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Gone are the days of scratchy dorm towels or the threadbare numbers that accompanied you to your first apartment. Today, there are countless options that guarantee that stepping out of the shower will be the ultimate luxurious experience, provided you know what you’re looking for. From Egyptian cotton to Turkish towels, this guide to towels will help you find your perfect match.
Keep it Tight
When checking out towels at the store, look closely to see how densely packed the loops are. They should be thick and close together, which means maximum absorbency. If you can see through to the base of the towel, skip it.
More is More
Choosing a towel is a sensory experience. Obviously, you want to touch them to get an idea of how soft they are, but did you know that weight matters, too? The heavier the towel, the more luxurious it’ll feel against your skin. Typically, the denser the towel, the longer its lifespan.
Go Organic
If you’re concerned about your environmental footprint, consider shopping for organic towels. This designation means that the cotton used in the towels was grown without herbicides, pesticides, or any other undesirable chemicals. Considering how close towels get to your largest organ (your skin!), going organic is definitely something to think about.
Quick Dry
Want something that will dry you off in no time? Microfiber should do the trick nicely. This man-made material is manufactured to ensure maximum absorbency without taking up much space. The downside to microfiber is that it isn’t as plush as a cotton towel so you won’t get that cozy, spa-like experience. They do store incredibly easy and take up very little space, making them great for travel or camping. Another perk? They’re fabulous for drying hair.
Pure Fluff
If your motto is ‘the plusher, the better’, Egyptian cotton is calling your name. This luxuriously soft, fluffy material will envelop you like a warm hug, making stepping out of the shower a little easier to swallow, even in the dead of winter. Grown along the Nile, Egyptian cotton is a premium fibre that boasts superior absorption qualities and is known for its incomparable softness. As is the case with many things, you get what you pay for. So expect to shell out a little extra if you choose to go this route.
Pestamel Power
This woven cloth, traditionally used as a hammam covering, has been around for close to 600 years. Known for it’s flat appearance and beautifully woven fibres, the pestemal is the perfect towel for those wanting to make a statement. Because it’s so thin, the pestemal towel is perfect for travel and doubles as a stylish beach blanket. It can also be used as a gorgeous coverup, making it one of the most versatile towels out there.
Long Live the Towel
Treated right, your towels should give you at least a decade of service. Not bad, considering how often you’re going to be using them. To ensure their survival, always separate dark from light and avoid using harsh chemicals which have been known to break down fibres. Skip the fabric softener as it can make your towels significantly less absorbent. To ensure fluffiness, just toss them in the dryer.
