Understanding Bath Towel Sizes
Did you know that luxury bath towels come in a wide variety of sizes? This article explains the different towel size options so you can choose your perfect size towel based on your personal preference and intended use.
What are the most common towel sizes?
The majority of luxury towel styles include offerings in standard sizes. There may be slight variations between brands, but these are measured approximately as follows:
- Wash Cloth 30×30 cm
- Hand & Hair Towel 50×100 cm
- Bath Towel 70×140 cm
- XL Bath Sheet 105×180 cm
Bath sheets: size options
The size of bath sheets can vary widely between brands; some manufacturers even offer two different sizes, the standard and the slightly smaller « Euro » bath sheet. Choosing whether or not to use a bath sheet and in what size really comes down to personal preference. Some guests find the bath sheets too big and bulky; for others, these oversized towels are the very definition of luxury. Just keep in mind that bath sheets require more space when washing; just a few of those giant towels can fill a machine.
Fine cotton: the basis for high-quality towels
No matter the size, style or manufacturer, we can’t talk about towels without discussing cotton and how different cotton fibers affect the look, feel, performance and price of your towel.
Zero-twist, low-twist yarn
Look for zero-twist or low-twist cotton when buying luxury towels. When cotton fibers are extra-long, strong, and flexible, they don’t need to be twisted much (or at all) to create a luxurious, absorbent fabric. In contrast, high twist yarn becomes harder and less absorbent.
Egyptian cotton and extra long staple cotton from Giza
Egyptian cotton towels are renowned for being supple, attractive and soft to the touch. These bath sheets are super absorbent and durable. Egyptian Giza are made from cotton grown in the fertile Giza Valley on the Nile, where unique growing conditions and hand harvesting produce the finest cotton on Earth.
Microfiber and Microcotton
Microfiber towels are known for their quick drying. Microfiber and micro cotton towels are generally lightweight and less absorbent than fiber types. They made great gym towels, but are suitable for home use and other on-the-go activities.
Organic cotton
Organic cotton towels are typically made from 100% fair trade certified organic cotton. Certified organic cotton meets the strictest social and environmental standards. These soft towels are generally light to medium and dry quite quickly – they are medium weight absorbent towels.
Pima Cotton or Supima Cotton
Pima cotton (or Supima brand) offers luxurious softness, high absorbency, quick-drying breathability and resistance to many washes. Pima cotton is a great towel while still being affordable.