A towel is an indispensable item in every home. The question of how to choose a towel sooner or later arises before every person. Well, it would seem that there is nothing complicated: “I came, I saw, I conquered,” that is, I chose. But in reality the situation is much more complex.
Previously, during times of general shortage, people took what they had, but now you go to the store and find that there is nothing there: short and long pile, different sizes, different purposes, and even completely different fabrics. You may get confused by this choice. What should you consider when choosing a towel so that it becomes a soft and loyal friend for you for many years, and not a source of eternal dissatisfaction and disappointment?
Well, of course, first of all, you need to touch it - it should be soft to the touch so that you feel comfortable touching it. Let's find out what else to look for when choosing a towel...
- The ability to absorb moisture is the main characteristic; it depends on the type of yarn and the method of weaving the threads. To check the product for hygroscopicity, you need to pour a little water on it: if it is quickly absorbed, then the material from which the towel is made is natural. If the material is synthetic, the water will drip down. Drying yourself with this towel will be uncomfortable.
Important!
Of course, not every seller will give you the opportunity to wet their products. That is why, to understand the properties of the material, pay attention to the label. It has the designations used for fabrics.
- Towel Density - Density is determined by the number of fibers used to make one square centimeter of material, measured in grams per square meter. The density index also depends on the type of yarn used to make the material.
How to choose the density of towels?
As a rule, this indicator is indicated on the label. The higher this value, the better the product absorbs water. On average, the indicator value ranges from 350-750 g/m2.
Important!
Low-density materials absorb moisture but dry faster. Too high a density will cause the towel to take a very long time to dry.
- Pile length - the average length of the pile is 3.5-8.5 mm. Short pile does not absorb moisture well, and too long pile quickly wears out and becomes unusable. The most optimal value is 5 mm.
- Degree of hardness - if the towel is too soft, it means that the composition contains synthetic fibers that reduce the hygroscopicity of the product. These towels are suitable for people with sensitive skin, children and the elderly.
Important!
Some products are decorated with embroidery or appliqué. Jewelry should be securely fastened and not cause discomfort when wiped. The embroidery threads should be soft and well drawn into the fabric.
Material
natural are used as materials - cotton, linen.
Cotton is a practical, durable material that does not cause allergies or skin irritation. Cotton towels are the most common option.
This fabric comes in several types.
- Terry is a fleecy (loop) and fairly soft material. This fabric absorbs moisture well and dries quickly. Most towels are made from terry.
- Velor is a smooth, shiny and velvety material consisting of clipped loops. It is softer and more beautiful than terry, but absorbs water worse, and the price of such towels is higher.
- Waffle fabric is a rigid material with a characteristic checkered structure. Cotton absorbs moisture better than other types of cotton, dries faster, and is also more resistant to wear. Waffle fabric is most often used to make kitchen towels.
Important: waffle fabric is easier to wash and is more hygienic than terry fabric, since it does not have lint, which can retain moisture and leave skin particles - a breeding ground for microorganisms.
Jacquard (cotton) is a double-sided material made of double thread with small loops. Jacquard towels are characterized by high wear resistance and a relief pattern, which is formed by areas with lint and without lint. Many types of towels are produced from this fabric, including children's, bath and others.
Synthetic
Bamboo is a soft and impressive-looking material. Bamboo fabric is made from natural raw materials, but is classified as a synthetic material because it is chemically treated during production. In its qualities, bamboo resembles silk (“bamboo rayon”).
Modal (cellulose) absorbs water better and lasts longer than cotton. Modal, like bamboo, is classified as a synthetic fabric in terms of its production method, but its properties are similar to natural materials. This towel does not fade or fade, and remains soft and fluffy for a long time. The only drawback is the high price.
Linen is a hygienic, smooth and durable material. Linen is commonly used to make kitchen and wedding towels. Thanks to the exquisite decoration (lace, embroidery), these towels look very elegant.
Silk is shiny, impressive in appearance and pleasant to the touch, but the most impractical material. A silk towel practically does not absorb water and sticks strongly to the body. In addition, the cost of such a product is very high.
Mixed - a combined option, found in several forms:
- a combination of natural fibers improves the quality of towel fabric. For example, a towel made from a cotton/silk/bamboo blend has antibacterial properties, and adding flax to the cotton increases the lifespan of the towel. Massage towels are made from a mixture of cotton and linen;
- natural + synthetic - soft and pleasant to the touch materials, attractive in appearance and bright in color. It should be remembered that the more synthetic fibers a towel contains, the worse it absorbs moisture.
Towel manufacturers
Arya
Turkish company producing home textiles from high-quality natural materials. The manufacturer offers a large selection of bed linen, bath accessories, bathrobes, pillows and blankets.
Exquisite cotton terry sets are top sellers.
Cleanelly
The Russian manufacturer specializes in the production of high-quality textiles for home and office, terry and waffle accessories for the bathroom and kitchen, bathrobes, and hygiene items for recreation and sports.
Issimo Home
A Turkish company producing bed linen, towels, bathrobes and home textiles presents products made from hypoallergenic and safe materials. Bamboo fiber, cotton and modal are used to make bath accessories.
Romantika
Turkish brand. The main direction of the company is the production of bedding sets, blankets, towels for the kitchen and bathroom. Cotton terry fabric is used for sewing without additional synthetic impurities and additives.
The products can withstand repeated washing, do not deform, and do not fade.
Sea To Summit
An Australian brand that represents a range of personal care products and travel equipment. The company produces bath accessories, accessories, hiking backpacks, and dishes.
An important place in the product line is occupied by ultra-thin towels, which are able to absorb 10 times their weight in water.
Soavita
A company producing practical bed linen and bath accessories. Products under the Soavita brand are manufactured in China. Satin, terry and cotton are used to sew products.
Togas
Russian company producing home textiles - bedding sets and towels for the bathroom. The manufacturer offers stylish sets made of terry cloth, cotton and bamboo.
Yarn type
Hardware yarn (“Open end”) – made from short-staple cotton. The hardware fabric is rigid and resistant to deformation.
Carded yarn (“ring”) is made from medium-length cotton fibers. Carded fabric is softer, but more expensive than hardware.
Combed yarn (“singing”) is made from long-staple cotton. Combed fabric is the softest and highest quality, but also the most expensive.
Important: there are products made from different types of yarn. For example, the base of the fabric is hardware yarn, and the pile is carded. In this case, you get a high-quality product at an affordable price.
Decor
Patterns on the product must be embroidered; glued versions are not acceptable. Popular brands decorate the fabric closer to the edge, rather than on the central part. This arrangement will allow the application to be visible without being in the way.
Embroidery in the center will create an unpleasant sensation when wiping your face and body. Ornaments with geometric shapes are the most popular. And towels in pastel colors and delicate shades are gaining popularity again.
Pile height
The height of the pile is the length of the loops that form the terry fabric. The longer the pile, the softer the towel.
Very long pile (8 mm and above) does not tolerate regular washing, which leads to a deterioration in the appearance of the towel. Very short pile (3.5 mm and below) does not absorb moisture well enough and over time such a towel becomes stiff.
The best option is considered to be medium-length pile (5 mm) - these towels are quite soft, resistant to wear and tear and absorb water well. Children's towels should be soft, which means they should have long pile.
How to distinguish high-quality terry towels from low-quality ones?
The main difference between bath towels is quality. There are thick, fluffy and soft products that quickly absorb water and last a long time, and there are also cheaper options. They are thin, light, do not absorb water well, fade after washing and scratch the skin. It’s good to offer them to unwanted guests so that they leave your home faster. To distinguish high-quality terry towels from others, you will need direct contact. As a general rule, the heavier the product, the better. Also, before purchasing, it is important to find out the height of the pile, the density of the loops, what fiber it is made of, as well as the measure of its absorbency.
Density
Density is the number of fibers per unit area. This value is measured in grams per square meter (g/sq.m). The resistance to wear of the towel, as well as its ability to absorb moisture, depends on the density of the material. The thicker the towel, the longer it will last and the more water it will absorb.
- below 400 g/sq.m – they do not absorb moisture well;
- above 600 g/sq.m – they are heavy and therefore inconvenient to use;
- the optimal density is 450-600 g/sq.m.
Density also affects the softness of the towel: the denser the towel, the softer it is. A good kitchen and guest towel has a density of 320 gsm.
Design
Having studied the photos of terry towels in the interior, it is clear that the material is selected to match the style of the bathroom. To maintain aesthetics, it is recommended to purchase a set of high-quality towels made in the same style as the room.
Plain material in the same color as the interior always looks advantageous. White fluffy fabrics are especially attractive; they hint at the luxury and sense of style of the owner.
For many, white color is compared to hotel textiles. But this choice is not without reason; it is the snow-white color that speaks of a responsible approach to the room and the cleanliness of the room.
Hanger loops usually have to be sewn on by hand. But a good manufacturer will not allow this, and at the last stage of production he will definitely sew on a neat loop.
High-quality terry products will make an excellent gift. It is customary to give them to young families and to a bachelor’s apartment. For these cases, there are already ready-made gift sets.
A children's chenille towel selected in rich and bright colors will also be a wonderful gift. Modern technologies are capable of creating cotton products at a high level. Having received a festive, beautiful and high-quality product.
Dimensions
The size of the towel is determined by its purpose.
- 30x30; 30x50 cm – guest or toilet towels;
- 50x70 cm – standard kitchen towel;
- 50x85; 50x90 cm – towels for face, hands and feet;
- 50x100 cm – some face towels or small bath towels;
- 70x140; 80x160 cm - standard bath towel. Baptism towels come in the same size;
- 80x200; 100x150; 100x180 cm – large bath, massage, beach towel.
There are also terry towels in sizes 150x200, 150x250, 160x200, 175x200, 175x250 cm.
Decorative borders
Terry towels can be decorated with decorative elements such as borders - these are designs along one or two short edges. They can be:
- made in the structure of the terry itself
- viscose
- polyester
Such elements have a decorative function and add originality to the design.
We would like to draw your attention to a feature of towels with a viscose or polyester border: when washed, terry fabric and viscose/polyester shrink differently, which can lead to slight asymmetry of these elements relative to the terry part after drying. This nuance should not be perceived as a defect or low quality - these are the technological and operational features of products with a border.
Color
According to the method of applying the pattern, terry towels are divided into the following categories.
- Plain painted - plain, no ornaments or drawings. These towels are dyed ready-made.
- Plain jacquard - single-color with a relief pattern, which is obtained due to the different lengths of the fibers. Plain jacquard towels are also dyed ready-made.
- Multicolored jacquard - with a relief pattern, painted in various colors. Unlike the previous ones, multi-colored threads are used in the manufacture of these towels.
- Multi-colored jacquard with an embossed pattern - the pattern is obtained by combining two methods: alternating sections with different lengths of pile and using multi-colored threads.
The color of the towel is often chosen based on the interior of the bathroom. However, this option has a drawback - high-quality and safe dye is not always used when making towels. Products painted in bright colors may fade when washed and also leave “colorful” stains on the body. It is better to choose towels in muted pastel colors, as they are more environmentally friendly.
Note.
Baking soda will make your towels cleaner and whiter; Vinegar will get rid of odors and stains. The towel must be washed regularly. White vinegar is an excellent fabric softener.
Bamboo towels tend to absorb less well than cotton ones, to get rid of this, place two rubber balls in the drum during washing (old tennis balls will also work - just make sure they are clean) during the spin phase. This will help fluff up the towels so they will then be more absorbent.
It is recommended that you keep two sets of towels per person in your household, plus an extra set for guests.
Getting your towel into the condition you want is a relatively slow process. This may take several months or several washes with any fabric softener.
You can hang the towel outside to help it smell fresh and become more absorbent. In general, it is believed that drying towels outside is usually better than mechanical drying.
Adviсe
- When choosing a towel, you should carefully examine it from all sides: a quality product should be evenly colored on both sides and not have a strong odor.
- To determine the hardness of a towel, you need to touch it and even apply it to open areas of the body.
- At home, you can check the towel for the presence of synthetics in the fabric. To do this, just pour a small amount of water onto a smooth surface and wipe it. In the event that there are stains left, synthetics are present.
- It is advisable to wash a new towel before use - it will fluff up and absorb moisture better.
- It is recommended to wash the towel at a temperature of 40-60 °C at low or medium speed (machine wash up to 800 revolutions). It is recommended to use mild detergents to prevent the towel from becoming hard.
- Do not wash terry items with items that have hooks and zippers, as puffs may form. It is not advisable to wash colored and white towels together.
- It is better to dry the product naturally, without allowing it to dry out. It is not necessary to iron a terry towel.
- If puffs form, cut them off with scissors - this will not lead to the appearance of holes.
- A quality towel should not be very light. For example, the weight of a good terry towel with a size of 70x140 cm and a density of 500 g/m2. m is approximately 500 g.
How to choose the best bath towel: 3 important points
The towel is made from three different types of yarn: warp (length) and weft (width) - the base of the product on which the pile (loop) is located, in contact with the human body.
The quality of yarn is determined by the spinning method and its size. Each of the three fibers is made from different threads. To buy high-quality terry towels, it is important to know what kind of threads they are. The home textile market offers products made from single-layer and double-layer yarn. The name refers to the number of threads twisted together to create a single fiber.
Double yarn is made from thin and soft threads. This is the best option for home use because it is very soft and is not designed for extreme operating conditions and frequent washing.
Single ply yarn is made from thick, strong threads and is therefore the gold standard for the hospitality and healthcare industries.
PROVANCE Bamboo Terry towel, 70% bamboo, 30% cotton, 50x90cm, 400g/m, violet
PROVANCE Bamboo Terry towel, 70% bamboo, 30% cotton, 70x130cm, 400g/m, violet
PROVANCE Bamboo Terry towel, 70% bamboo, 30% cotton, 70x130cm, 400g/m, lilac
PROVANCE Naomi Terry towel, 100% cotton, 50x90cm, 360g/m, green grass
Terry towel PROVANCE Naomi, 100% cotton, 30x70cm, 360gr/m, dark gray, lavender
PROVANCE Naomi Terry towel, 100% cotton, 30x70cm, 360g/m, mint, sea wave
The absorbency of bath towels depends on the height of the pile: the longer it is, the greater the hygroscopicity. Manufacturers of home textiles produce products with single or double loops. A towel with one loop dries faster. The premium class includes bath accessories with a velvet side, which are created by shaving and combing the loops.
The ideal pile length is 5 mm. Shorter villi (less than 3 mm) do not absorb water well. This is especially noticeable in bath accessories for the head. They get wet quickly and do not cope with the function of effective drying at all. A very long pile - about 10 mm - looks luxurious, but is very impractical. After the first wash, the beauty of the accessory will be lost. In addition, long loops often catch on objects and break.
When choosing bath textiles, it is important to pay attention to products made from extra-long fiber, also known as ELS cotton. This is the best option in all respects because it produces a softer fabric than other types of cotton. The highest quality ELS variety is Egyptian cotton.
Before buying a terry bath towel, inquire about its density, measured in GSM. A higher value means a more absorbent fabric, but it will take longer to dry.
Towels are rated by their weight per meter. Weight varies from 100 to 800 grams per meter (GSM). Bath textiles 450-700 GSM are considered the gold standard. Products with a higher index seem more attractive, but they are very thick, heavy when wet and take much longer to dry. If for some reason you have to wash such an item by hand, you will need the strength of Hercules.
Capsule principle
We have already mentioned that Cleanelly towels of the same design are available in different sizes, which allows you to combine them with each other. But besides this, our towels are perfectly combined with other textile products of our company and many of them are included in the so-called capsules.
Color capsules created by our designers are collections of home textiles that match each other. These are ready-made solutions for decorating your living space that will save your efforts and allow you to effortlessly transform your interior and give it a unique, holistic image.
For example, having decided on certain towels, you can immediately choose men’s and women’s bathrobes, a bath mat, a blanket, a bedspread and even decorative pillowcases to match them.
With care for the environment
Recently, an important event took place in the history of the Cleanelly brand - the release of a new eco-friendly Green Planet collection. As part of our concept of “Saving the planet together”, we created the design of Care towels (translated as “care”). We, like the entire global community, are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and encourage our customers to do their part to protect our planet.
One step towards this goal can be the use of Care towels. They are made from the highest quality organic cotton, like all Cleanelly products, and are the first to use polyester thread made from recycled plastic. The product itself (that soft and airy terry that touches our body and gives a pleasant feeling) is made of 100% cotton.
You can read more about this collection in a separate article on our blog. You can purchase these products in our online store and in our retail chain.
