Guide to Buying a Towel
Buying a towel is lot more complicated than it used to be. To help you through the choices available we have put together a brief guide to help you buy the prefect towel. There are essentially two main factors you need to think about when purchasing your perfect towel. These are the type of fibre used in the towel (this affects absorbency) and the towel weight/density (GSM count) .
Step 1 Choose your fibre
Bath towels are generally made of three types of cotton: Egyptian, Supima and standard. All our towels are 100% combed cotton. Cotton fibres naturally attract water, and can hold almost 25 times its weight in the liquid. Combed cotton ensures that the shorter threads have been removed, keeping the towel strong and preventing pilling
Egyptian cotton produces the longest threads and is the most soft and absorbent.
Supima cotton is grown in the United States, and while it produces shorter threads than Egyptian cotton, it is a bit more durable.
Standard cotton is of a lesser quality than the other two types, but it is absorbent and lasts a long while. Each type of cotton is slightly more expensive than the other, and the price difference can be substantial if you are buying a set or two of bath towels, face clothes and hand towels.
Step 2 – Choose your towel thickness
The towel weight is given in GSM (standing for grams per square metre) and is a measure of the density of the material. The higher GSM ratings represent the densest, most plush towel. Good quality towels are around the 500- 600GSm mark. A towel that weighs less than 400GSM is likely to be a bit thin. Our Christy towel top the line at 700GSM which is what you would get in good quality Spa’s
Towels are use for different things for bathroom use a 600GSm towel is perfect, however if it's to go into your child's swimming bag then a lightweight towel may be an advantage. You should select your towel according to your intended purpose of the towel.
Step 3 – Choose your towel size
Face towels: measures approximately 12.9”x 12.9” ( 33x33cm)
This small square towel is used both in and out of the shower/bath to wash hands, body and face.
Hand Towel: measures approximately 15.7”x27.5” (40cmx70cm)
This everyday towel gets plenty of usage drying hands after hand-washing.
Guest Towel: measures approximately 19.6”x 39.3” (50cm x 100cm)
A bit smaller than a hand towel, this rectangular towel is often used in guest bathrooms in place of a hand towel.
Bath Towel: measures approximately 66.1” x 51.2” (68cm x 130cm)
The essential, do-it-all towel used for drying after a shower or bath.
Bath Sheet: approximately 39.3” x 64.9” (100cm x 165cm)
A bit more indulgent that a standard towel, this oversized towel is ideal for those who prefer more coverage after a shower or bath.
Bath Mat
Essential for when stepping out of the bath or shower
Summary
In summary a towel should be bought with the intended purpose in mind – thicker towels for bathroom use and thinner towels for children or for use on your travels. The two things to remember are cotton is a must as is it provides the most absorbency the GSM rating will give you an indication of how thick and luxurious the towel is.Of course we understand that colour is a huge factor so we have selected a range of colours which combines with every bathroom palette. If you need more help why not email us at customersupport@linenhouse.co.uk or call us on 01883 651500.
