Towel Buying Guide
When it comes to creating a luxurious and comfortable bathroom experience, choosing the right bath towels makes all the difference. From selecting the ideal bath towel material to understanding the difference between different bath towel types and sizes, our guide will help you find the perfect towels to suit your home.
Bath Towel Materials: Which One is Right for You?
The first step to choosing the right towels for your home is selecting the right material. The material of your towels impacts their softness, absorbency, and durability.
Here are the most popular options:
1. Cotton Bath Towels
Cotton is one of the most common and versatile bath towel materials. It’s soft, absorbent, and durable, making it a staple in most homes. For a more luxurious feel, look for Egyptian or Turkish cotton bath towels, as these offer superior softness and longevity.
2. Bamboo Towels
Bamboo towels are an eco-friendly alternative to cotton. They are naturally antibacterial, highly absorbent, and softer than standard cotton. Bamboo towels are also quick-drying, making them a great choice for humid environments. If you compare bamboo towels to cotton towels, bamboo is best for sustainability and softness, while cotton offers classic durability and absorbency.
3. Microfibre Towels
Microfibre towels are lightweight, highly absorbent, and quick-drying. While not as plush as cotton or bamboo, they are ideal for gym or travel use due to their compact nature.
Bath Towel Sizes: What’s the Right Fit?
Not all bath towels are created equal. With a range of sizes to choose from, picking the right size towel ensures maximum comfort and functionality.
1. Bath Towels
The standard bath towel measures around 70cm x 140cm. It’s the perfect everyday option for drying off after a shower while remaining easy to store and wash.
2. Bath Sheets
A bath sheet is larger than a bath towel, typically measuring around 90cm x 160cm. This style is significantly larger, providing full-body coverage and a more luxurious wrap, but can be tricky to store due to its size taking up more room.
3. Bath Mats
A bath mat is not for drying off but for stepping onto after a shower or bath. It helps absorb excess water and prevents slips, adding both function and style to your bathroom.
4. Hand Towels
Hand towels are smaller than bath towels, typically measuring around 40cm x 70cm. They are designed for drying hands after washing and are a staple in any bathroom so you or guests don’t use personal bath towels for hand drying.
5. Face washers
Face washers (also called washcloths or face towels) are small square towels, usually around 30cm x 30cm. They are perfect for cleansing your face, removing makeup, gentle exfoliation or full-body cleansing.
6. Tea Towels
Tea towels are lightweight, absorbent cloths used primarily in the kitchen for drying dishes, cleaning surfaces, and handling hot cookware. They come in various fabrics, including cotton and linen, and can also add a decorative touch to your kitchen.
Towel Styling & Aesthetic: Elevate Your Bathroom Decor
Your choice of towels isn’t just about function—it’s also about style! Here’s how to enhance your bathroom with beautifully styled towels:
1. Colour & Pattern Choices
Whether you're designing a guest bathroom or refreshing your style for the changing season, specific colours and patterns can create depth, tranquillity and freshness in any space.
- Neutral tones like white, beige, and grey offer timeless elegance and fit with a huge range of interior design themes.
- Bold colours add vibrancy and contrast against neutral bathrooms, perfect for adding bold accents or for kids to add a sense of fun to bath time.
- Patterns and textures can bring dimension and personality to your space, offering a unique style that works wonders in a guest bathroom.
2. How to Fold Bath Towels for a Stylish Look
Neatly folded bath towels can instantly elevate your bathroom’s appearance. To achieve a hotel-style finish:
- Lay the towel flat and fold it into thirds lengthwise.
- Fold it in half and then in half again for a compact, tidy look.
- Stack towels neatly or roll them for a spa-like display on your bathroom counter. You can also roll and stack them inside bathroom drawers if you have limited counter space.
Towel Care: Keeping Your Towels Soft and Absorbent
To maintain the quality of your bath towels, follow these essential care tips:
1. Washing Your Towels
- Wash new towels before first use to enhance absorbency.
- Use warm water and mild detergent to preserve fibres.
- Avoid overloading the washing machine to allow thorough cleaning.
How Often Should You Wash Bath Towels?
As a general rule, bath towels should be washed weekly to maintain freshness and cleanliness. Hand towels can be washed every second or third day as needed, while under-sink mats (excluding bath mats) need a refresh every few weeks.
2. Avoiding Fabric Softeners
- Fabric softeners leave a residue that reduces towel absorbency.
- Instead, use white vinegar in the rinse cycle to naturally soften towels.
3. Drying Techniques
- Tumble dry on low heat to maintain softness and prevent shrinkage.
- Avoid over-drying, which can make towels stiff and rough.
- Air-dry towels occasionally to help retain their fluffiness.
4. Proper Storage
- Store towels in a dry, well-ventilated space to prevent musty odours.
- Fold neatly and stack by size for an organised look.
- Use scented sachets or lavender bags to keep towels fresh.
5. Stain Removal & Whitening
- For stubborn stains, pre-treat with a mix of baking soda and water before washing.
- To brighten white towels, add a small amount of baking soda or a gentle brightening product specifically designed for towels. Be sure to separate your white and dark towels to help keep the colour as crisp as possible.
- Avoid bleach, as it can weaken towel fibres over time.
Bath Towel FAQ
1. Are Beach Towels and Bath Towels the Same?
While they may look similar, beach towels and bath towels serve different purposes. Bath towels are designed for absorbency and softness for indoor use, whereas beach towels are typically larger and incredibly durable against the rough beach location. Some beach towels offer quick drying and sand-repelling capabilities.
2. Bath Sheet vs. Bath Towel
While bath sheets and bath towels offer the same drying capabilities, they do create a different feel for your post-shower routine. If you prefer full-body coverage and a more luxurious wrap, a bath sheet is the way to go. However, if you have limited storage or need quick-drying towels, standard bath towels may be more practical.
3. What's the Best Material for Bath Towels?
When deciding on which bath towel material is best, consider the benefits of each style:
- Cotton towels, like Egyptian or Turkish cotton, are incredibly absorbent and offer soft luxe after every shower.
- Bamboo towels offer exceptional quality, with an added sustainability benefit thanks to the bamboo fibres.
Both cotton and bamboo towels are super soft and perfect for the whole family to enjoy. However, if you’re an eco-conscious shopper looking for maximum durability, bamboo towels are an easy choice.
4. How Many Towels Do You Need?
If you’re moving out of home or refreshing your collection, having a range of towels in your arsenal will make it easy to cater for guests and ensure your towels don’t get worn out too quickly. Our recommendation includes:
General Towel Collection
2 x bath towels (or bath sheets)
2 x bath mats
2 x face washer
4 x hand towels
2 - 3 x tea towels
For purchasing a range of towels, bath towel sets are a convenient way to ensure all your towels match in size, material, and colour. A typical set includes bath towels, hand towels, and face washers, making it easy to create a cohesive bathroom aesthetic.
Guest Towels
2 - 4 x bath towels (or bath sheets)
1 x bath mats
2 - 4 x face washers
4 x hand towels
The number of guest towels required is dependent upon your needs and how many quests you have at once, whether it's for a dinner party or multiple overnight stays. Having enough towels for your guests is important for making them feel at home and comfortable while staying with you.
Having the right bath towels can make all the difference in the comfort and cleanliness of your home. Discover the full selection of bath towels online from MyHouse and shop a range of bathroom essentials to make your house feel more relaxed and stylish now.
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