Which is better Turkish or Egyptian towels?

Author: Dayne Mayer  |  Last update: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Consider Softness and Feel If you prefer towels that are soft from the start, Turkish cotton might be your choice. Egyptian cotton is a good choice for long-term softness and durability.

What type of towels are the best?

Cotton is the most popular towel material. But not all cotton towels are created equal. High-quality Turkish and Egyptian cotton produce the best, softest, and most absorbent towels. Whether you need them for yourself or your guest bathroom, cotton bath towels are multitaskers and ideal for everyday use.

Are Egyptian towels good quality?

When compared to regular cotton towels, Egyptian cotton towels are far and away the better option. As Egyptian cotton is stronger than regular cotton it lasts longer. Over time, whereas regular towels will decline in quality and softness, Egyptian cotton towels will only get softer.

Do Egyptian cotton towels take longer to dry?

Bamboo towels also dry relatively fast, while Egyptian cotton towels take longer. Personal Preference: Consider the feel of the material. Egyptian cotton is the softest and most luxurious, while bamboo is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. Microfiber towels are soft but may not be as plush as natural fibres.

What towels do most hotels use?

The secret is Turkish cotton. Hoteliers love Turkish cotton because it's super dense, fluffy and incredibly durable. These towels actually get softer over time with every wash and without breaking down in fluffiness, and you can snag the same towel magic at home.

Egyptian towels product guide

Where do 5 star hotels get their towels?

Where Do Hotels Buy Their Towels? Hotels typically purchase their towels from reputable suppliers and distributors specializing in hotel and hospitality linens. One such reliable source for hotel towels is Direct Textile Store (directtextilestore.com).

Are Turkish towels worth it?

Because of their thin and lightweight nature, traditional Turkish towels dry quickly, which makes them great for travel, outdoor activities, and locations that may not have access to dryers. This detail also makes it easy to avoid musty towel odors that are more common in terry loop towels.

Are Egyptian or Turkish towels better?

Generally, Egyptian cotton has even longer and stronger fibers than Turkish cotton. Additionally, Egyptian cotton fibers are a bit thicker and have more texture than their Turkish counterparts, which makes them more absorbent.

How do you wash Egyptian towels?

They should be machine washed at 30°- 40° once a week using a non-bio (enzyme free) detergent. It is best not to use fabric conditioner. Towels can get stiff and lose absorbency when they clog up with washing powder and fabric conditioner.

Why do Egyptian cotton towels shed?

Often, especially when towels are new, they may have excess fibres that cause lint to appear when you wash or use them. Don't worry, this is totally normal - most towels are made from cotton, and being a natural fibre, it is subject to some degree of shedding.

Is Turkish or Egyptian cotton softer?

Egyptian Cotton and Other Types of Cotton. Compared to “regular” cotton, including pima, Turkish cotton fabric feels softer and more plush due to its longer fibers. Egyptian cotton has the longest fibers, which creates a more plush fabric than Turkish cotton.

How can you tell if a towel is high quality?

Towels that are heavier, more expensive or higher quality have a greater GSM than cheaper towels that tend to fall apart more easily. Typically, the more loops that are woven into a towel, the higher the GSM. The lightest towels are 300 to 400 GSM. A decent-quality, medium-weight towel runs 400 to 600 GSM.

Why are Egyptian cotton towels so expensive?

Egyptian cotton is prized in the textile industry for its long, fibrous threads. These long fibres can be spun into finer yarns and then woven into a higher thread count fabric. This process creates a smoother, softer towel and significantly enhances the material's durability.

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.

What is considered a luxury bath towel?

Material - The best materials for luxury towels

Turkish cotton towels and Egyptian cotton towels are the most popular choices for luxury hotels and spas. However, Aegean Turkish cotton, is considered the absolute best.

What towels do celebrities use?

Despite having access to other luxury options, celebrities choose to use Hammam towels because they provide a practical solution for their needs, while also being stylish and fashionable. The fact that they have become a popular choice among celebrities also speaks to their rising popularity and increasing demand.

Are Egyptian Cotton towels worth it?

Egyptian Cotton Bath Towels will be with you for the long-haul. If you are looking for bath towels that are durable and will retain their quality over time, Egyptian Cotton is well and truly worth the investment.

Can I put Egyptian Cotton in the dryer?

Yes! You Can Use a Dryer for Your Egyptian Cotton Bedding – Thankfully, these amazing sheets are so easy to care for that you can actually put them right in the dryer after they are washed. Promptly remove the sheets and shake them hard before putting in the dryer to help prevent wrinkles in your luxury linens.

How do you wash Turkish towels?

DO:
  1. Machine wash on cold with similar colors.
  2. Tumble dry on low / medium heat for maximum softness.
  3. From time to time (I do this once a month), add a cup of vinegar to the wash… it will kill bacteria, remove any soap residue, and acts as a natural fabric softener for your towels.

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.

Are Turkish towels worth the hype?

The comfort, absorbency, and style that come with luxury Turkish bath towels make them a worthwhile addition to your home. If you're ready to treat yourself to this luxury, explore the offerings at the Turkish Towel Collection. Your bath experience will never be the same!

What is the best towel to use?

Cotton, in particular a premium long staple cotton, is the ideal towel material as it is breathable, absorbent, soft and comfortable.

How can you tell if a Turkish towel is real?

Luxury Turkish towels are generally pretty easy to spot. They will be more expensive than other kinds of towels, as they are handmade in Turkey. Always check the fabric label of the towel to see where it originated. It would not be an authentic Turkish towel if it wasn't made in Turkey.

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 long do Turkish towels last?

With proper care, they can last for years while maintaining their softness and absorbency. Whether you're using them at home, on vacation, or for various activities, Turkish towels are a reliable and fashionable choice.

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