Known for their thickness and luxury, Turkish cotton towels share the same traits as Egyptian Cotton. The fibers are grown in Turkey, which makes them a premium product. They are also expensive but will cost you slightly less than Egyptian Cotton. They are also not as absorbent as Egyptian Cotton, however, their superior performance makes them a quality product.

Combed – These fibers are combed in such a way that shorter and unwanted threads are eliminated, thereby leaving only the strongest and longest threads of cotton. These high-quality fabric materials are extremely strong and durable, though you may miss that luxurious touch.

Ringspun – These types of fabrics include both short and long fibers, tightly twisted to make a smoother and stronger yarn. They are smoother and more plush compared to their combed counterparts.

Pima (Supima Cotton) – The fibers of this cotton are from the same plant that produces Egyptian Cotton except for the fiber is grown in the US. Since these towels are also a high-quality premium product, they come under the same price bracket as Egyptian and Turkish. Their fibers are strong and super absorbent and they are a popular choice among people inclined to buy domestically sourced cotton.

Microfiber – As suggested by the name, microfibers contain fine synthetic fibers, aimed at soaking remarkable amounts of water and dry up quickly as compared to other cotton towels, while looking plush and luxurious. These are fairly new in the market. They are excellent choices for the beach, sports or gym as they absorb dust, dirt, and oil easily.

Peshtemal, Hammam or Fouta – Who said towels can’t be adorned. These towels not only look pretty with little fringes at the end but also do a great job at absorbing a large amount of water and drying up quickly. They are also called Turkish towels, are lightweight and come in bright as well as muted tones.

Organic – These types of towels are made from cotton that does not use any unnatural fertilizer or pesticide. These are certified towels which leave the smallest possible carbon footprint. They are much softer to touch, durable and go well with people who have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies.