How to Choose the Best Towel: Types, Sizes & Materials?

Towels are one of the most frequently used home essentials, yet they are often the most overlooked. Whether you're wrapping up after a warm bath or drying your hands after washing, the right towel makes all the difference. It’s not just about softness or color—understanding the types of towels, their sizes, and materials is key to choosing the best ones for your daily needs.

This guide breaks down the essentials of selecting the perfect towel, covering everything from the best towel material to choosing the right towel sizes for various purposes. If you're upgrading your bath linen or buying for the first time, here's everything you need to know before investing.

Why Choosing the Right Towel Matters?

Good towels do more than just dry you off. They affect your comfort, your space’s aesthetic, and even your skin health. A towel that dries quickly, lasts long, and feels gentle can enhance your daily routine. But the wrong one can fray, stiffen, or stay damp for too long, leading to musty smells and bacteria buildup.

From the fabric for towel use to knowing your bath towel size, understanding these elements helps you make better, more informed choices.

Understanding the Types of Towels

There are several types of towels, each designed for a specific use. Having the right towel for the right task keeps things hygienic, efficient, and visually coordinated in your home.

1. Bath Towels

These are your go-to towels for after showers or baths. Standard bath towel size ranges from 27 x 52 inches to 30 x 58 inches. They are large enough to wrap around your body and offer good drying coverage.

2. Bath Sheets

Bath sheets are larger than bath towels, typically measuring 35 x 60 inches or more. They’re more luxurious and perfect if you enjoy the feel of a spa-like wrap.

3. Hand Towels

Used near sinks in bathrooms or kitchens, hand towels are essential for drying hands. The average hand towel length is 26 to 30 inches, with a width of 16 to 18 inches. Their compact size makes them easy to hang and change frequently.

4. Face Towels or Washcloths

These are the smallest towels, used for facial cleansing or wiping hands. They measure around 12 x 12 inches and are often made from soft, gentle materials for delicate skin.

5. Kitchen Towels

Designed for drying dishes or wiping surfaces, these towels are usually made of cotton or linen. They are lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to wash regularly.

6. Beach Towels

These towels are extra-large and colorful, ideal for lounging by the pool or beach. They’re typically thinner than bath towels for quicker drying under the sun.

Having the right mix of towels—for body, face, hands, and other tasks—helps maintain both hygiene and convenience across your home.

What Is the Best Towel Material?

When it comes to choosing the best towel material, it’s essential to balance absorbency, softness, durability, and drying speed. Here are the most common towel materials and what makes them unique.

1. Cotton

Cotton is the most popular fabric for towel use. It's soft, absorbent, and natural. Within cotton, there are subtypes:

• Egyptian Cotton: Known for its extra-long fibers, it offers superior softness and absorbency.

• Turkish Cotton: Slightly less absorbent but faster drying than Egyptian cotton. It balances luxury with practicality.

• Supima Cotton: Grown in the USA, it's soft, strong, and fade-resistant.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo towels are eco-friendly, naturally antibacterial, and very soft. They are ideal for sensitive skin but tend to be less absorbent than premium cotton varieties.

3. Microfiber

Made from polyester and polyamide, microfiber towels are quick-drying and lightweight. They’re perfect for gym bags, travel, or cleaning but lack the plush feel of natural fibers.

4. Linen

Linen towels are thinner and faster to dry. They are not as soft as cotton but are excellent for kitchens or travel.

When choosing the towel material, think about your usage. For everyday bath use, high-quality cotton is best. For travel or gym, microfiber may be more convenient. For eco-conscious homes, bamboo offers a sustainable option.

Towel Sizes: Choosing What Fits

Understanding towel sizes ensures you get the right fit for your purpose. A towel that's too small may feel inadequate, while one too large could be bulky and hard to store.

Always measure your storage shelves before purchasing larger sizes, especially bath towel size or sheets.

What to Look for When Buying Towels?

Choosing the right towels goes beyond just size and material. Here are a few more factors to consider:

1. 1. GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

   GSM measures fabric density. The higher the GSM, the heavier and more absorbent the towel.

   • 300-400 GSM: Lightweight, quick-drying, ideal for gym or kitchen.

   • 400-600 GSM: Medium weight, good absorbency, suitable for everyday use.

   • 600-900 GSM: Heavy, plush, luxurious feel, slower drying.
     

   Choose based on how plush or quick-drying you want the towel to be.

2. 2. Weave Style

   • Terry: Looped weave, high absorbency, standard for bath towels.

   • Waffle: Lightweight, textured, fast-drying.

   • Velour: Smooth and soft on one side, often decorative.

   • Jacquard: Intricate patterns woven into the fabric, often more decorative.

   The weave affects not only the texture but also absorbency and drying time.

3. 3. Color and Finish

   Towels are visible parts of your bathroom decor. Choose colors that match your bathroom tiles or towels theme. Light colors give a clean look, while darker shades hide stains better.

   Double-stitched hems add durability. Avoid towels with excessive decorative embroidery if you want something functional for daily use.

Caring for Your Towels

Even the best towel won’t last long without proper care. Here’s how to keep them fresh and absorbent:

• Wash before first use: Removes factory coatings and enhances absorbency.

• Avoid fabric softeners: They leave residues that reduce absorbency.

• Don’t overload the washer: Give towels room to rinse and spin freely.

• Dry thoroughly: Damp towels can develop mildew. Dry on low heat or hang in sunlight.

Rotate towels often and replace them every 1 to 2 years depending on usage and wear.

How Many Towels Do You Need?

A good rule of thumb is two sets per person. This includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths. For guest bathrooms, always keep an extra set handy. Keep a few microfiber or kitchen-specific towels for cleaning and spills.

Seasonally rotating your towels and refreshing with new ones can also help maintain hygiene and style in your space.

Also Read - Bathroom Essentials Checklist: Must-Have Accessories for Every Home

Final Thoughts

Towels are more than just bath essentials—they are everyday tools of comfort and cleanliness. Knowing the types of towels, understanding towel sizes, and selecting the best towel material ensures you bring home something functional and long-lasting.

From understanding hand towel length to identifying the right fabric for towel usage, small details make a big difference. And with so many textures, colors, and weaves to choose from, it’s easier than ever to match your towels to your personal style and lifestyle.

So next time you reach for a towel, let it be one that feels just right.