Speciality | Friction | Jacquard Towels | Velour | Beach or Pool Towels | Towel Sizes | Towel Care

We personally test every towel before we agree to carry it. One problem with that is manufacturers do not always send the same color towel for us to try so my linen closet looks like a rainbow.

Much like fine bed linens, the quality of fine bath linens or towels is primarily a function of the quality of the cotton used. In this case the cotton has a dual role in that it must be soft on the skin but it must also be absorbent. Egyptian cotton is the best. Look for towels that say 100% Egyptian cotton. Many times manufacturers use small amounts of Egyptian cotton and just say Egyptian cotton on the label. Also be aware that some manufacturers will claim that they use Egyptian cotton but in reality they are using cotton from transplanted seeds. We strive to make certain that our resources use genuine 100% Egyptian cotton.The Egyptian cotton is spun into yarn and traditional towels employ a “loop” of yarn loomed through a “backing”.  These “loops” play an important role in softness and absorbency and can be long or short.  Recently manufacturers have explored the benefits of Zero Twist yarns.  Traditionally cotton staples (fibers) were twisted together to form yarn.  Bonding the staples instead of twisting them yields a towel that is more absorbent.  The backing plays an important role as well; it should be made from the same cotton as the “loop”.

Speciality Towels

Beech Wood Cellulose: Relatively new is the use of Beech Wood Cellulose in toweling instead of cotton.  Beech wood cellulose is a natural wood product whose fibers are spun into yarn.  This towel is softer than terry toweling and has a natural luster that doesn’t wash out.  It is 50% more absorbent than cotton and dries more quickly.  I was very skeptical about trying it but I was shocked to find that I really liked it.  Since it is 50% more absorbent than cotton the towel can be made very thin and it is so soft!  I recommend the Millennium Towel if you like a thinner towel.

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Friction or Rubdown Towels:

Some towels are made with short “loops” arranged in different directions to form patterns that act to create friction or a “rubdown” effect when used.  I recommend Rubdown Towel.

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Jacquard Towels

Jacquard towels are towels with a distinct pattern that can be made in a few different ways.  The yarn is individually dyed and then the different color yarns can be woven to form a pattern.  This differs  from a print in that a print towel is made of one color yarn that is sprayed with different color inks in much the same was as a “T’ shirt is made.  The inks reduce the absorbency of the yarn.  Jacquard towels can also be made by using varying heights of the woven loops to form patterns.  I just love the Orleans Towel.  It’s just beautiful and it feels great!

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Velour Towels

Velour towels are terry loop towels where the terry loop is “shaved”.  As a result they unravel and form a velvet finish.  This greatly reduces their absorbency.

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Beach or Pool Towels

Beach or Pool towels are usually just bath sheets or big towels.  While all of us may be drawn to a nice printed beach towel remember that the printing process makes the towel less absorbent.   We have a terrific selection of Beach and Pool Towels that are fashionable as well as absorbent most are jacquards.

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Towel Sizes

Since every manufacturer sizes their own towels there is no hard and fast rule about size like there is in bedding.  Better quality towels tend to be more generous in each size.  The sizes most commonly used are: Bath Sheet, Bath Towel, Hand Towel, Guest Towel, Wash Cloth, Wash Mitt, Fingertip, and Bath Mat.

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Towel Care

We recommend a minimum of three sets of towels.  This allows for one set to be used while another set is in the laundry and another set is “resting” in the linen closet.  Commercial detergents can damage or leave residue on your fine bath linens so we recommend using wash without caustics (no “whiteners” or “brighteners”).  Residues left behind are to make the towels feel more soft and “fluffy” but they interfere with towels ability to absorb.  I can’t tell you how many times I hear from a customer who says that their towels are not absorbing anymore.  I tell them to wash the towels in a wash without softening agents (fabric softener) and they always call me back as if I created a miracle.  We recommend washing in cold water and using a warm or cool drying cycle.  Try to wash towels together without any other items and, of course, we love to recommend Towel Wash.

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One Important Note

Many of us care for our skin with acne medications, skin moisturizers and makeup which frequently contain caustics that may stain, discolor and even break down fine towels fibers.  If you use any of these items we recommend you use extra care in not allowing them to come in contact with your fine bed linens and towels.

Robes
RobesWhat makes for a good towel usually makes for a good robe.  That’s why if a towel is successful the manufacturer will usually make a robe also.  If the robe is for lounging we recommend a lighter weight robe.  On the other hand, if the robe is to be a replacement for a bath towel, we recommend a heavier robe so that water does not soak it through.

Whether it’s getting out of an invigorating shower, a hot tub or a midnight swim, Fine Bath Linens are very important to your comfort.  Enjoy!

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