Welcome, fellow bath enthusiasts!
Today, I want to dive into the delightful world of Turkish bath towels. These heavenly creations have been gracing bathing rituals for centuries, and for good reason.
From their superior absorbency to their unique craftsmanship, Turkish bath towels are a true game-changer when it comes to wrapping yourself in comfort and style.
So, grab a cup of tea, settle into your comfiest robe, and let’s embark on this fluffy adventure together!
What are Turkish Bath Towels?
Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?
Turkish bath towels, also known as peshtemals, hammam towels, or foutas, have their roots in the centuries-old bathing traditions of the hammams in Turkey. They are meticulously handwoven using premium Turkish cotton, resulting in a lightweight, thin, yet incredibly absorbent towel. Unlike the bulky terry towels we often encounter, Turkish bath towels effortlessly combine practicality with style.
In fact, they are so practical, that they are versatile wonders that can even work as throw blankets!
What Makes Turkish Bath Towels So Special?
Ah, the allure of the Turkish bath towel! There are several factors that set them apart from the average bath towel:
First, these towels are known for exceptional softness. Turkish bath towels are crafted from long-fibered Turkish cotton, renowned for its exceptional softness and gentle touch against the skin. Wrap yourself in one, and you’ll feel like you’re being embraced by a cloud.
Next, they are versatile! These towels are not limited to the bathroom alone. Turkish bath towels are multi-purpose wonders that can accompany you on beach trips, yoga sessions, picnics, and even as chic home décor accents. They effortlessly transition from a functional towel to a fashionable accessory.
Also, Turkish bath towels are quick-drying. Say goodbye to damp, musty towels! Turkish bath towels have excellent moisture-wicking properties, allowing them to dry much faster than their terry counterparts. This feature makes them a perfect choice for travel or humid environments.
Finally, Turkish bath towels are space-saving. Thanks to their thin yet absorbent nature, Turkish bath towels are a space-saving dream. They fold up neatly, taking up significantly less room in your linen closet or suitcase. More room for other essentials? Count me in!
Especially if you are like us, and don’t have a linen closet!
Are Turkish Bath Towels Absorbent?
Absolutely! Turkish bath towels are renowned for their impressive absorbency. Their unique weaving technique, combined with the high-quality Turkish cotton, creates a towel that effortlessly soaks up moisture. Whether you’ve just stepped out of a hot shower or need to dry off after a refreshing swim, these towels have you covered, quite literally!
What is the Difference Between a Turkish Bath Towel and a Terry Towel?
Its the battle of the towels! While both Turkish bath towels and terry towels serve the same purpose, there are a few noteworthy distinctions, like texture, weight, absorbency, and style.
Turkish bath towels have a smoother texture compared to the plush, looped texture of terry towels. The absence of loops gives Turkish towels a sleek, luxurious feel against the skin.
In addition, Turkish bath towels are much lighter compared to terry towels. This characteristic makes them a go-to choice for those who prefer a more lightweight and portable option.
While both towels are absorbent, Turkish bath towels have the upper hand when it comes to quick drying. The tightly woven structure of these towels allows them to efficiently absorb moisture without leaving you feeling damp.
It is so worth mentioning that Turkish bath towels come in an array of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and stylish designs, adding a touch of elegance to your bathing experience. Terry towels, on the other hand, tend to be more traditional and less focused on aesthetics.
Cons of Turkish Bath Towels
While we’ve already covered the perks of these beautiful towels, let’s get real for a minute about some of the drawbacks, mostly around care of these household essentials.
First, compared to terry towels, Turkish bath towels are thinner. While this lightweight design has its advantages, some individuals may prefer the extra plushness and thickness provided by traditional terry towels.
Also, when brand new, Turkish bath towels may require a few washes to reach their full absorbency potential. However, once broken in, they become highly absorbent and reliable. More on that below.
Finally, Turkish bath towels require a bit of special care to maintain their softness and longevity. It’s recommended to avoid fabric softeners and tumble drying to preserve their quality.
How to Break In Turkish Bath Towels
To unlock the full absorbency potential and softness of your brand-new Turkish bath towel, a process commonly referred to as “breaking in” is recommended.
This simple technique helps the fibers of the towel to loosen up and become more absorbent over time.
To begin, some advise machine washing your towel in warm water using a gentle cycle. Room for Tuesday actually recommends soaking them overnight in a bathtub of cold water.
It is agreed that it is crucial to avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue that inhibits absorbency.
Once washed, tumble dry the towel on low heat or air dry it until it’s just slightly damp.
Next, take the damp towel and vigorously shake it to fluff up the fibers. Gently stretch and pull the towel in all directions to help relax the tightly woven fabric.
Repeat this process a few times, and voila! Your Turkish bath towel is now primed and ready to provide you with the ultimate absorbency and softness for your bathing rituals.
Budget Turkish Bath Towel Options
Some of the best budget friendly Turkish bath towel options I’ve found are on Amazon. The color variety is amazing.
Here are my favorites around 20 bucks each!
First is from BOSPHORUS, and comes in a set of 4. There are 8 color combinations to choose from, and most are a neutral, like black, navy and grey.
What I love about this option is the large size, and the fact that it comes pre-washed, meaning that it has been broken in already.
These towels also have close to 2k ratings on Amazon, averaging just under 5 stars. In addition, The Spruce reviews these towels 5/5 for absorbency, texture, durability and value!
I love the colors, and the fact that they come in at just under 20 bucks each (around 60-80 bucks per set of 4) makes these a great choice!
My next choice is from Cacala, and this towel comes in at just over 20 bucks each.
What makes these towels so great? Well, for me it was the color options. In addition to some trusty neutral options, there is a wide variety of bright and punchy pastels and deep and rich reds, greens, and blues.
My favorite colors are Army Green and Apricot.
While this option doesn’t rate as highly on The Spruce reviews, they are still a solid choice; the only comment was the absorbency being mediocre.
So, why not indulge in the opulence of Turkish bath towels?
Treat yourself to the softest embrace, bask in their vibrant colors, and elevate your bathing experience to new heights. Once you experience the joy of these remarkable towels, you’ll never want to go back to ordinary terry towels again.
For more information, check out THIS helpful post from The Spruce where they compare various brands of Turkish bath towels.
Remember, life is too short for mediocre towels!