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Uncover The Secret To Choosing The Best Towels
Step out of the steamy shower, wrap yourself in a soft, luxurious bath towel, and let its warmth embrace you. Bath towels are more than just functional necessities - they are essential to our daily routines, providing comfort, absorbency, and style. In this buying guide, we will dive into the world of bath towels, exploring their different types and sizes, from plush bath sheets to versatile hand towels, face washers and bath mats.
Whether you seek the outstanding quality of Sheridan bath towels or desire a complete towel set to outfit your space, this guide will serve as your compass. Embark on a journey to discover the perfect bath towels, unravel laundering and care secrets, learn about different materials, and even explore how to coordinate them with your bathroom decor. Elevate your bathing experience and make informed decisions as we navigate the world of towels.
Quick Links
- Types Of Towels & Towel Sizes
- Towel Materials, Composition & Construction
- Coordinating Towels With Your Bathroom Decor
- Washing, Caring & Storing Towels
- Towels FAQs
Types Of Towels & Towel Sizes
When it comes to supplying your home with the best towels, there are a few different types and sizes to consider. Each has their own functions and benefits when it comes to caring for your body. Here's a quick snapshot of the different towel types:
A bath towel can be thought of as your traditional, everyday-sized towel. Used to dry your hair and body, they're the ideal size for easy folding and storage. | |
Bath sheets are larger than standard bath towels, providing generous coverage and ample space to wrap around the body. They offer enhanced comfort and are perfect for those who prefer a luxurious and enveloping towel experience. | |
Hand towels serve multiple purposes in the bathroom, including drying your hands after washing. They can also be used for face drying, wiping countertops, or providing a convenient option for guests. | |
Face washers, also known as face cloths or washcloths, are small, square or rectangular pieces of fabric designed for facial cleansing. They are used to gently cleanse the face, remove dirt, oil, and makeup, and provide a refreshing and invigorating experience. | |
Bath mats ensure safety by providing traction and preventing slips and falls on wet bathroom floors. They also enhance comfort, offering a cushioned surface to step on after a shower or bath. | |
While not really a "bathroom" essential, beach towels play an important role in properly drying you off after swimming at the pool or beach. They're typically larger and thinner than bathroom towels, and are constructed to be quick-drying as well. |
What's The Standard Towel Size In Australia?
Towel sizes across the whole range of different towel types can vary between brands and manufacturers - as such, there is no such thing as a "standard" size towel. Bath towels will measure approximately 70 cm x 140 cm, and bath sheets somewhere around 80 cm x 160 cm.
Towel Materials, Composition & Construction
When shopping for new towels it can be hard to choose between the range of different fabrics and fibre compositions - not to mention thread count and GSM! We've compiled a handy reference guide for you to help you discern the best towels for you and your family.
Common Towel Materials
- Cotton: The most popular fibre choice across the range of towel types is cotton. Known for its softness and breathability, cotton towels are a classic choice. They come in various grades, such as Egyptian cotton and Turkish cotton, offering exceptional absorbency and durability.
- Microfibre: Microfiber towels are lightweight, quick-drying, and highly absorbent. They are an excellent option for travel or sports activities. It's also a popular fibre choice for bath mats.
- Bamboo: Bamboo towels are eco-friendly and hypoallergenic. They have natural antimicrobial properties and are exceptionally soft.
Towel Construction & GSM
- Weave: Towels can have different weaves, such as terry cloth or waffle weave. Terry cloth is the most common and absorbent, while waffle weave is thinner and more lightweight.
- Weight: A heavier towel will typically be more absorbent and feel more luxurious but may take longer to dry. Lighter towels are easier to wash and dry quickly.
- Thickness: A towel's thickness can affect its absorbency and feel. Thicker towels are generally more absorbent but may take longer to dry and feel heavier.
- GSM: Standing for "grams per square metre", GSM is an indicator of towel weight, thickness and quality. A high GSM indicates a thick, dense and plush towel. Look for a minimum GSM 400 for everyday bath towels and bath sheets, or opt for 600 or more for a luxurious post-bathing experience.
Coordinating Towels With Your Bathroom Decor
GSM and material choice are the first thing you want to consider when choosing the best towels for you and your family. However, the colour, style and pattern of your towels are also important factors to take into account. Vibrant colours can elevate your mood and they also play an important part in creating a coordinated aesthetic in your bathroom. Here are a few factors to weigh up when choosing the perfect bath towels to match your decor:
Towel Colour
Consider the existing colour scheme of your bathroom, including walls, tiles, and accessories. Opt for towels in complementary colours to create visual harmony, or make a bold statement with contrasting towel colours. Neutral options like white towels, grey towels, charcoal towels or cream towels are versatile and match various bathroom styles.
Patterned Towels
You can add an extra layer of visual interest to your bathroom by selecting patterns or prints that complement the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Subtle patterns can add texture without overwhelming the space, while bold patterns can become a focal point. Ensure the pattern scale works well with the towel size and doesn't appear too busy.
Mixing & Matching Towels
For a cohesive look in your bathroom a towel set with different sizes (bath towels, hand towels, face washers) in coordinating colours or patterns. Shopping towel collections is a great way to ensure consistency to the look and feel of your bathroom decor. If you have a dedicated shelving unit or hanging space in your bathroom, experiment with arranging the towels in various ways: stacking, rolling, or folding can all create a stylish and unique look.
Combining Towels With Bathroom Accessories
Use towel racks, towel rails, or hooks that match the overall style of your bathroom for a cohesive look. You can also consider incorporating decorative accessories such as towel rings, trays, or baskets to elevate the towel display. Introduce complementary bathroom accessories like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, bathroom tumblers or shower curtains to tie the overall look together. Our bathroom accessories buying guide covers all the essentials when it comes to styling and selecting your bathroom basics.
Washing, Caring & Storing Towels
Correctly caring for your bath towels will ensure that they look after you and your family for a long time to come! Here are our key recommendations for washing and storing your towels - for more detailed information, be sure to check out our informative towel care guide for the best results.
General Laundering Guidelines For Bath Towels
- Machine wash towels in warm water with mild detergent.
- Avoid using bleach, as it can weaken the fibres and reduce absorbency.
- Tumble dry on low heat or air-dry for best results.
- Always ensure you follow the specific care instructions on your bath towels and bath sheets for best results.
Stain Removal Techniques
Despite our best efforts, towels can become stained over time. Check out our top tips for removing the most common stain types stains on bath towels and restore them to their former glory:
- Blood: Rinse the stained area with cold water, then apply hydrogen peroxide or a mixture of water and ammonia. Launder as usual.
- Makeup: Gently rub a mild liquid detergent or stain remover into the stain, then wash as directed.
- Oil or Grease: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain to absorb the oil, then wash with warm water and detergent.
Towel Care & Storage Best Practices
- To prevent your towels accumulating musty odours - or worse, mildew growth - always hang towels to dry completely after each use, ensuring proper air circulation.
- Wash towels regularly and avoid leaving them damp for an extended period.
- Consider using a towel rack or towel rail that allows towels to hang freely.
- Fold towels neatly to minimise wrinkles and maximise storage space.
Towels FAQs
How to soften bath towels
It may sound counterintuitive, but the best way to keep your towels fluffy and soft is to avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue that hampers absorbency. Instead, add a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to remove detergent buildup and restore softness. Fluff and shake out towels before folding them to maintain their loftiness.
How do I know when to replace my towels?
There are a couple of tell-tale signs that indicate a towel needs replacing:
- Excessive wear and tear include frayed edges, thinning fabric, or holes.
- Persistent stains that cannot be removed despite proper cleaning.
- Foul or musty odours that persist even after washing.
- Loss of absorbency, resulting in towels feeling damp or unable to dry correctly.
How long should my towels last?
On average, correctly cared for bath towels and bath sheets should keep you cosy and dry for 2 to 3 years. Hand towels and face washers may not last as long due to more frequent usage - expect to see a lifespan of 1 to 2 years from your hand towels, and six months to one year for your face washers.
Bath towels vs bath sheets - what's the difference?
Bath towels are smaller and typically used for drying off after a shower or bath. In contrast, bath sheets are larger and provide more coverage for a more luxurious feel.
How to fold bath towels
To fold bath towels, start by folding them in half lengthwise, then fold them in half again. Finally, fold the towel in thirds or quarters, depending on your storage space.
How often should I wash bath towels?
Wash bath towels every three to four uses or once a week to ensure they stay clean and hygienic.
Find The Best Towels For You & Your Family At Harris Scarfe
Choosing the softest, highest quality bath towels is easy with Harris Scarfe. Our huge selection of bathroom linen includes bath towels, bath mats, face washers, hand towels, and bath sheets from leading brands like Sheridan, Shaynna Blaze, Soren, Dri Glo, Elysian and many more, ensuring that you can find the perfect options to suit your needs and bathroom decor.
Find the best towels at competitive prices, making it super affordable to upgrade your bathing experience affordable without compromising on quality. Harris Scarfe provides a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience whether you prefer to shop online or in-store. Explore Harris Scarfe's informative bed, bath & home buying guides to find out everything you need to know when selecting the best bathroom supplies and homewares.
