Bath Towel Buying Guide

Step 2 in the Bath Towel Buying Guide is to consider towel construction.

Next in importance but a very close second, is the construction of the towel material. The construction will always affect how long our towels last and how comfortable they feel on our skin. Loops make towels more absorbent while twists make them more durable.

Combed - the cotton is combed to remove all debris and short threads making the cotton uniform and straight.

Ringspun - this is where the short and long fibers are spun together making a stronger yet finer yarn for better feel and durability.

Zero Twist - this method has zero twists of yarn per square inch making the fabric more plush. Twisting the yarn makes it more durable and heavier.

Terry Cloth - this method has large loops and extra material making the towel more absorbent.

Hygro Cotton - this method leaves a hollow core to the yarn making it more absorbent by weaving a pva fibers with the cotton and then dissolving this material leaving only the cotton making a terry fabric.

Microfiber - this method combines a reconstituted cellulose fiber (trademarked Modal) from beech trees with cotton to make a super absorbent fabric.

Two Ply - double the amount of yarn is used to make a very durable, absorbent, dense and substantial feeling towel.

Next is step 3 in the Bath Towel Buying Guide, towel fabric weight.

The First Step in the Bath Towel Buying Guide is to consider towel fabric.

The best towels have always been made out of 100% cotton for its comfort on the skin, durability under stress of repeated washings, and absorbency. The best cotton for making towels comes from Egypt, the United States, Turkey, and Brazil. And each of these countries are known for a particular quality and durability.

100% Egyptian Cotton Bath Towels - Egyptian cotton has long been considered the king of cottons for its extra long staple and highly absorbent fibrous threads. This breathable cotton has been grown along the fertile Nile River Valley for a very long time.

Supima Cotton of the United States - Supima cotton is the trademarked superior version of pima cotton which is made from the very same plant as Egyptian cotton. It is grown in the American southwest and is known for producing the rich, extra-long staple with highly absorbent fibrous threads that are very durable.

Microcotton - Microcotton is the trademarked cotton from India known for a high-quality, long-staple fiber with high absorbency. Its soft and plush fibers create a fluffy towel with a suede-like texture.

Turkish Cotton - this great cotton is known for its durability and its natural sheen while have a long staple.

Brazilian Cotton - a basic cotton grown exclusively in Brazil that has a standard staple length.

Standard Cotton - a cotton of standard staple length and durability.

Organic - a cotton grown without pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. The US certifies its cotton as organic using an independent 3rd party verification system. Certified organic cotton is grown under highly controlled conditions and is specially harvested to ensure sustainability and little environmental impact.

Terry Cloth - terry cloth towels are very absorbent because terry cloth is woven with extra yarn lengthwise creating hundreds of tiny sponges.

Microfiber - synthetic fibers that are tiny, very soft and ultra absorbent. Microfiber towels also dry much faster than regular cotton towels and can be folded very small, so they are great for traveling.

Bamboo - A natural and sustainable fiber that is blended with cotton. It is very absorbent and possesses a natural silky sheen.

Next, step 2 in the Bath Towel Buying Guide.

Step 3 in the b> is towel fabric weight.

The weight of our towels is a personal matter and can be affected by the seasons. I prefer lighter and fluffier towels when the climate is warmer and heavier more substantial towels when the weather is cold and dark.

Grams per square meter is the GSM number found on some towels tags or advertising. A quality luxury hotel towel is considered to be anything above 700 grams per square meter while a towel at the 500 range is considered plush. However, a lighter towel at 500 grams that has superior construction and cotton can be far better than a heavier towel, such as those made of two ply.

A lighter towel is best for the beach and for the gym while your heavier towels and top quality cottons are best for the master bathroom.

Next is step 4 in the Bath Towel Buying Guide, towel sizes.

Step 4 in the Bath Towel Buying Guide is considering bath towel sizes.

There are primary bath towel sizes that come in bath towel sets. But this doesn't make it the best fit for our comfort and that of our family and guests. Below is a bath towel size guide with their purpose detailed.

Bath Sheet: approximately 35"x60" to 40"x70"
This is the extra large bath towel we always see in the movies and at the spa as super comfortable, warm and luxurious.

Bath Towel: measures approximately 27"x52" to 30"x58"
The standard size that is easier to dry, fold and store.

Hand Towel: measures approximately 16"x28" to 18"x30"
For drying hands after washing and for decorative accents.

Fingertip Towel: measures approximately 11"x18"
Most often used as decorative accents and in guest bathrooms.

Wash Cloth: measures approximately 13"x13"
Used both in and out of the shower/bath to wash hands, body and face.

Tub Mat: measures approximately 27"x52"
A highly absorbent towel used outside the tub or shower stall to prevent the floor from getting wet.

See below for the Tip and Tricks included in the Bath Towel Buying Guide.

Apart from towel cotton, construction, weight and size we want to consider when to use a solid towels versus and patterned towel, or a bright colored towel versus a neutral colored towel. In your mind's eye, take a look at the bathroom you want new towels for and ask yourself...

Does my bath need a splash of color to contrast with a neutral colored space?

Does my bath need to reflect the four seasons with a different color for each?

Will a patterned towel accent the rest of the space or detract?

Since towels are like bathroom jewelry, what jewels does my bath need to looks its best?

Will luxurious bright white spa-like towels be the perfect fit for my bath?

With a little care we can have our new towels look and feel great for a long time. That is why this little section of tips is so important.

Tip: Wash your new towels before the first use because towel makers use a fabric softener in the manufacturing process that makes them look and feel fluffy on the retail store shelf.

Tip: Check the label. Don't use bleach even on white towels of finer cottons since it does damage the fibers and reduces absorbency.

Tip: Use a cup of vinegar to remove the fabric softener that the manufacturers leave on the new towels.

Tip: Use a gentle care detergent like Woolite to wash your finer towels.

Tip: High heat damages the cotton fibers, try a lower heat setting.

Tip: To increase absorbency, don't use of fabric softener.

Tip: Fluff up or shake out the towels after washing and then again after drying.

Tip: Use a dash of distilled white vinegar to the wash to remove residues, maintain absorbency and eliminate musty smells.

Tip: To remove fuzz balls, toss a large piece of nylon netting into the dryer with the towels.

For More Great Bath Towel Ideas for your home:
How to Fold Towel Animals
Purple Towels
Towel Folding Instructions
Extra Large Bath Towels
Fieldcrest Charisma Towels
Missoni Towels
Bath Towel Buying Guide
Kids Beach Towels
Waffle Weave Towels
Croscill Towels
Black Bath Towels
Bath Towels Quiz
Mark's Towel Lensography

Follow me at Mark Upshaw on Amplify.
And find the most unique shower curtains anywhere at Unique Shower Curtains.

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