Towels are an everyday necessity and finding the right towel is quite a task. There are a lot of factors, like- Fabric, GSM, Fibers, Weaves, and so on, that determine a towel's durability and absorbing capacity Sounds a bit too much for one towel, doesn’t it? Don’t worry, we are here with a comprehensive guide to help you choose your ideal towel.
Fabric
The fabric has to be the most important factor when looking for the right towel. The fabric necessarily determines the price and absorbance of a towel along with its usability and durability. Towels are made of nearly all sorts of fabrics, both synthetic and natural. Let’s take a look at the most common ones:
Egyptian cotton
Egyptian cotton towels are extremely absorbent and durable under proper care. The fibers used in these towels are long, making them soft and almost luxurious. These are probably the best towels on the list in the context of absorbance, durability, and appearance. However, as nice as it sounds, these towels belong to a higher price range considering their properties and the manufacturing process.
If you’re looking for a high-end, luxurious towel, this is the fabric for you.
Turkish cotton
Turkish cotton towels are ring spun with extra-long fibers, making them durable, absorbent, smooth, and fluffy. These towels share almost all the properties of Egyptian cotton towels and are slightly less expensive.
If you want an economical replacement for Egyptian cotton towels, go for Turkish Cotton.
Pima cotton
This fabric comes from the same plant that is used in Turkish cotton, the only difference being, it is produced in America. Having the same properties as Turkish cotton towels, Pima cotton towels come under the same price bracket.
If you’re looking for a replacement for a Turkish cotton towel, Pima is exactly what you need.
Bamboo
These towels are usually made with a blend of cotton and bamboo, owing to which, these towels possess softness, colorfastness, and super absorbency. These towels are also grown free from chemicals and pesticides, resulting in meager carbon footprints. Bamboo towels, being produced for industrial use, are not as expensive as Egyptian or Turkish cotton.
If an eco-friendly and organic product is important for you, bamboo towels are perfect. They’re industrial, budget-friendly, environment-friendly, highly absorbent, and durable.
Organic cotton
As the name suggests, these towels are made of organic, pesticide free cotton. These towels are soft, absorbent, and antibacterial. For people with sensitive skin, these towels are the most suitable option.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and soft industrial towel, organic cotton is the best option.
Weaves
The composition of fibers or the way in which the fabric is woven determines its durability and texture. The most common weaves are:
Microfiber
Microfiber towels are constructed with a blend of fine synthetic fibers in a way that the fabric could absorb up to 7 times its weight. Microfiber towels are highly absorbent and durable. These kinds of knits are often used for shower mats, gym towels, dusting mats, etc. because of their dust and oil absorbency.
Terry knit
Terry knits have a looped surface using piled-up, ring-spun yarn. Terry knit fabrics are soft, flexible, and comfortable with high elasticity, wrinkle-resistant, and moisture absorbent. These knits are perfect for domestic towels.
Waffle knit
Waffle knit towels are woven flat, with a weave that resembles a waffle or honeycomb. The pockets in these towels absorb a significant amount of water and unlike a regular plushy towel, waffle knit towels will dry faster while also feeling great on your skin.
If fluffy terry knit is not your deal, waffle knit towels are the thing for you.
Woven Towels
These towels are knitted fabrics used mostly in parts of Southern India. These towels are inexpensive but not of the best quality. Since the knits are thin, the absorption power of these towels is not great. These towels, however, dry easily and are quite low maintenance. These towels are meant for limited-time use since the durability is not great.
