Have you seen the new towel craze that's sweeping across Canada and asked yourself "What are Turkish Towels?" The secret that many people have known about for centuries has finally made it’s way to us in Canada. Welcome to our homes, Turkish Towels!
Backstory
Do you have a linen cupboard full of guest towels you never use? Are they fluffy and soft, compared to the everyday towels hanging in your bathroom? My home was the same, and I looked forward to when my towels needed replacing - which meant that the old towels were worn out, frayed, rough, and sometimes a little crunchy right out of the wash (how does that happen?).
When I switched to Turkish Towels the game changed significantly, so much so that I had to get involved in this revolutionary lifetstyle upgrade! My home is brighter, softer, fresher- and best of all? I don’t have extra piles of guest towels taking up huge amounts of space in my linen cabinet anymore; I’ve got beautiful, soft, woven towels the whole family loves.
So what are the differences between looped terry towels and woven towels? Can you really use them outside the home? Most importantly is there an ethical and socially conscientious company to buy them from?
What are Turkish Towels?
Turkish Towels are the traditional towels most commonly found in hot climate countries. Also known as Hammam, Pestemal, and Futa Towels they are made from long cotton fibres. Compared to a looped Terrycloth towel that leaves space between fibers (and therefore allows for the towel to breakdown into that space) Turkish Towels are woven together, flat, and soft. They get softer as you use them, too. Unlike terrycloth that becomes more replaceable with each use, Turkish towels wear like your favourite cotton tee or pair of denim jeans.
What I love most about these towels is that they are large and lightweight, making the post shower wrap easy. When not in use they can be folded or rolled into compact bundles that take up very little linen cupboard space. They fit neatly into gym bags, tote bags and carry-ons for travel, as well as wrap into yoga mats for convenience. These towels are highly absorbent, quick drying, and incredibly versatile, if you wear it as a shawl or use it as a lightweight blanket no one will know the difference!
Quality
As with everything checking the tags to ensure your new purchases are authentic and ethically made is a crucial step. Towels made from anything that aren't pure Cotton won’t have the same durability, absorbency or softness as a true Turkish Towel.
Uses
Some uses for Turkish Towels that are common:
- Bath Towels
- Beach Towels and Picnic Blankets
- Yoga Accessory
- Gym Towel and Changeroom Wrap
- Camping, Travel Convenience
- Poolside and Vacation Sarong
- Head Wrap
- Scarf or Shawl
- Lightweight Blanket
These towels are so versatile you won’t leave home without yours, I know I don’t.
Care and Washing Instructions
When your towel needs to be cleaned wash it in cold or warm water. Don’t use fabric softener (no really, it interferes with the towel’s natural absorbency). Hang to dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Where can I buy a Turkish Towel?
There are several suppliers online and a few home living stores are picking up on this trend. Whenever I see Turkish Towels out in the world the beige and grey colour schemes leave a lot to be desired, and the labels often betray their quality with the words “Cotton Blend” (Blended with what, may I ask?)
Pomp and Sass is a Canadian company focused on ethical manufacturing and philanthropic endeavours. They are a bright and beautiful brand that offers seasonal and contemporary designs perfect for the ultimate gift guide idea.
Written by Mae Tayfel as an endorsement for Turkish towels and Pomp & Sass. Thanks Mae!