Buzz
Towels are more important than you might think. For instance, they represent a $10 billion industry—we purchase a lot of towels. If you've ever had to deal with rough, flimsy towels, you know how essential it is to have quality ones. Similarly, if you've ever stayed in a luxurious hotel and experienced their plush, expensive towels, you understand how much better life feels with top-notch towels.
But selecting the right towel isn't just about the price tag—there are several key factors to consider when picking a bath towel based on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
What does "GSM" mean?
Towels don’t have thread counts like bed sheets, but they do come with a "grams per square meter" (GSM) rating, which reflects their weight and softness. GSM can range from 300 to 900, and similar to thread count, it helps you understand the towel’s quality and ideal use:
300 to 400 GSM: Light, dries quickly, not particularly luxurious
400 to 600 GSM: Heavier, great for beach use
600 to 900 GSM: Thick and dense, feels plush on your skin, but takes longer to dry (though weave also impacts drying time)
Good Housekeeping conducted tests on bath towels a few years ago and concluded that towels with a GSM between 500 and 700 performed the best. But if you prefer a heavier or lighter towel, go ahead and pick what suits you.
Material
Next, think about the material your towel is made from. You have several options, and while all these materials get the job done, each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages:
Cotton. Premium cotton (such as Egyptian, Turkish, and Pima) is a natural fabric known for its excellent absorbency and soft feel on the skin. However, cotton can take longer to dry, which may lead to mildew or other moisture-related issues.
The cotton's construction plays a role in its quality. Ringspun cotton is made by twisting fibers of various lengths together, creating a towel that’s softer and more durable. Combed cotton undergoes a process where shorter, weaker fibers are removed, resulting in a smooth, durable towel that resists pilling and maintains a high-end look.
Blends. Cotton/polyester blends combine the absorbent nature of cotton with the quicker drying time of synthetic fabrics. While these towels dry faster, they don’t have the same luxurious feel.
Microfiber. Composed of ultra-fine synthetic fibers, microfiber towels dry incredibly quickly, but lack the plushness of other materials. While you may have encountered microfiber towels for cleaning, there are also bath towels available, making them a good choice if speed is your priority over luxury.
Bamboo. Bamboo towels are an eco-friendly option, made from one of the fastest-growing renewable resources. Bamboo towels are soft and absorbent, but they can sometimes feel a bit slippery and take longer to dry.
Linen. Linen towels, made from plant fibers, are lightweight and highly absorbent, drying quickly. However, they may not feel as soft as other materials.
Modal. This material, made from wood pulp, is fast-drying and highly absorbent. Modal towels are soft but may feel slippery, so they may not be ideal if you prefer a thick, comforting towel.
Weave
Besides the material, towels are created using various weaving techniques:
Terry. Terrycloth towels are typically made of cotton, featuring “loops” of fabric (called piles) that provide a fluffy, soft texture and excellent absorbency.
Waffle. Waffle weave towels have a distinctive boxy pattern that resembles a waffle. They are lighter than typical towels, offering the same absorbency while drying very quickly, but they can feel somewhat thin.
Zero twist. Most towels are made using a process that twists the fibers together to enhance durability. Zero-twist towels, made from high-quality cotton, feel luxurious, are highly absorbent, and durable. These tend to be the priciest option.
Size
Lastly, consider the size of your towels:
Standard. Standard towels typically measure 27-30 inches by 54-56 inches. They're large enough for most people to dry off comfortably and are relatively compact for hanging and storing.
Jumbo/bath sheet. Bath sheets, which are becoming more popular, generally range from 35-40 inches by 60-70 inches. They’re perfect for those with larger body types or anyone seeking a touch of luxury while drying off. However, they can be tricky to hang and store in smaller bathrooms.
Oversize. These extra-large towels are usually longer than bath sheets, often around 80 inches. They are great for very tall individuals, but they take up a lot of space in both your bathroom and linen closet.
When choosing towels, it’s important to consider the size of your bathroom and storage space. That huge bath sheet might offer luxury, but if you can’t hang it properly or it never dries, it could create more issues than it solves.
