When buying a towel there are several important factors to consider these include:
- Towel Weight
- Cotton Type
- Cotton Construction
- Towel Type
Step 1 Check the Towel Weight
Towels are measured in grams per meter (GSM). The higher the GSM of a towel the more absorbent it will typically be. For example of two towels made with the same cotton type and construction, the heavier towel will be more absorbent. Better towels are at least 600 gsm and the best are 800.
Step 2 Check the Cotton Type
Step 2 Check the Cotton Type
Cotton comes in many type and has an impact on the durability of a towel.
Combed Cotton
Processed cotton fibres that are aligned and mechanically “combed”, removing the shorter fibres and leaving only the better quality long staple fibres producing soft, absorbent towels. It also makes the towel less prone to linting.
Egyptian Combed Cotton
The longest and strongest fibre, producing a softer super absorbent towel with greater colour lustre. These tend to be the most durable of towels. Note unless the label reads "100% Egyptian cotton" you are likely getting a blend of Egyptian and cheaper cotton fibers.
Organic Cotton
Grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, artificially fertilisers or pesticides, helping to preserve the health of the world we live in.
Organic Bamboo
Over the past several years bamboo grass as a material has been making inroads. As the bamboo plant is highly sustainable this also is an environmentally friendly option.
Step 3 Check Cotton Construction
Single Loop
A single loop of cotton twisted to form the pile of the towel, the most commonly used construction type.
Double Yarn
Two loops of cotton twisted together to form the pile of the towel, which adds a denser thicker feel to the towel.
Micro Cotton
Combed cotton that is processed, spun and woven in a unique way producing luxuriously soft, bulky and absorbent towels that are light in weight.
Step 4 Sizing
Towels come in range of sizes for different uses as listed below :
BATH: The standard body towel for drying off after a shower or bath.
BATH SHEET: Larger than a bath towel, it's a more luxurious size towel that you can really wrap yourself up in.
HAND: For drying hands after washing.
A single loop of cotton twisted to form the pile of the towel, the most commonly used construction type.
Double Yarn
Two loops of cotton twisted together to form the pile of the towel, which adds a denser thicker feel to the towel.
Micro Cotton
Combed cotton that is processed, spun and woven in a unique way producing luxuriously soft, bulky and absorbent towels that are light in weight.
Step 4 Sizing
Towels come in range of sizes for different uses as listed below :
BATH: The standard body towel for drying off after a shower or bath.
BATH SHEET: Larger than a bath towel, it's a more luxurious size towel that you can really wrap yourself up in.
HAND: For drying hands after washing.
