Are Turkish towels better than regular towels?

Author: Doug Simonis  |  Last update: Monday, October 6, 2025

In addition to this, Turkish towels are extremely durable and long-lasting when compared to your standard cotton towel. They're an excellent accouterment whether you're going to the beach, the gym, the pool, or if you're just looking for a super absorbent, quick-drying, fashionable bath towel set.

What is so special about Turkish towels?

Turkish towels are large, flat-woven towels, that were traditionally used in Turkish baths. What's so special about them? They are super absorbent and very quick-drying. They pack light and they are versatile as you can use them in many different ways.

What is the difference between Turkish towels and regular towels?

Authentic Turkish towels are made in Turkey with 100% Turkish cotton. They are highly sought after due to their high-quality material and are made by hand from traditional looming techniques. The cotton has extra long fibers resulting in a smooth thread, which is then made into a flat woven fabric.

What towels do best hotels use?

Towels made from Egyptian cotton are incredibly soft, durable, and highly absorbent, making them a top choice for luxury hotels and spas.

Can Turkish towels go in the dryer?

The recommended approach is to tumble-dry your Turkish towels on low heat. High temperatures may weaken the cotton fibers, which can lead to issues like shrinkage or fabric damage. By opting for a low-temperature setting and actively monitoring the drying time, you can prevent your towels from overdrying.

3 Reasons to Switch to Turkish Towels

How often do you wash Turkish towels?

American Cleaning Institute: Recommends hanging towels to dry between uses and washing after 3 to 5 normal uses. Consumer Reports: Says to launder towels after 3 or 4 normal uses or more frequently if you play sports.

Why are my Turkish towels not absorbent?

Turkish cotton needs to be "trained" to hold onto liquid. Washing your towel will open up the fibers of the cotton and help it to better absorb water. Some people like to soak their Turkish towels in a bucket of water to help with this process.

What kind of towels does Oprah use?

Oprah's Favorite Towel Set Is from Cozy Earth: Review.

How do hotels keep their towels so white and fluffy?

Pre-Soak Towels

Hotels don't do that. They pre-soak their towels in vinegar or oxygen bleach. After soaking, they wash the towels with hot water and a regular detergent. They may also use a fabric conditioner to soften the towels.

Why are hotel towels so much better?

Hotel towels dry so well due to a combination of factors, including their high-quality materials and specialized laundering techniques. Hotels typically use towels made from 100% cotton, which is highly absorbent and quick-drying.

How can you tell a quality Turkish towel?

How to Spot a Quality Turkish Towel
  1. Material: Genuine Turkish towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton.
  2. Weave: Look for a tight weave, ensuring durability and absorbency.
  3. Softness: Authentic Turkish towels become softer with each wash.
  4. Reputation: Purchase from a trusted Turkish towel company to ensure authenticity.

Which is better, Egyptian or Turkish towels?

Turkish cotton tends to be less absorbent than Egyptian cotton right out of the gate, building its thirstiness use after use. It also dries lightning fast, which makes it a great choice for anyone who dreads waiting for a towel to air dry or hates wasting utility bills on electric dryer costs.

What is another name for a Turkish towel?

A fouta or hammam towel is another name for a peshtemal, which is also spelled peştemal or peshtamal. Peshtemals are big, flat, and soft as velvet. These tightly woven beauties are incredibly robust and durable and have a fashionable handcrafted fringe that makes them chic as well as functional.

Why do you soak Turkish towels?

Before the first use, you'll want to soak your towels for 12 hours (or overnight) in cold water. This ensures they'll retain maximum absorbency and softness.

Why are Japanese towels so good?

Japanese towels are known for their durability. They are often made from high-quality materials that can withstand frequent use and washing without losing their quality or absorbency. This durability makes them a long-lasting investment. Japanese towels frequently feature unique and aesthetically pleasing designs.

How do you display Turkish towels?

They love to show off their Turkish towels on hooks, shelves, baskets and ladders inside and outside the bathroom. They also love to throw them over their couches or favorite chairs and even as a throw blanket on their bed. They add a splash of color and a little bit of pattern and a boho chic vibe to their home.

Does vinegar fluff up towels?

If you are looking for extra, extra fluffiness and buoyancy, try washing with baking soda and detergent first, followed by washing with white vinegar.

How do hotels get their towels to smell so good?

Subtle fragrance enhancements: Some hotels add subtle fragrance enhancements to elevate the pleasant scent of their towels. For example, they may use scented sachets or keep natural essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus in their storage area.

Why are Turkish towels so popular?

Turkish cotton has extra long fibers, flat woven, and with use the long Turkish cotton fibers soften and become delightfully absorbent. It's the long flat woven fibers of Turkish cotton that make Turkish towels absorbent and of course hotel quality!

What is the most luxurious towel material?

If you're looking for luxuriously thick and fluffy towels, Egyptian cotton might be the perfect choice for you. Towels made from this material are pillowy soft - not to mention super absorbent - so you'll be warm, cosy, and dry in no time with one of these waiting on the towel rail.

Why are cozy earth towels so expensive?

Why Are Cozy Earth Towels So Expensive? Cozy Earth towels are crafted using Zero Twist technology, a unique blend of cotton and their signature bamboo viscose. This combination delivers unparalleled plushness and absorbency — drying faster and feeling exponentially softer than any other towel I've tried.

Why do my Turkish towels smell bad?

Towels often become smelly due to two main culprits — bacteria and moisture. Towels are designed to absorb moisture, making them a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which thrive in damp environments. This bacteria growth can lead to the mildew smell we all dread.

Do dryer sheets make towels less absorbent?

Yes, using fabric softener and/or dryer sheets causes a waxy build-up on your cotton towels. This makes them less absorbent and, over time, attracts a buildup (see below for guidance on how to restore and revive dingy, smelly towels).

Are Turkish cotton towels worth it?

In addition to this, Turkish towels are extremely durable and long-lasting when compared to your standard cotton towel. They're an excellent accouterment whether you're going to the beach, the gym, the pool, or if you're just looking for a super absorbent, quick-drying, fashionable bath towel set.

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