Tips for buying a bath towel

ByAmrina Alshaikh

The very sight of bath towels neatly folded and lying on the bathroom wall is a relaxing sight. There is nothing more relaxing than a warm shower, followed by some comforting time draped with a quick-dry towel. There is an endless option for bathroom towels. So it becomes a bit confusing as to which one to pick. Some of these towels do not function as per the claims of their manufacturers. They could quickly lose their threading and rigidity. Few of them might become poor absorbents of water. So to avoid picking the wrong towel, the following are some tips:

Fiber content

Check the fiber content in the towel when purchasing a towel online. The most absorbent is a 100% cotton towel. Although there are Supima and Egyptian cotton towels high on absorbency and rigidity, you can always choose ones based on your budget. An affordable option is towels that are a blend of cotton and polyester. These towels are quick-drying, durable, and not very expensive.

Look for highlights in the way the towels have been produced

  • Combed cotton towel – This type of towel is devoid of short fibers because it has been combed and brushed correctly to make the fabric not only durable but soft and comfortable to use.
  • Ring-spun cotton towels – Tightly twisted long and short fibers make the loops of the towel strong, smooth and durable.
  • Twist – A high twist in the loop’s yarn is generally durable than a low twisted yarn towel. But a low twisted towel has more surface area to absorb water than a high twisted towel. So choose a towel that has a bit of both.
  • Manufacturing processes – Some manufacturing processes to produce cotton are named micro cotton, aero cotton, and hydro cotton. All of these are not to be confused with cotton types. Rather they are ways to manufacture cotton to increase the cotton’s absorbency and softness.

Do a visual inspection of the towel

Feel the towel for softness. Visually examine it to check for any thread bares. Some manufacturers put finishes on the cotton to make it soft, but soon the finishes wane away. The towel becomes rough and slowly unusable. Inspect the edges of the towel. If they are neatly folded into a stitched pattern, these are indications that the towel will not shred. Else, the towel will start fraying.

Weight of the towel

The weight of the towel is measured in grams per square meter. Anything above 600 GSM is heavy and lower than 400 GSM is lightweight. It’s good to choose a towel that is moderately heavy. You can also choose different weights for different uses to mix it up. A quick dry towel need not be influenced by its weight, rather by its loop construct.

Identify your requirement

If you want a very soft, durable, and super-absorbent towel, then it has to be 100% cotton. But these towels are expensive too. A quick drying towel is a blend of cotton and other material. Consider all of these factors before purchasing a towel online.