A Quick Guide to Buying the Best Towels
Because your bathroom deserves the best.
There's nothing like opening your linen closet and being greeted with a fresh supply of beautiful towels. However, towels have to do more than sit pretty. In addition to being attractive, the ideal set of towels should feel great, dry quickly, wear well, and complement your bathroom's decor. That's a pretty tall order for a simple piece of fabric, so we put together some quick tips for towel buying success.
Cotton Is King
While synthetic blends are cheaper and may feel soft enough on the shelf, 100% cotton towels are the gold standard. Cotton is more absorbent and more durable, so you'll be saving money in the long run. Now, what type of cotton? Certain cotton, such as Egyptian and Pima, have longer fibers and tend to be softer. You may also look for combed cotton towels. Combing cotton aligns all the fibers in one direction before weaving, creating long, durable threads. Always look for a soft, heavy towel-the more terry piles it contains, and the longer its piles, the more surface it will have for absorbing water. Cotton towels may shed during the first few uses, a process known as "linting." This is normal and does not indicate a poor-quality towel.
Determine the Size
Bath towels come in two sizes: standard and sheet. While a standard towel is technically large enough to wrap, bath sheets are better for those who truly like to cuddle up post-shower.
Embrace Color
Bathrooms are expensive, which is why most people play it safe when remodeling. When it comes to towels, however, try to think outside neutral territory. While you likely wouldn't opt for a mint green tub or hot pink wallpaper, towels are a great way to experiment with color. For washcloths, opt for some in darker colors if you wear makeup regularly. Mascara stains are notoriously tricky to treat.
Bargain Buy When Appropriate
It doesn't always pay to invest in high-quality towels. Certain types of acne medication containing benzoyl peroxide can stain towels and break down fibers, as can pool chemicals. For these situations, it's best to have a set of bargain towels on hand.
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