Bath towel FAQs

What to look for in a towel

When choosing a towel, consider its material, absorbency, durability, and softness. Look for towels made from high-quality materials like Egyptian or Turkish cotton, as they are known for their softness and absorbency. Check the towel’s GSM, as this indicates the quality and density of the fabric. Additionally, consider the towel’s size and colour to ensure it fits your needs and complements your bathroom decor.

1. Thread count – When it comes to towels, thread count is measured differently than with bedding. Instead of threads per square inch, it’s measured in grams per square meter (GSM). This indicates the density and quality of the towel fabric. You want to be looking at quality towels with a thread count of around 600gsm.
2. Fabric – Towels are available in a variety of fabrics, each with its own set of advantages. Some of the most common options include Egyptian cotton towels, Turkish cotton towels, and microfibre towels.
3. Design – Your choice of towel style is entirely dependent on your personal preference. When selecting a design, consider factors such as colour to ensure your bathroom towels blend well with your decor. In addition, consider buying bath sheets which have double-turned edges and double stitching to avoid fraying over time.
4. Size options – Selecting the appropriate towel size is essential. When browsing for bath towels, you’ll encounter various options ranging from face cloths to extra-large bath sheets. A bath towel or sheet is the perfect size for wrapping around yourself after a bath or shower.

How often should you buy new towels?

“This all depends on the quality, how often you use them, and how often you wash them”, advises Robert Lancaster-Gaye from Tielle, the company known for supplying luxury towels and textiles to some of the world’s top hotels. “You’ll know you need to replace them when they’re no longer as soft and fluffy as you’d like. Towels can last years if they’re high quality, rotated and washed carefully”. Luxe Egyptian‑ or Turkish‑cotton ones tend to stay soft and absorbent longer, while bargain finds will obviously wear out faster. If you notice fraying edges, persistent damp odours, reduced absorbency or a scratchy texture (not even a good fabric softener will fix that), it’s time to bid them farewell.

Is it normal for new towels to shed?

Yes, it’s quite common for new towels to shed fibres, especially if they are made from natural materials like cotton. Robert agrees, telling us: “Yes it is. They’re made of cotton, and all cotton will lose fibres over time. However, higher quality cotton will shed less than lower quality cotton, meaning towels will stay fluffier and whiter for longer.” Shedding can also be a result of the manufacturing process and typically decreases after the first few washes. To minimise shedding, wash new towels separately before using them for the first time and avoid using fabric softeners, which can trap loose fibres.

How often should you wash bath towels?

To maintain hygiene and prevent germ buildup, it’s important to ensure your bath towel dries completely between uses and is washed regularly. We suggest washing your towels after approximately three uses. For those who shower everyday, this translates to washing them around twice a week. Face cloths used for washing your face should be washed after each use, and the same applies to gym towels, as they are more susceptible to accumulating airborne bacteria.

How do you keep towels soft?

To keep towels soft, use detergent sparingly and avoid fabric softeners. “Fabric softener coats fibres, and whilst it might feel softer to start with, this coating can build up on towelling fibres which doesn’t get washed off”, Robert says. “It can feel tacky and harsh as the softener gets further baked on when drying the towel. This can be reversed though by washing with detergent only.”

Opt for gentle washing in warm water and tumble dry with dryer balls to fluff towels. Avoid over-drying by removing towels from the dryer while slightly damp, and consider air drying for natural softening. Even if your towels have loops for hanging, we still recommend fully drying them for an even dry. Here’s Robert’s towel drying hack: “When it comes to drying, the best way is to line dry the towels (or hang indoors) then, before they are completely dry, spin them in the tumble drier for ten minutes, or until soft and fluffy. Ideally, you wouldn’t tumble dry them from wet”. He adds: “Finally, don’t compress them when storing as this will compress the fluffiness you’ve achieved, loosely roll to store if you can”.

Which material bath towel is best?

No one has time to stand dripping in the bathroom for an hour post-shower, so make a beeline for a quick-drying towel that won’t feel damp after 30 seconds. Hydrocotton towels – like The White Company’s plush bath towels – tend to be very fast drying with thanks to the “low twist” technology they’ve been crafted using. This makes them perfect for children and busy households. They’ll also stay ultra-soft and supple even after washing them.

“Cotton towels are prized for their absorbency, softness and durability, but their effectiveness depends on the type of cotton used”, advises Robert. “Turkish cotton towels and Egyptian cotton towels are the most popular choices for luxury hotels and spas. However, Aegean Turkish cotton, is considered the absolute best. Aegean Turkish cotton fibres are longer and finer than other types of cotton, creating a more opulent feel than other towel materials, such as bamboo towels. Aegean Turkish towels also get softer with each wash, making them the top choice for those who prioritise comfort and quality over price.”

What size bath towels should I buy?

“Towel size matters!”, says Robert. “While this can vary among manufacturers, sizing for towel types is based on its intended use. Bath towels are just the right size for bathing and are smaller than a bath sheet, which offers more comfort and coverage. This makes bath sheets especially useful for larger frames. Hand towels and face cloths are big enough to do what they’re supposed to do: comfortably dry hands or face.”

Make sure you’ve selected a bath towel or something larger if you’re going to be using it to dry yourself after a bath or shower. These are your typical bath towel dimensions:

• Bath towel: L130 x W70cm.
• Bath sheet: L150 x W90cm.
• XL bath sheet: L180 x W100cm.