not all towels are created equal

There’s no better feeling than wrapping yourself up in a thick, soft and absorbent towel after a shower, but did you know that not all towels are created equal? When shopping for a new towel, here are 5 things you should be looking out for:

1. Absorbency

Absorbency is the most crucial consideration when buying a new towel. After all, its primary purpose is to dry you! A towel’s drying ability is determined by the number, length and density of loops in the weave. The more loops a towel has, the greater its capacity for absorbing liquid. Having longer loops will also increase the towel’s overall surface area, which gives it a better drying capacity.

CARE TIP: Fabric softener will make your towels less absorbent! Instead, add vinegar and bi-carb soda to your wash to soften your towels and remove any stubborn odours.

2. Content

Cotton naturally attracts water and is considered to be the best fibre for towels. Each cotton fibre loop can hold almost 25 times its weight in liquid, and thick, tightly packed loops with zero-twist have the best absorbency. Check the label to make sure you’re buying 100% cotton, and not a combination of cotton and polyester. The highest quality towels are usually made of long staple cotton.

3. Weight

When it comes to towels, the heavier, the better. Towels are measured in units known as GSM (or grams per square metre). GSM relates to the towel’s fabric density. A superior quality towel will be packed full of fibres and will have a heavier weight. Generally, heavier towels are more durable, while lighter, thinner towels with a lower GSM wear down more quickly.

4. Softness

Good quality towels have a soft, velvety feel. Zero twist cotton towels are some of the plushest on the market. Zero twist cotton uses long staple cotton that is processed to stabilise and plump the yarn before it is twisted. Not only does this make the towels feel super luxurious, but it results in a towel with greater absorbency and softness plus a faster drying time. Avoid cheap towels with a scratchy feel as these are likely to be low quality and you’ll have to replace them more often!

5. Size

Yes, size is a factor when choosing a towel. While standard size towels may be big enough for children and smaller adults, a taller person is better to opt for a bath sheet, which is bigger than the average bath towel and will make drying time a whole lot quicker. Plus, who doesn’t want to wrap themselves up in a towel cocoon?

Get more towel for your buck with Lorraine Lea’s Cooper Towel Range. The Bath Towels, Bath Sheets and Hand Towels are all larger than the average size and are a high quality 650 GSM!

Book an event to take advantage of our generous Host Rewards or see what’s on at Lorraine Lea.