Blog

The Ultimate Guide To Buying Bath Towels

 Towels Banner

 

Shopping for bath towels can be confusing but before you throw in the towel, check out our buying guide for simple, easy to follow information that will make your choice so much more enjoyable.

 

 

Sizing Up The Situation

 

There are two standard sizes for bathroom towels, the basic 70x140cm bath towel, an everyday size suitable for everyone and the luxurious 80x160cm bath sheet which offers a spa like coverage wrapping around you completely. To coordinate there are hand towels 40x60cm and face cloths 33x33cm.

 

 

What’s In The Weight?

 

Generally bath towel weight is measured in GSM or grams per square metre. A lower gram towel will be lighter and thinner making it ideal for pets, the gym or anywhere you require a fast drying towel.

A medium weight towel is a good choice for an everyday family towel or for the beach. This towel will have a good absorbency and thickness but will still be reasonably easy care.

Lastly a dense, heavy weight towel will have a luxurious, thick and soft feel with superior absorbency but it will take longer to dry and you may not be able to fit as many in the washing machine at one time.

 

 

Choose Your Cotton

 

Combed Cotton Towels

A process completed before the fibre is woven that removes the very short fibres leaving long, smooth and continuous strands. This results in a superior quality yarn that is durable and very soft. Everything you want in a bath towel.

 

Zero Twist Cotton Towels

Zero twist technology coats fibres in a casing that dissolves when the yarn is dyed instead of twisting it. The lack of twists create more surface area which allows the fibre to absorb moisture more easily and increases airflow resulting in a faster drying towel with a beautiful plush handle. Zero twist bath towels can absorb up to four times the moisture by weight than conventional bath towels.

 

Egyptian Cotton Towels

Egyptian cotton is stronger and more absorbent than regular cotton and so lends itself wonderfully to bath towels. Long staple fibres create a soft and fluffy feel for a little bit of luxury every day.

 

Bamboo And Cotton Towels

Bamboo’s fast growth and its ability to thrive in different climates around the world makes it a sustainable resource. Bamboo fibre is extremely absorbent with natural anti bacterial qualities and combined with cotton makes for a beautiful soft feeling bath towel that is lightweight and durable.

 

Turkish Cotton Towels

Grown exclusively in Turkey, Turkish cotton has longer fibres and is expertly spun into a silk like fine yarn. The superiority of Turkish cotton bath towels with their dense loops and extra absorbency makes them the absolute ultimate in luxury for the bathroom. Often popular in high end hotels and spas, bring that level of opulence into your own bathroom with a Turkish towel.

 

 

Care

 

We recommend washing and drying your towels before you use them. Some new towels feature temporary finishes which can prevent full absorbency. Washing your bath towels first will remove any finishes and promote maximum absorbency. Good quality bath towels can last for up to 10 years with the right care. Always check the care label for specific instructions before washing.

 

Vinegar Is Not Just For Salads

Pre wash your towels with similar colours in warm water using around half the amount of washing powder than you usually use with 1 cup of white vinegar. The vinegar will help make your colours fast and prevent bleeding and it will also dissolve any detergent residue so you can keep using vinegar every 4 to 5 washes to retain absorbency.

 

No Bleach Please

Bleach can weaken fibres over time and make towels less absorbent. It will also eventually begin to yellow white towels. Fabric softeners should also be used with caution as they can leave a waxy type build up which reduces absorbency and could damage fibres.

 

Keep It Regular

Research has shown bath towels can retain a build up of dead skin cells and are prone to mould if not dried thoroughly on a heated towel rail after use. We recommend washing towels every 3 to 5 uses to keep them fresh.

 

Home And Dry

Dry bath towels immediately after washing, leaving them damp increases the chance of mould spores developing and they can develop a musty smell. Line dry or tumble dry following the specific care instructions on the towel. Bath Towels with decorative trims or borders may not be able to be tumble dried or should be dried on a lower heat. Tumble drying your towels for too long can damage fibres and lessen absorbency.

 

Colour Me Happy

Beautiful bath towels can be the finishing touch for a bathroom. Classic, fluffy white towels always look stylish and modern and suit most décor styles. Depending on your personal style, a bright colour can add drama and a sense of fun to family bathrooms. Softer hues suit a more understated neutral style. Consider a few different colour palettes that can be rotated seasonally for a fresh look that enlivens your bathroom.

 

 

Bath Mat Match Maker

 

Once you have chosen your bath towels the next thing to think about is a bath mat. Bath mats are generally around 50x80cm with a longer runner style bath mat measuring 50x100cm, these are great for baths and large tiled showers. Contour mats that coordinate with a bath mat are still very popular and generally measure around 50x50cm. Consider colour, size, material, durability, required maintenance and any safety features you might require when making your decision.

 

Coordinating Ranges

Most towel ranges will feature a bath mat option that coordinates perfectly mirroring any trim styles and colours. These will be in a heavier weight than the towel and are perfect for everyday use where your bath mats are laundered regularly.

 

Complementary Ranges

100% cotton is a popular choice for bath mats because of its natural absorbency and durability. Plain colours with interesting textures can tie in with existing neutrals or add a splash of colour to crisp white. On trend designs or patterns are fun for family bathrooms and can modernise a tired bathroom.

Microfibre is quick drying, soft and durable which make it an easy care choice for bath mats. Look for non slip backings for extra safety and even memory foam fill for a touch of luxury underfoot.

Polyester chenille is silky soft to touch and tends to not absorb as much water as cotton making it faster to dry. Chenille loops are extremely luxurious underfoot and feature a subtle lustre.

Bamboo bath mats are increasing in popularity and add a modern clean look. Bamboo has natural anti bacterial qualities which resist mould and they don’t require washing.

For showers over baths or where a secure footing is required in slippery areas consider a PVC bath mat. These are available with a round cut out that fits over the plug hole and feature a textured non slip surface.

 

 

Care

 

How often you wash your bath mat depends on a few different factors

• If the mat has a non-skid rubber backing
• If your bathroom is used frequently
• If a lot of water is routinely splashed on the floor

 

If your rug has a non-skid rubber backing, it should be washed less frequently. Rubber backing can deteriorate with over washing. Rubber and hot water and not a good mix in terms of durability and its very important to always follow care instructions for each individual item.

To maintain a bathroom rug that has a rubber backing; only wash it once every 3 weeks.

If a bathroom is used frequently, mats need to be washed weekly If your bath mat is getting wet several times a day and can never fully dry in between it becomes the perfect environment for mould and bacteria to flourish.

1 Comment

  1. Nice post! I really got lot of beneficial information in your post. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful sharing with us.More: https://www.leibona.com/
    1. captcha code
  1. captcha code