Shopping for towels? It's easy to assume the priciest option is the best—but price alone doesn't determine quality. Professionals know that the right towel blends softness, absorbency, size, and weight, all while suiting the intended use and environment. Here's your five-step expert guide to buying towels that deliver comfort, performance, and value.
5 Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Towel
Whether you're buying towels for a spa, clinic, gym, or personal use, consider these factors in order:
- Choose the right size for your needs
- Assess softness and weight
- Check material and weave on the label
- Select colour and design thoughtfully
- Compare price with purpose and durability
Step 1: Choose the Right Towel Size
Towels come in multiple sizes for different tasks. Select based on how and where the towel will be used. Oversized towels may feel luxurious, but they’re bulkier to store and handle. Undersized towels can be impractical. Here’s a quick reference:
| Towel Type | Size | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Face Towel | 12 x 12" | Drying the face |
| Washcloth | 13 x 13" | Cleaning or kitchen use |
| Hand Towel | 16 x 27" | Drying hands |
| Standard Towel | 22 x 44" | General daily use |
| Bath Sheet | 30 x 60" | Maximum coverage |
Step 2: Feel the Softness, Check the Weight
Softness feels good, but don’t rely on it alone—many new towels have a fabric-softening finish that wears off after a few washes. Weight is a better measure of lasting quality and absorbency.
Towel weight is measured in GSM (grams per square metre):
- 300–400 GSM: Lightweight towels ideal for kitchens and gyms
- 400–500 GSM: Versatile for daily and beach use
- 600–900 GSM: Luxuriously thick towels used in high-end spas and hotels
Step 3: Read the Label—It Matters
The product label tells you two critical things: fabric content and care instructions. Look for high-absorbency materials like cotton or blends that include bamboo or rayon for enhanced performance.
Common towel materials:
- Cotton: The classic choice—soft, durable, and absorbent
- Egyptian Cotton: Extra-long fibres for maximum softness and absorbency
- Pima Cotton: American-grown premium cotton similar to Egyptian
- Turkish Cotton: Long-staple fibre with a luxurious, dense weave
- Bamboo Blends: Sustainable, ultra-soft, and antimicrobial
Pro tip: Look for two-ply construction for better durability and longevity.
Step 4: Colour and Design Choices
Match your towels to your space. Coordinated sets of face, hand, and bath towels create a polished look. For clinics and spas, crisp white towels remain a popular choice for their clean and professional aesthetic.
Step 5: Budget and Bulk Buying
Price always matters—but compare it in the context of durability and performance. Buying in bulk brings costs down, especially for clinics, spas, and gyms. A case of towels will usually cost significantly less per unit than buying individually.
Fresh towels elevate your space just like new sheets do. If it’s been a while, now’s a great time to upgrade.
Pro Towel Care Tips
- Wash towels every 3–4 uses for best hygiene
- Always hang towels to dry fully between uses
- Use hot water (60°C) for sanitizing after illness—but not regularly
- Wash in warm water (40°C) for regular care
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners—they weaken fibres and reduce absorbency
- Air dry or fluff in the dryer; white towels in sunlight, coloured towels in shade
The right towel improves every experience—from morning routines to spa treatments. Choose wisely and care for them well.
