Everyone has their own preferences. This applies to furnishings, our favorite dishes, the way we want to spend our free time and so on. And it also applies to towels – after all, we come into contact with them several times a day, be it when washing our hands, showering, bathing, etc. Our requirements have hardly changed over the last few millennia – after all, towels were already being used in ancient times – but the range on offer has increased. And with it the agony of choice. We will guide you through the towel jungle – both in terms of size and materials.
– Cotton towels
Cotton is the most common material for towels and is valued for its softness and absorbency. It is breathable and kind to the skin, making it ideal for everyday use. However, cotton towels can take longer to dry and tend to lose fluffiness with frequent washing.
– Towels made from microfiber
Microfiber towels are extremely light and dry very quickly, making them ideal for travel and sports. They are often very compact and space-saving. Disadvantages: They are not as soft to the touch as cotton and can be less absorbent. Some people also find the skin feel uncomfortable.
– Waffle pique towels
They are light and dry quickly, have an interesting texture and are stylish. But only for a limited time: apart from the fact that waffle pique towels are not particularly absorbent, they also lose their shape after repeated washing.
– Towels made from terry cloth
Very absorbent, very fluffy – in this respect, these towels are perfect as shower and bath towels. However, they take a relatively long time to dry and can smell musty when very damp if they are not dried properly.
How do I recognize good towels?
The length of the woven fibers is decisive for the quality, because: The shorter they are, the less water they can absorb and the faster they will break. A closer look in the department store or a weight comparison is often enough. The heavier a towel feels, the better quality it is. In principle, the weight of towels for domestic use is 200 grams (per square meter of fabric), while textiles weighing up to 500 grams are used in hotels. The densest fabric – and highest quality towel – is currently around 800 to 900 grams per square meter.
How often do I need to replace the towels and how do I clean them properly?
Even luxury towels have a finite lifespan. In principle, you should change your towels every three to five years. This is because over time, despite regular care, bacteria build up and make towels smell musty. It is also important that the towels are not folded after use, but have enough space to dry. As is so often the case, it is advisable to dry towels in the fresh air. And for those who have the opportunity, use a tumble dryer – this will make them particularly fluffy.
Towel sizes and their use
- Guest towel
Size: approx. 30 x 50 cm
Perfect for guests to dry their hands and face. Ideal for small bathrooms or guest toilets.
- Classic towel
Size: approx. 50 x 100 cm
Suitable for daily body care, for drying hands and face. Practical for everyday use.
- Shower towel
Size: approx. 70 x 140 cm
The perfect towel after a shower or bath. Covers the body well and offers a high level of comfort.
- Bath towel
Size: approx. 100 x 150 cm
Ideal for extensive bathing rituals and for wrapping yourself up completely. Provides extra warmth and comfort.
- Sauna towel
Size: approx. 80 x 200 cm
Specially designed for the sauna, it is long enough to fit on sauna benches and wrap around completely.
- Beach towel
Size: approx. 90 x 180 cm
Large enough to lie on at the beach. Dries quickly in the sun and offers space for sunbathing.
- Sports towel
Size: approx. 40 x 80 cm
Compact and lightweight, ideal for gyms or sports activities. Absorbs sweat and is quickly ready for use.
Choosing the right towel therefore depends heavily on your individual needs. When buying, pay attention to quality and workmanship so that you can enjoy your towels for a long time.
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