Picking a quality bath towel is crucial for several reasons. First, a good towel will dry you off quickly and feel good on your skin. Your bath towel should also be durable enough to last for years while fitting in seamlessly with your décor.
Sound daunting? It doesn’t have to be. Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose the best bath towels for your home.
Types of Bath Towels
Bath Towel Sets
Bath towel sets usually include two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths. At Peacock Alley, we also offer bath towel bundles in various colors, sizes, and styles — all made with 100% long-staple cotton. Each bundle has four bath towels, four hand towels, and four washcloths, so you always have a set ready and waiting. Our towel bundles make excellent gifts, but they’re also a convenient way to stock your bathroom with luxury that lasts.
Bath Towels vs. Bath Sheets
While bath towels and bath sheets serve the same purpose — drying you off — they differ in size and functionality. The one you choose depends on your specific needs.
When it comes to bath towels vs. bath sheets, the most significant difference is their size. Bath sheets are large and absorbent, usually made from cotton or a cotton blend. For instance, the high-end bath sheet collection from Peacock Alley measures a generous 34 x 60 inches, making them great for drying off larger areas or wrapping around the body. This bigger size and greater absorbency also make them ideal for drying off at the beach or pool.
On the other hand, bath towels are smaller, lighter, and better suited for everyday use, like drying off after bathing and showering. At Peacock Alley, our luxury bath towels provide more length than the average size, measuring 30 x 54 inches.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Perfect Bath Towel
Material
Bath towels are available in many different fabrics. Here are three common materials:
- Cotton is the most popular material for bath towels. High-quality Turkish and Egyptian cotton makes for the softest and most absorbent towels.
- Bamboo offers a more sustainable choice with its natural softness. Because of their antimicrobial properties, bamboo bath towels work well if your bathroom is windowless or doesn’t get great ventilation.
- Microfiber is fast-drying and often takes up less space. These synthetic towels are sturdy and long-lasting but less absorbent than towels made from 100% cotton.
Weight and Thickness
When it comes to bath towels, grams per square meter, or GSM, is the standard measurement for weight. Essentially, GSM describes the towel’s density, which determines how thick, heavy, and fluffy the bath towel will be.
Most bath towels fall into a GSM of 300 to 900. The towels with the lowest GSM are lighter and thinner and make great kitchen, travel, and beach options. Towels on the higher GSM end will be the most absorbent and fluffiest, but they’ll also take the longest to dry.
Towels in the mid-range (400-600) are the perfect weight for everyday use as bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.
Design and Color
Style is also important when picking out the best towels for your home, as they can add the final touch to your bathroom’s decor. For a classic look, go with fluffy white towels that work well in any setting. Or, match your towels to your bathroom and bedroom’s theme if styling an en suite. Consider stocking your cabinets with a variety of colors for seasonal updates (bright, fun hues for spring/summer and warmer, neutral tones for fall/winter).
Price
High-quality towels offer more value for your money. Think of them as an investment for your home and well-being.
Premium bath towels won’t shed, will stay fluffy, and dry fast helping to prevent bacteria and mold. Plus, top-grade materials are breathable and ideal if you have sensitive skin. They’ll also make your daily hygiene routine feel like a five-star spa experience.
Caring for Your Bath Towel Sets
Generally, bath towels should be replaced every two to five years. However, properly caring for your towel sets can keep them soft, fluffy, and long-lasting.
Washing towels may seem simple, but there’s more to it than tossing them in the wash. Here are a few simple tips to ensure you’re using the proper technique:
- Separate your towels from the rest of the wash, then divide them into light and dark loads.
- Use less detergent to keep your towels from getting stiff. Half the suggested amount typically works best.
- Choose the regular cycle over the gentle cycle so your towels spin faster and longer to better clean dirt and bacteria from the fabric fibers.
- Set the appropriate temperature. Light towels wash well in hot water and dark towels in warm water.
- Remove excess water before drying to shorten the drying time and keep your bath towels soft. Consider tossing in a few laundry drying balls to get the most out of your drying cycle.
For additional washing and drying tips to keep your towels looking and feeling their best, check out our Guide to Cleaning Towels.
Investing in Quality Bath Towels: Final Thoughts
Bath towels come in a variety of weights, sizes, and styles. When choosing the best towels for your home, consider factors like material, thickness, design, and price. Towel bundles also provide an easy way to quickly stock your linen closets.
At Peacock Alley, we have a wide selection of luxury towels, each providing a different bath experience. From luxury bath towel sets and high-end beach towels to premium bath sheets and even custom monogrammed towels, our plush collections are the perfect addition to any home bathroom. Indulge in the ultimate comfort with luxury bath towels from Peacock Alley today!
Shop Bath Towels
Jubilee Textured Bath Towel
Coronado Luxe Bath Towel
Chelsea Plush Bath Towel
Liam Essential Bath Towel
FAQs
Q: What is the best material for bath towels?
A: Cotton, bamboo, and microfiber are all top materials for bath towels. The one you choose will depend on your personal preferences.
Q: How do I choose a bath towel?
A: When choosing a bath towel, consider the material, weight, thickness, design, color, and price of the towel.
Q: What is the difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet?
A: A bath sheet is larger than a bath towel. Bath sheets are great for adults that like to wrap up after bathing or for the beach or pool, while bath towels work well for everyday use.
Q: How often should you replace bath towels?
A: As a general rule of thumb, bath towels are usually replaced every two to five years.
