Turkish Towel vs. Bath Towel: What's the Difference?
If you've never used a Turkish towel before, you might wonder how it's really any different from the fluffy towel already hanging in your bathroom. They're both made from cotton. They both dry you off. So what's the big deal?
Turns out, quite a lot. Once you know what to look for, the difference is easy to feel and even easier to see.
What Is a Bath Towel?
A traditional bath towel is made using a looped weave called terry cloth. Those loops trap air and water, which is what gives a bath towel its thick, plush feel. It's a comfortable, familiar design that's been the North American standard for decades.
The tradeoff is that all those loops take a long time to dry, both on your body and on the towel bar. A heavy, damp bath towel sitting in a humid bathroom is also the perfect environment for mildew and that musty smell many people know all too well.
What Is a Turkish Towel?
A Turkish towel, sometimes called a peshtemal, is woven flat rather than looped. It's made from long-staple Turkish cotton, which is a naturally stronger and more absorbent cotton fibre. Instead of bulk, a Turkish towel relies on the quality of the weave and the fibre itself to do the work.
That flat weave means a Turkish towel is thinner and lighter than a bath towel right out of the package. But don't mistake thin for weak. A good Turkish towel is just as absorbent as a bath towel, often more so, and it dries in a fraction of the time.
The Real Differences, Side by Side
Drying time Bath towels can take hours to fully dry because of their thick, looped weave. Turkish towels dry in a fraction of that time thanks to their flat weave and open structure, which means less time smelling musty and more time being ready for your next shower or swim.
Weight and packability A bath towel is bulky. A Turkish towel folds down small enough to fit in a bag pocket, which is exactly why they've become popular for beach trips, travel, and gym bags.
Softness over time Bath towels are soft when new but tend to get scratchy and worn down with repeated washing. Turkish towels do the opposite. They get softer with every wash, so the towel you love today keeps getting better.
Versatility A bath towel is a bath towel. A Turkish towel can double as a beach towel, a light blanket, a shawl, a picnic blanket, or even a table runner, since the flat weave and lighter fabric make it easy to use in ways a bulky bath towel never could.
Sensory comfort Some people find the texture of traditional terry cloth towels irritating, especially those with sensory sensitivities or certain skin conditions. The smoother, flatter weave of a Turkish towel is often a more comfortable option.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want the exact same towel experience you grew up with, a classic bath towel will always do the job.
But if you want something that dries faster, packs smaller, softens with age, and works just as well at the beach as it does in your bathroom, a Turkish towel is worth trying. Many people who make the switch end up replacing their bath towels entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Turkish towels as absorbent as bath towels? Yes. Despite being thinner, quality Turkish cotton is highly absorbent. The difference is that a Turkish towel dries out quickly after use instead of staying damp.
Do Turkish towels shrink in the wash? A well-made Turkish towel is pre-washed and designed to be machine washed and dried without shrinking. Always check the specific care instructions for the towel you buy.
Can I use a Turkish towel every day like a regular bath towel? Absolutely. Many people use Turkish towels as their everyday bath towel once they experience how quickly they dry and how soft they become over time.
Ready to feel the difference for yourself? Shop Pomp & Sass Turkish towels, made from pure Turkish cotton and designed in Canada.