While it might seem like a small detail, the right towels can truly elevate your bathroom's aesthetic. Imagine a stunning marble setup compromised by unsightly washcloths or grabbing a towel that's more exfoliating than absorbent. These rules for selecting towels will guide you in the right direction.
Invest in quality towels to complement your bathroom design. An expert in the field, Lucy Ackroyd, emphasizes that purchasing lower quality towels is a mistake. 'Cheap towels won't last long,' she warns. 'After a few washes, they'll fade, seams may unravel, or they might just look flat and lifeless. Opting for high-quality towels is a smarter investment—they'll not only look good after washing but also endure for years. Plus, it's better for sustainability to buy once and buy well.'
But what defines a quality towel? Lucy shares some key indicators of a good towel, along with potential pitfalls to avoid.
Where to Find Quality Towels
- Bed Bath & Beyond: Save 20% on a single purchase of 100% cotton terry bath towels.
- Macy's: Limited-time offer on Ralph Lauren bath towels.
- Nordstrom: Enjoy 50% off the Nordstrom quick-dry 100% cotton bath towel.
- Target: 100% cotton XL bath towels starting at $9.
- Williams Sonoma: Personalized Turkish cotton towels available.
7 Guidelines for Selecting Towels
Our guidelines for choosing towels focus on recognizing quality, understanding size requirements, and knowing the care certain towels need.
Stick to these tips, and your towels will enhance any bathroom, be it a small powder room or a luxurious spa-like retreat.
1. Opt for 100% Cotton
Not all towels are created equal—some may contain added fibers that claim to improve their characteristics. Lucy Ackroyd prefers 100% cotton. 'We've experimented with blends, but always return to pure cotton,' she explains. 'Some towels include Tencel for shine and durability, but I find it lacks the absorbency and softness of cotton.'
Lucy highlights the importance of natural materials: 'Introducing synthetic fibers like polyester alters absorbency and feel. Plus, 100% cotton towels are easier to recycle and more sustainable.'
2. Choose Premium Cotton Types
Now that we understand the perks of cotton towels, it's essential to distinguish between the various cotton types. Your towel storage ideas will be affected by the fluffiness of your towels, which is determined by the cotton used.
'We exclusively use combed cotton,' Lucy states. 'This higher-quality cotton undergoes an extra combing process to align the fibers, resulting in a silkier feel. Think of how your hair feels softer when all strands lie flat.'
For a premium option, look for cotton types like Egyptian, Supima, or Turkish. These varieties have the longest fibers, creating durable, silky yarns that maintain their softness and fluffiness over time.
The differences mainly stem from history and geography—each is considered 'extra long staple cotton.' Supima is a brand of pima cotton grown in the U.S., while Egyptian cotton comes from a tightly controlled region of the Nile. Turkish cotton is also revered for its quality, and you might find rare fibers like Sea Island cotton, another extra long staple variety.
3. Consider the GSM
Similar to thread count in bed linens, towels have a weight measure known as grams per square meter, or GSM. Generally, a higher GSM indicates a thicker, more luxurious towel.
'Our finest towels range between 650 and 700 GSM,' Lucy notes. 'Heavier towels can be cumbersome to wash and dry. A GSM between 650 and 750 strikes a balance between plushness and practicality.'
'For towels meant for gym bags or quick washes, consider something lighter, between 500 and 600 GSM.'
4. Special Care for Zero- or Low-Twist Cotton
Have you considered zero-twist cotton towels? Lucy describes them as 'the fluffiest, softest towels you'll find.' They resemble cotton wool and feel incredibly soft.
However, maintaining their fluffiness requires tumble drying. 'If you air dry them, they may stiffen and lose their plushness,' Lucy cautions. 'Once that fluffiness is gone, it's hard to restore.'
5. Choose Bath Sheets for Luxury
Lucy firmly advocates for bath sheets over traditional bath towels. 'There's nothing like wrapping yourself in a large bath sheet,' she says. 'Especially in cold weather, it feels like a warm hug.'
Some bath towels are too small for proper wrapping, making them more suitable for hair drying or gym use.
6. Aim for Two Sets Minimum
The number of towels you keep depends on your family's size and available bathroom storage. Lucy suggests having at least two sets per person—one for washing and one in use.
A basic adult set should include a bath sheet, bath towel, hand towel, and a couple of washcloths. For guest bathrooms, ensure you have a few towels on hand, along with fingertip towels for kitchens or other areas.
If you have space, feel free to experiment with color schemes, but a minimum of two sets is essential.
7. Guest Towels for Powder Rooms
In smaller bathrooms, opt for guest towels instead of hand towels for drying hands. Their smaller size looks neater and hangs well. Lucy finds hand towels cumbersome in comparison.
Guest towels are often more affordable and come in various designs, making it easy to refresh your decor. Lucy even admits to having a festive towel with a
