Towel Buying Guide

Softness

Towels made from terry cotton are highly soft as their yarn is smooth and silky. Look out for towels made from extra long fibers. Using longer fibre cotton in spinning yarn leads to fewer joins, resulting in even softer and smoother towels.

It goes without saying, that towels often feel softer when first bought than after a few washes. Some manufacturers coat towels with a fabric softening finish so it feels soft to touch, but it wears off very quickly. Make sure towels you purchase are made of untreated, natural cotton.

Absorbance

The thickness is usually a good indicator of absorbance. Thick towels are generally more absorbent compared to thinner ones. The GSM (grams per square inch) is commonly used to indicate the density of fibres the towel is composed of. Higher GSM implies a denser, thicker towel. You can find towels ranging between 300 - 900 GSM, however, luxury towels are usually above 500 GSM.

Zero Twist Technology

Zero Twist technology is a weaving technique that uses yarns without any twists, unlike traditional towels where fibres are twisted for strength. By leaving the fibres untwisted, the yarn retains its natural openness, creating a fabric that is exceptionally soft, plush, and lightweight. This structure allows water to pass through the fibres more easily, enhancing absorbency while maintaining a luxurious feel. Zero Twist towels also dry faster than heavily twisted alternatives because of their airy construction. Ideal for those who value comfort and quick-drying functionality, Zero Twist technology delivers a perfect balance of softness and performance.

Check out our Zero Twist towels.

Durability

Towels made of 100% cotton are strong and durable. Cotton/polyester mix or microfibre towels may also be durable, but they are less absorbent than all-cotton towels.

Bedable does not recommend microfibre towels as they are harmful to the environment. They are often made from contaminating micro plastics, which detach over time and eventually end in our oceans, harming our planet.

Size

While perhaps not the most important consideration, you should always check the size of bath towels prior to purchasing. There are few things worse than bringing your towels home and having the realisation that they’ll barely wrap around you! With this in mind, the standard bath towels measurement is 65 to 75 cm wide and 130 to 145 cm long. Towels that are smaller are often ideal for children, they likely won’t suffice for larger adults. Take this into consideration, particularly if you’re shopping online and cannot see the towel in physically prior to purchasing.