Few experiences are more jarring than that first step out of the shower into the icy tundra that awaits you just beyond the safety of the shower curtain. But depending on your towel situation, it doesn’t have to be all misery. There are so many varieties and styles of bath towels that you can’t just walk into a store and grab some at random. Here are some things to look for and how to choose the perfect bath towel.
Dimensions and Measurements
There are two sizes of bath towels to choose between when you’re buying towels. Bath towels are for drying off quickly after bath time, while bath sheets are larger and used to wrap your body in afterward. It may seem a minor distinction, but bath sheets can have 50 to 60% more surface area to dry you off. This is especially convenient for consumers who are bigger or taller than what a normal bath towel can easily dry.
The Fabric Used
The other factor besides size that you’ll want to consider is what the towels are made from. Here are some of the common fabrics you can find in bath towels:
- Polyester: Budget options typically used by college students and found in low-rent motels, these entry-level towels are good for gym workouts and the kitchen, but not much beyond that.
- Supima cotton: A type of cotton designed to be both strong and soft, Supima cotton becomes more comfortable with use. Bath towels made with it are great for children and houseguests.
- Egyptian/Turkish cotton: These towels start soft and stay that way. They’re among the most luxurious and comfortable bath towels available. Egyptian cotton is designed to get softer and more absorbent with each use.
- Bamboo: Bamboo towels are great alternatives for anybody looking for environmentally friendly drying options. They aren’t as plush and fluffy, but they make up for that in how absorbent they are and how quickly they can dry. They may not be the premier name in comfort, but they’ll certainly get the job done.
Other Features
Believe it or not, a bath towel also has features that extend beyond “Does it dry me?”. You should keep an eye out for these features so that you can decide how to choose the perfect bath towel. One thing to look for whether the towel has hanging loops. This can affect where you hang your towel and what types of bathroom accessories you use. You’ll also want to check the durability of the fabric. Picking it up and handling it should give you a good enough idea of how well it will hold up.
