Whether for drying off or decorating, a good quality towel is essential to every household. A good quality towel will look, last, and perform better for different purposes. There are a number of indicators determining whether a towel is of good quality.
Fabric
The type of material used for the towel is one of the most important indicators of the quality. Most towels are made from cotton. However, the quality of each towel depends widely o the type of cotton and the length of the fiber.- The most common and basic type of cotton used in towels for daily use is called Standard cotton is considered to be the lowest quality cotton, but it can still make a good-quality towel. If the fibers are woven to create a soft, velvety texture that has a bit of weight, this indicates good quality. A thin, scratchy texture indicates a low-quality towel that may wear out fast.
- Egyptian cotton is the best choice to produce a top-quality towel. Egyptian has the longest, finest fiber, which results in its higher performance in moisture absorbency. The cotton creates a super soft, plush feel to the touch of the towel.
- Supima cotton, an American-growing cotton, is another premium choice for top-quality towels. In comparison to Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton has shorter fibers, and as a result produces a less soft, fluffy feel to the surface. However, this cotton lasts longer than the Egyptian cotton.
- Another material that is on the trend today is eco-friendly bamboo fiber. These towels made in bamboo fabrics are ultra-soft and durable. They also have high levels of absorbency and resistance to bacteria. One of the drawbacks of this cotton is that you don’t have many color choices for your bath décor styles.
- Another clear indicator of towel quality is the weave construction of the towel. To produce towels, manufacturers produce long or short threads from fiber and then weave the threads in different ways.
- Towels are either single-loop or double-loop. Both types are highly absorbent.
- The single loop is the most common type of towel construction in towels. Another advantage of the single-loop towel is that it dries fast.
- The double loop towel has higher density and gives a lush feel to the touch.
- Of course a good quality towel has to have good absorbency. Drying off is the core purpose of towels after all!
- To know the absorbency of towels, pour a set amount of water and notice how much runoff. If the towel absorbs the water fast, and the material around the tested area remains dry, that towel is of good quality.
- If the water beads on the surface of the towel or spreads over the towel, this towel is of low quality.
Style
Today, towels are such important details to add style to your wardrobe or bathroom. Given the right color and design, the towels will give your bathroom a focal point or a stylish punch. The most basic one, which also will give you the most classic look, is simply a fluffy white towel. It is never out of style. On the other hand, colorful towels will give you a distinct mood and stylish punch for your place. Some certain colors of towels will enhance the seasonal theme or mood that you want.
- "Contemporary Towel" typically refers to towels that reflect modern design trends and aesthetics. Contemporary towels often feature sleek and minimalist designs with a focus on clean lines, neutral colors, and innovative materials.
- "Rustic Towels" typically evoke a cozy, traditional, and natural aesthetic.
- "Tropical Towels" often feature vibrant colors, lively patterns, and lightweight, quick-drying materials suitable for warm and sunny environments.
- "Vintage Towels" often evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm, reflecting styles from the past.
Weight and Density / GSM
- Towel weight is measured in GSM, or grams per square meter, which refers to the density of the material. Higher GSM ratings of around 500 to 600 indicate a dense, plush towel.
- You can know the weight and density of the towel when looking at the GSM (grams per square meter) number. The GSM measures the density of the fabric in towels.
- The higher a fabric’s GSM, the denser the material is, and as a result, the fabric is more absorbent.
- Towels with a GSM of less than 400 are not of high quality because they tend to be thinner and not as durable.
- The heavier a towel feels in comparison to other towels of the same size indicates a higher-quality towel because this means there is more cotton in the towel.
Shape
Traditionally, towels come in rectangular or square shapes, with variations in size depending on their intended use.
Note:
- High-quality bath towels are preshrunk during manufacturing to minimize shrinkage after the first wash.
- Combed cotton removes shorter threads, which prevents pilling and ensures a strong towel.