Love the plush towels in luxury hotels but can’t seem to find the same at home? Discover how to choose a towel that delivers five-star softness, absorbency, and elegance every day.
There’s something undeniably comforting about wrapping yourself in the perfect towel. A towel can transform a simple routine into a moment of calm indulgence. But with so many styles, fabrics, and claims of “luxury” out there, how do you know which one truly delivers?
Choosing a towel might seem straightforward, but getting it right means knowing what to look for beyond colour or price. From the fabric to GSM, texture to durability, every detail counts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to select the right towel — one that feels as soft and absorbent on day one as it does after many washes. Ready to upgrade your towel game? Let’s dive in.
Understand the Different Types of Towels
Before curating your towel collection, it’s essential to understand the purpose of each type. From the smallest cloth to the most enveloping bath sheet, each size brings a unique layer of comfort and refinement to your daily routine.
- Washcloth or Face Towel: The smallest in the collection, these towels are designed for delicate cleansing. Perfect for face washing or makeup removal, they offer gentle softness at every touch.
- Fingertip Towel: Slightly larger than a washcloth, this towel is ideal for guest bathrooms or quick hand drying. A sophisticated accent that’s both functional and decorative.
- Hand Towel: A must-have beside the sink, made for everyday drying. Compact and versatile, it strikes a balance between absorbency and elegance.
- Hair Towel: Crafted to be lightweight and quickly drying. Also, it’s gentle on your hair, preserving its health and smoothness.
- Bath Towel: The classic post-shower essential. Sized for everyday use, it provides reliable coverage and plush comfort without feeling bulky.
- Bath Sheet: More indulgent than a standard bath towel, the bath sheet wraps you in spa-like luxury. Ideal for those who crave extra coziness and coverage.
Choose the Right Fibre for Your Needs
1. Cotton Towels
These are a classic choice for a reason. Cotton towels offer a perfect balance of softness and durability, making them ideal for everyday use. They come in a wide range of thicknesses and weights, allowing you to choose between a lighter, quicker-drying towel or a thicker, plush option for extra comfort.
Look for 100% Cotton to ensure natural softness and less pilling over time. A high-quality Cotton towel should feel plush without being overly bulky.
2. Egyptian Cotton™ Towels
Widely regarded as the gold standard in luxury, Egyptian Cotton™ towels are praised for their extra-long fibres that produce an incredibly smooth, absorbent, and long-lasting quality. Each strand is carefully hand-picked to preserve its natural softness. The result is a towel that feels silken to the touch while offering lasting performance, elevating everyday routines into a spa-like experience.
3. Bamboo Towels
Seeking an eco-conscious option without compromising on softness? Bamboo towels offer the perfect balance. This fibre makes these towels exceptionally gentle on the skin and naturally resistant to bacteria, mildew, and odours. Their moisture-wicking properties enable quicker drying, making them both practical and indulgent.
Beyond comfort, Bamboo towels are also a responsible choice. It is a fast-growing fibre, renewable resource that requires significantly less water and no pesticides to cultivate, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional Cotton.
What is GSM in a Fabric?
When choosing towels, the Grams per Square Metre is one of the main indicators of quality and feel. It refers to the density of the fabric, and it tells you exactly how plush a towel will be.
- 300 to 400 GSM: Lightweight and quick-drying, perfect for the gym or travel.
- 500 GSM: A balanced middle ground, offering softness with quicker drying.
- 600 to 900 GSM: Ultra-luxurious and supremely plush. These towels feel weighty and indulgent, much like those in five-star hotels.
A higher GSM doesn’t necessarily mean a better towel — it depends on what you value most. But it does promise greater absorbency and a more decadent feel. If you love the enveloping comfort of thick, spa-like towels, a higher GSM is worth the investment.
Consider the Towel Set for Aesthetics
Towels also set the look and feel of your bathroom. A bath towel set instantly elevates your space, creating a sense of balance and polish. Matching bath sheets, hand towels, and washcloths in complementary tones or textures bring an air of understated elegance.
Whether you prefer a timeless neutral palette or a bold accent colour, a well-chosen set ties everything together effortlessly. For a hotel-worthy finish, fold or roll your towels neatly and stack them by size. The result is a bathroom that feels curated, inviting, and impeccably styled.
How to Wash Towels?
Luxury towels deserve the same care you’d give to any delicate textile. Proper washing not only preserves their softness and absorbency but also extends their life.
Use a gentle detergent in moderation, and avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the fibres and diminish absorbency over time. Warm water is ideal as hot water may weaken the fabric, and cold may not cleanse thoroughly. Bleach should be avoided, as it can damage both colour and fibres.
When drying, opt for low heat or air drying as it helps retain softness. Shaking towels out before drying also helps restore the loft and keeps them feeling plush. With mindful care, your towels will continue to deliver that elevated, spa-like experience.
At David’s Fine Linens, we offer a wide range of high-quality towels to suit every need. Check our collection now to find your perfect match!