How to choose a towel: tips and tricks

When buying towels should pay attention to its composition, density and length of the pile, as well as the size and appearance of the product.

content

1. Materials
   
2. What should be the size of the towel
3. What should be nap
4. Towel Density
5. How to check the quality of towels
6. How to wash a towel

Which towel to choose. Materials

Towels are made from different materials, most often cotton, bamboo and flax. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when purchasing.

Towels can be terry (with a large number of moisture-absorbing loops on the surface), waffle and velor (with cropped loops):

1. Terry products are ideal for the face, hands and body - they are very soft and pleasant to the touch, absorb a large amount of moisture.

2. Waffle towels are great for the kitchen. They wipe dishes well, dry quickly and do not lose their basic properties even after intensive washing and boiling regimes. In addition, they do not leave marks on the cleaned surfaces.

3. Velor towels are soft and pleasant to the touch. They, as well as terry, are used to care for hands and face. But such products have the worst moisture-absorbing abilities. Dry velor towels faster terry.

Cotton towels

Cotton products are highly hygienic, soft and hypoallergenic. They are recommended to use for care of children, in particular for newborns. It is important that the towel consists of pure cotton.

The quality of the product and its appearance largely depends on what type of cotton is used. For example, terry linen from Egyptian cotton are the highest quality and elite.

The length of cotton fibers of Egyptian origin is two times longer than that of the standard one. Due to this, the weaving density of the towel is higher, and it has more moisture-absorbing “loops”. Ultra-soft and super-fluffy bath towels, which are used in luxury hotels and spa salons, as a rule, are made from Egyptian cotton. They are particularly durable and durable. However, these products have drawbacks - they are heavier than standard towels and dry longer.

On a par with Egyptian cotton is long staple cotton Pima, which grows in America. It is as strong and durable as the Egyptian, but less soft and fluffy. Towels made from this material are produced by the famous American company Supima.

One of the most popular types of cotton is Turkish. Of course, it is not as fluffy as Egyptian or Pima cotton, but it absorbs moisture well and dries quickly. Turkish cotton towels are light and durable, and, moreover, with each wash, they become softer and more fluffy.

But not always marking that a towel from 100% high-quality cotton is true. Some manufacturers report that their goods are made from Egyptian cotton, and in fact towels are made from a mixture of cotton and synthetic fibers. This limits the water-absorbing abilities of products and makes them less pleasant to the touch.Therefore, you should choose towels from reputable manufacturers and not pay attention to products from "high-quality elite cotton" at a low price.

Virtues

• Suitable for newborns, pregnant women and allergy sufferers;

• Ideal for wiping hands, face and body.

• They have good absorbing properties;

• They have high strength and wear resistance;

disadvantages

• Dry for a long time;

• After washing can sit down.

Linen towels

Flax is most often used in the manufacture of kitchen and bath towels. It can also be combined with cotton fibers to create towels for the face and body.

Virtues

• Do not cause allergic reactions;

• Do not shed;

• Have a good massage effect;

• Maintain a large number of washings;

• Durability (durability longer than cotton);

• Not electrified;

• They have antiseptic properties (they destroy pathogenic bacteria);

• Can be used for children;

disadvantages

• Strongly crushed;

• Cost much.

Bamboo towels

Bamboo towels are widely popular among residents of the Russian Federation and CIS countries. They are soft and pleasant to the touch, perfectly absorb moisture and retain their unique properties even after many washings.

Many towels, as well as bedding, blankets and pillows, positioned as “bamboo”, have little to do with this unique plant. In fact, the false bamboo material comes to us from Asia and China.

The enterprising Asians have "perfectly" learned the basics of the production of viscose fiber from bamboo wood, during which cellulose is removed from the plant and processed using various chemicals. The result is a hydrated cellulosic artificial material - viscose. Such a "bamboo" does not possess those unique properties, which are reported by almost all thematic Internet publications. Bamboo wood viscose has only viscose properties. Viscose fiber towels may be labeled “bamboo viscose”.

This eco-friendly and useful bamboo fiber ("viscose linen") is produced mechanically, like hemp and flax fibers. However, its production "flies into a pretty penny," so products from real bamboo fiber have a high cost and are rarely found on sale.

Virtues

• Do not cause allergies;

• Do not cause allergic reactions;

• Dry quickly;

• Stop the growth of pathogenic microorganisms;

• Possess antibacterial and deodorizing properties;

• They absorb moisture well (better than cotton);

• Long retain the original "commodity" look;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Most products from “100% Bamboo” are not bamboo at all.

What should be the size of the towel

Towels can be bath, massage, for hands, face and feet, etc. Each of them has its own dimensions:

1. Dimensions of towels for a shower or bath vary from 0.7 x 1.4 m to 1 x 1.5 m;

2. Sizes of goods intended for a bath or sauna can be 1 x 1.8 and 0.8 x 2 m;

3. Hand towels can be 0.4 x 0.6, 0.5 x 0.7 and 0.5 x 0.9 m;

4. The length of facial cloths is often 0.5 and 0.9 m, and the width is 0.3 and 0.5 m, respectively;

5. Hand items can be 0.4 x 0.6 m, 0.5 x 0.7 m;

6. Beach linens are typically 1.4–1.5 cm long and 0.7–1 m wide

7. Kitchen towel patterns are often 0.3 x 0.3 and 0.3 x 0.5 m.

What should be nap

Terry towels have a special pile - “cohesive” eyelets on the surface. Their length depends on the softness and fluffiness of the product. The villi can be 3–8 mm long, with a value of 5 mm considered ideal. The moisture-absorbing properties of the product depend on the length of the loops. The longer they are, the better the towel absorbs moisture.But too large eyelets (more than 5 cm) can stretch, as well as lose shape and roll down after washing. Pile length less than 3 mm "serves" longer, but absorbs moisture worse.

Towel Density

The density of towels is measured in grams per square meter. This value varies from 300 to 900 g / m2 (GSM - grams per squere meter may be indicated on the labels of foreign manufacturers). 300–400 g / m2 canvases are thin and light - they are ideal for training in the gym or kitchen. Products 400–600 g / m2 are most often used after taking a shower or bath. Many beach towels have this density of weaving.

Fabrics with a density of 600-800 g / m2 have the highest strength and the best absorbent properties. However, they have the greatest weight and dry for a long time. Towels with this density are often made from high quality Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton.

How to check the quality of towels

1. Inspect the product from two sides. It should be evenly stained, without streaks and extraneous chemical odors;

2. Pay attention to the pile of terry products. Run your hand over it - if there are threads or lint on the skin, it is better not to buy the goods;

3. Wipe the wet glass surface with a towel. Are there any divorces? If so, this may indicate the use of synthetic fibers in production;

4. Ensure that all edges of the product are treated with closed seams, and terry “loops” are not pulled out with minimal impact. Remember that the durability of the product depends on their strength.

How to wash a towel

1. Manufacturers often treat new products with special fabric softeners that make them fluffier and softer. However, such towels absorb water worse. For this reason, new towels should be washed before first use.

2. Remember that the use of bleaching agents makes the towel less durable and reduces their service life. Therefore, use them only in extreme cases.

3. Examine care label before use. It should indicate on what temperature to wash the products and what mode, whether it can be ironed and dry-cleaned. As a rule, towels can be washed at a temperature of 40-60 degrees at medium speeds of the machine.

4. Remember, a towel will last you longer if you take care of it properly.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.