A towel is an essential item needed in every home. The question of how to choose a towel sooner or later arises before every person. Well, it would seem that there is nothing complicated here: “I came, I saw, I conquered,” that is, I chose. But it was not there. It used to be, during times of widespread shortages, people took what they had, but now you go into a store, and there’s everything there: short, long, with or without pile, and even the fabrics are completely different. You can get confused by such a choice. What to consider when choosing a towel to make it soft and true friend for many years, and not a source of eternal discontent and disappointment? Well, of course, first of all, you need to touch it - it should be soft to the touch so that you feel comfortable touching it. Let's figure out what else you need to pay attention to when choosing a towel.
Moisture absorption capacity
This is the main characteristic; it depends on the type of yarn and the method of weaving the threads. To check a product for hygroscopicity, you need to pour a little water on it:
- If it is absorbed quickly, it means that the material from which the towel is made is natural.
- If the material is synthetic, then the water will flow down in drops. Drying yourself with such a towel will be inconvenient, and it won’t work very well.
Important! Of course, not every seller will give you the opportunity to wet their products. Therefore, to understand the properties of a particular material, pay attention to the label. It contains designations of the fabrics used for sewing.
Towel density
Density is determined by the number of fibers used to make one square centimeter of material, measured in g/sq. m. The density indicator also depends on the type of yarn used to make the material.
How to choose the density of a towel? As a rule, this indicator is indicated on the label. The higher this indicator, the better product absorbs water. On average, the value of the indicator varies between 350-750 g/sq.m.
Important! Materials with low density absorb moisture less, but dry faster. Too high a density will cause the towel to take a very long time to dry.
Pile length
On average, the length of the pile is 3.5-8.5 mm. Short pile does not absorb moisture well, and too long pile quickly wears out and gets wiped. The most optimal value is 5 mm.
Hardness degree
If the towel is too soft, it means that the composition contains synthetic fibers that reduce the hygroscopicity of the product. These towels are suitable for people with sensitive skin, children and the elderly.
Important! Some products are decorated with embroidery or appliqué. The application should be securely fastened and not cause discomfort when wiped. The embroidery threads should be soft and well drawn into the fabric.
Material of manufacture
Natural and synthetic materials are used to sew towels. Let's look at some of them to understand which towel is best to choose.
Cotton
Cotton perfectly absorbs moisture, it is hypoallergenic, and has a soft texture. Great for babies and their parents. It has a high density of weaving, thanks to which it will serve you faithfully for a long time. This is an environmentally friendly material that is safe for everyday use, and it is also affordable.
Important! Among the disadvantages are that it dries slowly, can shrink after the first wash and is prone to pilling.
Linen
This - natural material, which is highly hypoallergenic, absorbs moisture well, but at the same time, the product is a little prickly. These towels have a massage effect.
Velours
Such products can be used for decoration rather than for wiping. They are beautiful, but absorb moisture very poorly. They can also be used to keep warm.
Waffle towels
A type of cotton towel, but without lint. They are suitable for the kitchen and are very rarely used for the bath.
Mahra
To make terry towels, materials such as cotton, linen, bamboo, sometimes with admixtures of synthetic fibers, are used. The result is a soft fleecy fabric, the surface of which is made of long soft loops.
This material is hygroscopic, hypoallergenic and durable, withstands a large number of washes, while maintaining the original appearance.
Important! The downside is that it takes a long time to dry and is not resistant to mechanical stress.
Bamboo
This is a new modern material that is produced using a unique technology and has high antibacterial properties. Bamboo fabric has average density, so such products weigh a lot, but they absorb well.
In addition, the fabric does not absorb odors, is durable and is not susceptible to mold and mildew.
Important! The disadvantages include high cost and difficulty in maintenance.
Modal
The raw material for this unique material is wood pulp obtained from beech, pine or eucalyptus. Products made from this material are practical, light, durable and wear-resistant. Plus, they are especially soft due to the special weaving of the threads. But this material can cause allergies.
Tencel
Natural material made from eucalyptus cellulose fibers. Products made from this material are suitable for people with different skin types and are recommended for small children and allergy sufferers.
The material is hygroscopic, has high weaving strength, does not cause allergies, does not electrify, does not lose appearance over a long period.
Polyamide
To make this material, synthetic fibers obtained from the processing of petroleum products are used. But despite the fact that the material is completely synthetic, it is in demand for the manufacture of towels and other items in the textile industry.
It is durable, dries quickly, does not fade, and is resistant to deformation and damage. But at the same time it does not absorb water well and is highly electrified.
Polyester
This popular material is also synthetic and made from oil refinery waste. It has a number of positive characteristics: lightweight, practical, wrinkle-resistant and cheap.
Important! One of the disadvantages is low hygroscopicity.
Microfiber
Microfiber towels are practical and wear-resistant, they dry quickly, do not require ironing and do not cause allergic reactions. But at the same time they quickly lose their attractive appearance.
Types of towels
Depending on their purpose, towels are divided into the following categories.
Bath towels
These are the largest towels and are great to wrap yourself in after a shower or bath. How to choose a bath towel? The most important thing is that it should perfectly absorb moisture, be soft and gentle to the touch. Most often, such products are terry.
Kitchen towels
They are used to wipe hands, dishes, and all kinds of spilled liquids, so for the kitchen they choose lint-free towels - waffle or linen.
For washing
They come into contact with delicate and sensitive facial skin, so they must be chosen very carefully. Bamboo products are best suited for this purpose.
For arms and legs
They are small in size, the main requirements here are good absorbency and a pleasant appearance.
Baby towels
For the youngest family members you need to choose special towels. Usually there are special soft products on sale that have double-sided thread weaving, a bright pattern and are often equipped with a hood.
Beach
Such products should successfully cope with two functions: they should be pleasant to sunbathe on the beach and dry off after swimming. Good absorbency, lightness and large size are especially appreciated here.
Wedding
These towels are made of linen and decorated with hand embroidery in the form of doves, swans or larks.
Massage
They are firmer and designed specifically to soothe and relax the body. This is achieved through a strictly calculated combination of cotton and linen.
To choose a good quality towel, also pay attention to the following points:
- The processing of the edges of the product is of great importance. The lines must be straight and all threads must be cut. Basically, the edges are processed with an overlock or seam. The second option is more preferable.
- Uniformity and color fastness. Poor quality paint can be detected in the store. You just need to wipe the product with a damp white cloth. If the fabric is dyed, such a product will not survive even several washes and will stain everything in its path.
- If you choose a bath towel, apply it to yourself; it should be soft to the touch.
Important! Ideally, every housewife should have several types of towels in her home for different occasions. This is especially true for products intended for the kitchen:
- Expensive, high-quality linen towels will serve as an excellent decoration for the holiday table.
Now you are ready to go to the store to purchase textile products for your home. Think in advance about how many and what items you will need and consider them all by category. This way you will significantly save your time and nerves.
Updated: 02/16/2018 10:10:59
When purchasing a towel, you should pay attention to its composition, density and length of the pile, as well as the size and appearance of the product.
Which towel to choose. Materials
Towels are made from different materials, most often cotton, bamboo and linen. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages that need to be taken into account when purchasing.
Towels can be terry (with a large number of moisture-absorbing loops on the surface), waffle and velor (with cut loops):
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.
Waffle towels are a great option for the kitchen. They wipe dishes well, dry quickly and do not lose their basic properties even after intensive washing and boiling conditions. In addition, they do not leave marks on cleaned surfaces.
Velor towels are soft and pleasant to the touch. They, like terry ones, are used to care for hands and face. But such products have worse moisture-absorbing abilities. Velor towels dry faster than terry towels.
Cotton products are highly hygienic, soft and hypoallergenic. They are recommended to be used for caring for children, especially newborns. It is important that the towel is made of pure cotton.
The quality of the product and its appearance largely depend on what type of cotton is used. For example, terry cloth made from Egyptian cotton is of the highest quality and elite.
Egyptian cotton fibers are twice as long as standard cotton. Thanks to this, the weave density of the towel is higher, and it has more moisture-absorbing “loops”. The ultra-soft and super-fluffy bath towels found in luxury hotels and spas are typically made from Egyptian cotton. They are particularly strong and durable. However, such products also have disadvantages - they are heavier than standard towels and take longer to dry.
Along with Egyptian cotton is long-staple Pima cotton, which grows in America. It is as strong and durable as 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. It is, of course, not as fluffy as Egyptian or Pima cotton, but it absorbs moisture well and dries quickly. Turkish cotton towels are lightweight and durable, and they become softer and fluffier with every wash.
But the marking that a towel is made of 100% high-quality cotton is not always true. Some manufacturers report that their product is made from Egyptian cotton, but in fact the towels are made from a mixture of cotton and synthetic fibers. This limits the moisture absorption capacity of the products and makes them less pleasant to the touch. Therefore, you should choose towels from trusted manufacturers and not pay attention to products made from “high-quality elite cotton” at a low price.
Advantages
Suitable for newborns, pregnant women and allergy sufferers;
Ideal for drying hands, face and body.
They have good absorbent properties;
They have high strength and wear resistance;
Flaws
Takes a long time to dry;
They may shrink after washing.
Linen is most often used in the production of kitchen and bath towels. It can also be combined with cotton fibers to create face and body towels.
Advantages
They don't shed;
Have a good massage effect;
Withstands a large number of washes;
Durability (longer service life than cotton);
Not electrified;
They have antiseptic properties (destroy pathogenic bacteria);
Can be used for children;
Flaws
They crumple heavily;
They are expensive.
Bamboo towels have gained wide popularity among residents of the Russian Federation and CIS countries. They are soft and pleasant to the touch, absorb moisture perfectly and retain their unique properties even after many washes.
Many towels, as well as bedding, blankets and pillows marketed as “bamboo” have little to do with this unique plant. In fact, false bamboo material comes to us from Asia and China.
Enterprising Asians have mastered the basics of producing viscose fiber from bamboo wood, during which cellulose is extracted from the plant and processed using various chemicals. The result is a hydrated cellulose artificial material - viscose. This “bamboo” does not have those unique properties that are reported by almost all thematic online publications. Viscose from bamboo wood has only the properties of viscose. Viscose fiber towels may be labeled "bamboo viscose".
Real environmentally friendly and healthy bamboo fiber (“viscose linen”) is produced mechanically, like hemp and flax fibers. However, its production costs a pretty penny, so products made from real bamboo fiber are expensive and rarely found on sale.
Advantages
Do not cause allergies;
Do not cause allergic reactions;
Dries quickly;
Stops the growth of pathogenic microorganisms;
They have antibacterial and deodorizing properties;
They absorb moisture well (better than cotton);
They retain their original “marketable” appearance for a long time;
Flaws
High price;
Most “100% bamboo” products are not bamboo at all.
What size should a towel be?
Towels can be bath, massage, for hands, face and feet, etc. Each of them has its own dimensions:
Dimensions of towels for shower or bath vary from 0.7 x 1.4 m to 1 x 1.5 m;
The dimensions of goods intended for a bath or sauna can be 1 x 1.8 and 0.8 x 2 m;
Hand towels can be 0.4 x 0.6, 0.5 x 0.7 and 0.5 x 0.9 m;
The length of face cloths is often 0.5 and 0.9 m, and the width is 0.3 and 0.5 m, respectively;
Hand products can be 0.4 x 0.6 m, 0.5 x 0.7 m;
Beach sheets are usually 1.4–1.5 cm long and 0.7–1 m wide
Kitchen towel models are often 0.3 x 0.3 and 0.3 x 0.5 m.
What should the pile be like?
Terry towels have a special pile - “close-knit” loops on the surface. The softness and fluffiness of the product depends on their length. The villi can be 3–8 mm long, with a value of 5 mm being 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 loops that are too large (more than 5 cm) can stretch, lose their shape and roll up after washing. Pile less than 3 mm long lasts longer, but absorbs moisture less well.
Towel density
The density of towels is measured in grams per square meter. This value varies from 300 to 900 g/m2 (labels of foreign manufacturers may indicate GSM - grams per squere meter). Canvases 300–400 g/m2 are thin and light - they are ideal for training in gym or kitchens. Products 400–600 g/m2 are most often used after taking a shower or bath. Many beach towels have this thread density.
Fabrics with a density of 600–800 g/m2 have the highest strength and best absorbent properties. However, they have the greatest weight and take a long time to dry. Towels in this density are often made from high-quality Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton.
How to check the quality of a towel
Inspect the product from both sides. It should be evenly painted, without streaks or foreign chemical odors;
Pay attention to the pile of the terry product. Run your hand over it - if threads or lint remain on the skin, it is better not to buy the product;
Wipe the damp glass surface with a towel. Are there any stains on it? If yes, then this may indicate the use of synthetic fibers in production;
Make sure that all edges of the product are finished with closed seams and that the terry “loops” do not pull out with minimal stress. Remember that the durability of the product depends on their fastening strength.
How to wash a towel correctly
Manufacturers often treat new items with special fabric softeners to make them fluffier and softer. However, such towels absorb water less well. For this reason, new towels should be washed before first use.
Remember that using bleaching agents makes towels less durable and reduces their lifespan. Therefore, use them only in extreme cases.
Please read the care label before use. It should indicate at what temperature the product should be washed and in 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 machine speed.
Remember, your towel will last longer if you care for it properly.
A new towel seems to be soft and fluffy, but who knows what it will be like after a couple of wipes. The choice of towel to the touch is always unpredictable. It absorbs poorly and takes a long time to dry - these familiar problems can be solved if you know the inside of each material. To prevent cotton from causing you unnecessary trouble, inquire about the country where it was grown, because the country of origin is never indicated on the label.
It is worth paying attention to the density of the terry; the tendency for the towel to wear out depends on this. The best material Egyptian cotton is recognized - it is durable and of high quality. In general fabric, the length of the pile matters (the standard length is five millimeters). There are also bamboo towels. They are softer and more pleasant to the touch, while creating natural antibacterial protection. But they take longer to dry. A cheap towel will show you its true colors after the first wash. A good towel, even the most modest size, cannot cost a hundred rubles. There are many manufacturers and different companies on the market, but which ones to choose? If you don't want to make mistakes in your search and waste money on a low-quality product, we suggest you take a look at our rating.
Best towels Top 5:
- Fifth place - Dante ARYA towel
- Fourth place - Winter Paspas OZDILEK
- Third place - Waffle towel “Cottura”
- Second place - Visell bamboo towel
- First place - Bamboo towel “Bamboo elit”
Terry towels
In the summer, we use the more familiar terry towels more than usual. Shower or beach - a towel is always with us. But a low-quality towel and the paints used in its production can lead to dermatitis or other unpleasant consequences. To choose a good product, you need to carefully approach its choice. You need to know certain nuances, for example, whether the yarn of the towel itself is dyed or whether the paint is simply applied on top; in the end it may end up on your body. You can try pulling a thread from the towel to check the fabric base of the towel, or you can hold it up to the light and check for light. Don’t be lazy to read the composition of the materials from which the towel was made, because this is also important. In general, a terry towel is the most popular bath accessory and is represented on the market by more than a dozen manufacturers’ brands. Not all of them guarantee the declared quality, and even more so, not all of them are worth the amount that is written on the price tag. In order not to get lost in the variety of choices and wide assortment, we recommend that you pay attention to the rating compiled by us.
The best terry towels Top 5:
- Fifth place - Arya terry towel
- Fourth place - Ozdilek terry towel
- Third place - Pavia Zebra terry towel
- Second place - Terry towel Bella Donna
- First place - Terry towel Marca Marco Ajda
Photo of Marca Marco Ajda terry towel:
Towel for children
All parents are very concerned about the comfort of their children. And this is correct, because we are surrounded by many synthetic things that can have a bad effect on the body and skin of an immature organism. Choosing a custom item like a towel is very important. There are a lot of pitfalls in this process. Which one to choose: terry or bamboo? But the important thing is that there are differences between a regular towel and a baby towel.
Let's consider a few of the following factors:
A baby towel should not be made of synthetic materials; they irritate baby's skin. Pay attention only to towels made of 100% cotton.
- A high-quality baby towel should be pleasant to the touch, soft and fluffy. The length of the fibers in such a towel is at least 4-6 millimeters.
- Cheap paints and colors of towels can cause an allergic reaction. The pattern should not be blurry, the yarn should be colored completely, and not just its surface.
- A towel for a child should not smell strange, much less emit chemical odors. Such products should be avoided immediately.
Here is our TOP 5:
- Dell'aria
- Miranda
- Blanca
- Velur
- Dolly
Photos of Dell’aria towels:
Companies producing towels
Everyone loves terry towels. They are pleasant to the touch and absorb moisture perfectly. But not everyone knows that they need to be replaced with new ones at least every three years. But choosing high-quality towels is difficult, because not everyone pays attention to the manufacturer’s brand. Now there are many names and models of terry towels and other types on the market. The first thing you need to pay attention to is density. The higher it is, the better the towel absorbs water. A bath towel should be of maximum density; a summer beach towel should be less dense.
The towel should not leave behind fibers or traces of paint. Also pay attention to the smell of the towel; if you smell a pungent chemical smell, it is better not to take it. Many experts advise you to trust well-known brands of manufacturers; of course, their price is higher, but most likely this guarantees you high quality products and a justifiable expenditure of financial resources. We have created a rating of manufacturing companies that we can recommend.
TOP 5 towel manufacturing companies:
- Pupilla
- PHILIPPUS
- Terry Lux
Photos of Pupilla towels:
Video: How to choose a towel
Every person comes across textile products such as terry towels every day. However, think about whether you can answer the question of how to distinguish a high-quality terry towel from a low-quality one? What indicators should buyers of terry products rely on when making a choice in favor of one brand or another?
In this article we will try to briefly provide general information about the structure, main characteristics and types of terry towels. Let's start with the characteristics. The two main properties of terry fabric that are important for the end user are, of course, density And heightpile terry towels.
Density measured in grams per square meter and for terry products ranges from 300 to 800 g/sq. m. The ability of terry fabric to absorb moisture directly depends on the density and number of fibers per unit area. Towels with a low density will only spread liquid over the surface without absorbing it, while towels that are too dense will be extremely heavy and inconvenient to use.
The second indicator pile height , is determined by the length of the loops forming the fabric. The optimal pile for towels is a pile whose height is approximately equal to 5 mm. Towels with terry loops that are too long will lose their shape under their own weight after the first wash, and lint that is too short will hardly absorb moisture.
Another important indicator that determines the quality of terry towels is the type of yarn from which they were woven. If the previous characteristics, with a certain skill, can be determined by eye and touch, then the type of yarn used in the manufacture of a towel is no longer so obvious to inexperienced buyers.
For the manufacture of terry products, three main types of yarn are used, differing in the length and quality of the cotton fibers used in production:
"Open end" (OE, or hardware yarn) - produced from short-staple cotton. Fabric woven from such a thread turns out to be quite hard to the touch, but cheap for production and, ultimately, for the buyer.
Carded yarn (“ring“) - made of medium-fiber cotton. The fabric becomes softer and smoother to the touch.
Combed yarn (“penye”) - produced from the best varieties of long-staple cotton. The fabric turns out very soft and silky. Fabric woven from such yarn is most valuable, but also costs accordingly.
For the production of economy class terry towels it is most often used hardware yarn . However, unlike knitted or denim products, the two-component structure of terry towels allows the use of different types of yarn in the production of warp threads and pile. For example, you can often find terry towels whose base, which usually does not come into contact with the skin during use, is woven from coarser hardware yarn, and the pile is from higher quality and softer carded yarn. This structure allows you to make towels cheaper without losing much quality.
Types of terry towels
Plain dyed towels(see Fig. 1)
Single color, no pattern. They are woven from undyed threads and then dyed entirely. Produced on rapier looms.
Plain jacquard towels
(see fig.2)
Monochrome, with a pattern. The pattern is created by alternating areas with and without pile, created by adjusting the weaving equipment. They are woven from undyed threads, after which, again, they are dyed entirely. Produced on rapier weaving looms with jacquard installation.
Jacquard towels
multi-colored
(see fig.3)
Multicolor, with a pattern. The pattern is created through the use of already dyed threads during weaving and more complex adjustment of weaving equipment (creation of the necessary electronic programs).
Multicolored jacquard towel with embossed pattern
(see fig.4)
Multicolor, with a pattern. The pattern is created by alternating areas with and without lint, as well as by using already dyed yarn of different colors.
Fig. 3 - Multi-colored jacquard towel
Classification of towels. How to choose the right towel.
Which towel to choose? What is the best fabric for towels?
Very often, a new towel becomes hard and rough after a couple of washes. Why is this happening? It all depends on the material from which the towel is made, as well as the quality of the weaving of the terry product. In this article we will try to briefly and clearly talk about what you should pay attention to when buying towels, so that these products do not disappoint you and serve you as long as possible.
First of all, it’s worth understanding what are the main characteristics of terry fabric? The two main criteria by which its quality is assessed are the density and height of the pile.
Density– is the number of villi per unit area. The absorbency of the towel depends on the density of the fabric. Density is measured in grams per square meter. In most cases, it ranges from 300 to 800 g/sq.m. When choosing a towel, it is worth considering that extremes in both directions are undesirable. Low-density fabric does not absorb moisture well, but overly thick towels are too heavy and uncomfortable. In addition to density, absorbency is also affected by the type of yarn used. The yarn can be single, double, twisted and combed. Combed yarn absorbs water best.
Pile height– this is the length of the loops that make up the pile. The reference length is five millimeters, which is best suited for towels. Loops that are too long after several washes spoil the appearance of the towel, and short loops do not do their main task well enough - absorbing water.
Softness. The softness of a towel does not always indicate good quality terry. Many manufacturers add viscose (synthetic) to cotton, which gives a feeling of softness, but has a bad effect on the quality of water absorption.
What is the best fabric for towels?
Yarn types
Hardware yarn (“Open end”)– a type of short-staple cotton yarn. The hardware fabric is rigid, but at the same time resistant to loss of shape.
Carded yarn (“ring”)- a more expensive type of yarn, which is made from medium-length cotton fibers. Fabrics made from it are softer than those made from hardware yarn.
Combed yarn (“singing”)– the highest quality type cotton yarn, made from long-staple cotton. The most expensive types of terry fabric are made from this yarn; they are silky, soft, and pleasant to the touch.
Very often, the base and pile of a towel are made from different types of yarn. Thus, it is possible to obtain terry products of higher quality. In this case, the base of the fabric will consist of hardware yarn, and the pile, which most often comes into contact with the skin, will be made of softer carded yarn. This structure makes the towels pleasant to the touch at a fairly reasonable price.
According to the method of applying the pattern, towels are:
Plain painted– towels of the same color, without patterns or ornaments. They are made from single-color undyed threads, and then colored, already in the form of finished products.
Plain jacquard– single-color towels with a pattern that is formed due to different lengths of fibers. Such products are produced on special weaving looms with adjustable pile length, and they are dyed in the same way, in finished form.
Multi-colored jacquard– towels with a relief pattern created by different lengths of pile, painted in several colors. They are made using more sophisticated equipment, which makes it possible to weave a product from threads dyed in different colors.
Multicolored jacquard with embossed pattern– a drawing is created by combining two methods. Firstly, sections with different lengths pile, and secondly, for the manufacture of these products they take threads dyed in different colors.
Types of towels
Kitchen towels. They are used to wipe dishes, dry hands, blot spilled liquid, etc. Most often, kitchen towels have a low pile density.
Bath towels warm, gentle, warming after a bath or shower, bath or sauna. They absorb moisture well and have large dimensions.
Wedding towels- These are, as a rule, linen embroidered towels. They are embroidered with red threads in special patterns: pairs of doves or larks, symbolizing the bride and groom, as well as floral patterns.
Massage towels are made of cotton and linen in a special proportion, which contribute to complete relaxation of the body. A beach towel is naturally used on the beach. You can use it to dry yourself after swimming or lie down in the warm rays of the sun.
Towels for hands and feet. These towels are small in size and hang in the bathroom or near the sink.
Waffle towels(military towels). Thanks to the special weave of threads, cells are formed on the surface of the fabric, like on waffles. They are made of cotton and also absorb water remarkably well. They are used for hands, dishes, glass, and in the army this is the only type of towel.
Terry towels They are made of cotton, which makes them excellent at absorbing water and drying quickly. It is woven in a special way, due to which thin loops are formed, giving the towel softness. The higher the density of the material, the softer the towel.
Velor towels are made from a special type of terry cloth (cut terry). At the end of the manufacturing process, the terry cloth is passed through a cutting machine, which cuts the ends of the terry loops along the right side of the fabric. The main advantages of velor are their soft, velvety surface; they look great, have shine and stand out with particularly bright colors. Velor towels absorb moisture worse than terry towels, but they also dry much faster. This set of properties makes them ideal for beach holiday and sports activities.
Jacquard towels are woven on special jacquard looms. These are double-sided towels made of double thread with small loops. The quality of the towel depends on the type of cotton and the density of the weave of the threads.
Bamboo towels are made from bamboo. Perfect for the beach, because... has a cooling effect.
Baby towel It is particularly soft and has a double-sided terry weave. As a rule, it has a bright, interesting pattern, the same on both sides.
Newborn towel It is better to buy a child from pure cotton, and Egyptian, because... It is of better quality than others and absorbs moisture remarkably well.
Towel sizes
Towels, like any other textile product, have a range of sizes. True, in some countries of the world it has its own characteristics.
50x70 – universal size kitchen towel;
50x85 and 50x90 - considered facial or toilet;
50x100 – convenient as a facial or small shower;
70x140 – shower or medium bath, baptismal;
100x150 - this is a large bathhouse, and a beach one, and for massage, for a bathhouse, a sauna, like small terry sheets;
80x200 - this towel is convenient for baths, saunas and massages;
150x200, 150x250, 160x200, 175x200, 175x250, etc. – sizes of terry sheets.
What to look for when buying a towel?
The towel should not leave lint;
Should have a uniform color;
Should not have any foreign chemical odors;
In order to determine whether a towel contains synthetics, you need to pour a little water onto a smooth surface. Wipe with a towel - if there are strong stains, it means there is synthetics.
Popular and positively proven manufacturers of towels are the companies Blonder Home, NoName, Soft Cotton, Soft Line, TAC, TROIKA, etc. The price of different towels can vary greatly and depends primarily on the type of towel, its size, density, the type of fabric from which the towel is made and many other parameters.
Moisture-absorbing towels are an essential attribute in any bathroom. But in addition to the functional load, it also carries a decorative one: with the help of towels you can emphasize the style of the room, make it more attractive, and create a bright accent.
Every person enjoys relaxing in the bathroom, enjoying rare moments of relaxation, stress relief, and calm down. For a full effect, it is necessary that the surrounding objects are beautiful and easy to use. And first of all, this applies to bath towels.
Choosing the color of a terry towel
Depending on the color, towels can create different moods:
● Green and blue terry towels enliven a bright, modern bathroom with clear bottles on the shelves.
● The satin sheen of blue towels will ideally complement a romantically decorated room, with ceramic screws for plumbing fixtures and furniture, with a luxurious clawfoot bathtub, with decorative dishes and vases of dried flowers.
● Silk fabrics with bamboo fibers provide ideal moisture absorption, and bamboo additionally provides antibacterial protection.
● Natural cotton and linen towels provide a massage and lifting effect.
● Many people consider it especially important that the material is free of artificial additives and chemicals. Products made from organic cotton are ideal for such people.
● Hydrocotton provides maximum softness and best moisture absorption.
Important criteria for choosing towels
● When choosing terry products for the bathroom - a robe or towel - you need to consider the following:
● The towel fabric must be 100% natural. The type of cotton used matters: manufacturers may use low-quality raw materials in order to reduce the cost of goods, after which they soften the towels with harmful chemicals. After washing, such a product will not be able to absorb moisture efficiently and remain soft.
● One of the important parameters is the height of the pile. It affects the density, absorbency and aesthetics of terry. Pile up to 3.5 mm high does not absorb water well. The product quickly gets wet, becomes rough, breaks, is not very pleasant in everyday life and is short-lived. If the pile is at least 8 mm high, this is also unnecessary. The optimal option is a pile height of about 5 mm.
● The quality of a towel is, among other things, determined by the cotton grams - the mass of a square meter in grams.
● The elasticity and absorbency of a towel depend on its density. With low density, the fabric wears out quickly; such products are used mainly in the kitchen, where they are often changed. As density increases, moisture absorption capacity increases. For face and bath towels, the optimal density is 450-600 g/m2, for terry robes - 400-450 g/m2. Rugs must have a density of 700 g/m2. The density of towels can be higher than specified, but in our climate zone such products are impractical; when drying, they can become musty.
● You should also pay attention to the accuracy of the work: the canvas, border, seams. All this should be clear and neat, so that after washing the towel will not shrink after the first wash.
● If there is an odor from the towel, there is nothing wrong with that. Such products are treated with antibacterial compounds.
● Try the selected towel by touch to evaluate its quality and softness.
● The density of the loops should be uniform, regardless of whether one or two loops are used in the material.
The world around us has changed significantly over the past decades - it has become much more colorful and brighter. Transformations also affected home textiles. Modern manufacturers supply such a variety of shapes, styles and colors of towels that you can walk around for hours and not see two perfectly similar models.
Passing by shop windows, we stop with admiring glances, looking at the colorful colors of the various assortment. Previously, in not so distant times, the quality of towels, of course, was decent, but the slightly faded colors and the same design did not cause much joy. Purchases were made as needed, and not under the influence of a spiritual impulse.
The right towel
There are main points that you need to pay attention to when buying a towel:
- compound.
- the structure of the fabric from which the towel is made.
- fabric density.
- pile height.
- softness and ability to absorb moisture.
In the store you can only rely on your own tactile sensations. Touch the towel with your hands, wrinkle it a little and even smell it, not paying attention to sidelong glances.
The production of terry products in modern times is so large and varied that by choosing only according to one label, you can buy a towel that will not give satisfaction and will be thrown away as unfit for use. The labeling only indicates the composition, size and manufacturer, but does not indicate the density. For example, you are holding a towel that says 100% cotton, “made in Russia.” But most often, neither the seller, nor even the buyer, even imagine which country’s cotton was used as a raw material in the production of the towel. Cotton suppliers can be Uzbekistan or Turkey, Brazil, India, Pakistan or Egypt. Egypt supplies the highest quality raw materials and it is better to give preference to such cotton.
An interesting marking caught my eye:
- 100% cotton (M). This means the towel is made with the addition of artificial fibers.
- Symbolism (PC) – the towel definitely contains polyestercotton admixtures.
So, we looked visually, read the labels, now you can wrinkle it a little and rub the edge of the towel. Firstly, the paint should lie evenly - no streaks or color changes. There should be no greasy or waxy coating on your hands. The smell of the towel is also important. Absolutely, you will feel foreign impurities and the smell of chemicals.
Your goal is to buy a towel made from natural fabrics without additives, so all the signs listed above are not the best option.
- double or single.
- twisted or combed.
Bamboo
Towels with added bamboo fiber are considered a worthy purchase.
Advantages:
- Unique natural antibacterial properties.
- Amazing resistance to rotting and decomposition processes.
- The porous structure of bamboo fabric has excellent absorbent properties and breathability.
- The towels do not wrinkle or stick to the body, but take a long time to dry.
Terry towels are one of the most popular products among all types of home textiles. They are used as towels for the kitchen, for swimming, for baths, saunas, and simply for drying hands.
But in order to buy a quality product, you should know certain rules and follow them.
1. Manufacturer. You can get confused by the abundance of manufacturing companies. But it is advisable to give preference to well-known companies and global brands. Producing countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Türkiye are very popular. High-quality cotton is produced there for subsequent production of terry.
But the prices, naturally, are high, even inflated. Therefore, in order to save on price and not skimp on quality, it is best to buy domestically produced products. For example, a good option would be the Valetex company, terry towels from which can be selected at the link: http://www.valetex.ru/mahrovyue_polotenca.
2. Absorbency. To determine the correct degree of absorbency, you need to carefully study the composition that is indicated on the product label. The type of yarn also determines absorbency. There are 4 types in total - single, double, twisted and combed yarn. It is believed that combed yarn has the best moisture absorption. Also, the absorbency of a terry towel depends on the “correct” length of the pile.
3. Pile. Terry towels do not like extremes - you should not choose too long (over 8 mm) or too short pile (3.5 mm and below). This approach is explained quite simply. Long pile, although it absorbs moisture very well and creates a pleasant impression of thickness, as a rule, quickly loses its presentation after washing. But short pile provides poor moisture absorption. This towel quickly becomes wet. The optimal length is considered to be about 5 mm.
4. Density. On average, a terry towel can last up to three years. However, this is far from his limit. To extend service life, you need to choose the right density. Products with low density (300 g/sq.m or less) quickly become unusable. Therefore, you need to buy those with a higher indicator. Plus the sad thing is that the density is not indicated on the label. But there is a way out - the product should be weighed. If, for example, a towel measuring 70x140 cm weighs about 500 g, then this is a good choice, because its density is 500 g/sq.m.
5. Softness. This indicator does not always indicate good quality terry. Since many manufacturers add viscose (synthetic) to cotton, which gives a feeling of softness, but worsens the level of moisture absorption. Therefore, to purchase a high-quality terry towel, you should, firstly, choose 100% cotton, and secondly, buy from a review-checked and trusted manufacturing company. You can also check for the presence of synthetics at home by pouring about 5 ml of water onto a glass horizontal surface and running a towel over it. If stains remain on the surface, then a certain amount of synthetics is present.
Any bathroom cannot be complete without a towel; this accessory is very important, because it not only fulfills its immediate task of absorbing moisture, but also acts as a decorative element of the room.
For most, visiting the bathroom becomes a pleasant moment of relaxation, relieving stress and gaining inner peace. In this state, you need to surround yourself with beautiful objects, have...
By color
Green and blue towels will enliven every modern bathroom, designed in pure and light colors. They match the many clear bottles on the shelves.
Blue towels with a satin sheen Pairs perfectly with a romantic bathroom, with lion claws and ceramic screw fixtures filled with decorative dishes with dried flowers.
Set of beige towels and brown shades go well with marble floors and sanitary ware made to look like stone. and glycerin with a coconut scent, bathing pearls are the best thing you can come up with at the end of a busy day.
Black and white towels more suitable for people who Japanese style bathroom. Clean ecology.
White, warm gray and beige– this is the best, in which neutral colors of nature dominate. White, beige and brown towels.
In addition, the development of technology has now made it possible to develop different types towels, which provide a lifting or massage effect, an antibacterial effect and have a wide variety of beneficial properties.
As an accessory towel It should go well with the overall decor in the bathroom, and, of course, it should be soft and pleasant to the touch, and absorb moisture well. Now they produce a wide variety of products that can satisfy even the most demanding customer.
Based on materials
So, silky towels with bamboo fibers absorb moisture very well, and it is very important that bamboo fibers are environmentally friendly and have an antibacterial effect, which allows you to create a towel that has the same properties.
Lifting and massage effect will be given towels made from natural cotton and linen.
For those who are very interested in the absence of chemicals and artificial additives in the cotton used to make towels, organic cotton towels. A towels made from hydrocotton, are particularly soft and absorb moisture better, and they also look more voluminous.
Manufacturers of towels have not ignored the problem of lack of vitamins - they are available for sale towels containing microcapsules and vitamin E, which makes it possible to simultaneously feel nice smell and enrich the skin with beneficial vitamins.
When choosing a towel or bathrobes, you should pay attention to the following points:
the towel must be 100% made from natural raw materials, great importance has what kind of cotton the product was made from, because many manufacturers use low-quality cotton to reduce costs, and the towel itself is then artificially softened with various chemicals.
As a result, this will affect the quality of the towel - only a product made of high-quality cotton can remain soft and perfectly absorb moisture even after numerous washes;
The height of the pile is also one of the factors used to regulate the density, absorbency and appearance of terry. Short pile (3.5 mm and below) has low absorbency rates. During use, the product quickly becomes wet, becomes rough and torn, and this makes it less pleasant to use. Long pile (8 mm and above) is also an extreme. A good golden mean - average length pile 5 mm.
Also take into account the grams of cotton used in the towel, which is the number of grams per square meter.
Density is an excellent indicator of the quality of absorbency and elasticity of a towel. Low-density towels wear out quickly, they are usually used in the kitchen (where they are changed much more often), or as guest napkins.
The greater the density, the more moisture it absorbs. Optimal density for bath and facial towels and toilet napkins 450 – 600 g/m2, for bathrobes 400 – 450 g/m2, for rugs from 700 g/m2 and above.
Of course, there are more bath accessories high density, but for our climate zone this is quite enough so that they do not become musty during the drying process.
Sewing, bordering, processing of the fabric of the towel - must be done clearly and accurately, this will allow us to talk about whether the towel will decrease in size after washing;
if a slight odor emanates from the towel, this is quite normal, because the towels are treated with a special antibacterial compound;
when buying a towel, be sure to try it by touch - because this is the only way to judge its quality;
To make towels, either one or two loops can be used, the main thing is that the density of the loops in the terry product is uniform over the entire surface.
Relatively terry towels There are certain requirements for washing; such products must be washed strictly in accordance with the instructions indicated on the label. In addition, the material may be painted with unstable paint, which means there is a risk of ruining other things, so it is better to wash the towel separately for the first time.
To preserve the color of your towels for a long time, refrain from using washing powders with bleaches, such powders are only good for white towels, in addition, even contact of colored towels with facial cleansers can eventually lead to discoloration of the fabric.
Standard towel sizes
Towels have a generally accepted size range. True, in some countries of the world it has its own characteristics. Let's look at what comes to our market. Towels size
– 50x70 – universal size of a kitchen towel;
– 50x85 and 50x90 – are considered facial or toilet;
– 50x100 – used as a facial or small shower;
– 70x140 – shower or medium bath, baptismal;
– 90x160 and 100x150 – this is a large bathhouse, a beach one, and, for example, small terry sheets;
– 80x200 – convenient for baths, saunas and massages
– 150x200, 150x250, 160x200, 175x200, 175x250, etc. – sizes of terry sheets.
It's difficult to choose. This is a real science, which, however, anyone can master. It's no secret that it very often happens that fluffy and soft-looking towels lose their appearance after the second or third wash. Some towels become hard, and some are even more disappointing: upon closer inspection, it turns out that they do not at all meet the qualities stated on the label - first of all, they do not absorb moisture, although they look like cotton. What can you do to avoid getting into trouble when buying another terry towel?
The very first question when you come to the store should be about the country of origin of the towel you like. Traditionally, Pakistan and Egypt are considered the leading producers of 100% cotton terry.
Be careful when reading labels! Some of them indicate the composition (usually 100% cotton), but there is no information about the country of origin. Very often such the towels are fake, and information about the composition on such products is also not always true.
The main characteristics of a terry towel are such qualities as density, pile, softness, and, of course, the ability to absorb moisture. However, not many people manage to check all this directly in the store. Why? Yes, for the simple reason that not every buyer has scales, water and a ruler with him - the items necessary to conduct a full test.
Most The best way choose the best towel - buy several copies of small terry napkins and conduct the experiment at home. This method will cost you a little more than all the others, but after it you can be sure of what exactly you are buying.
Everyone knows what has served us for years, but not everyone knows how to determine this parameter by eye. In fact, the wear of terry products depends on its density. Terry products with a density of less than 300 g/sq.m become unusable very quickly.
Sellers do not always have information about the density of the products they sell. The density is also not indicated on the label. However, you can always check it yourself. In order to find out density of terry towel, you need to weigh it.
When assessing the pile of terry towels, be especially careful. A good pile should not be too short, just as it should not be too long. The optimal length of pile for terry towels is 5 mm. Pile less than 3 mm long does not absorb moisture well and also makes the product hard. Long pile creates the illusion of “softness,” but this impression is deceptive. After the first wash, too long a pile (more than 8 mm) will become frayed, and the towel will begin to look untidy. In addition, in the Russian climate, long pile towels They dry poorly, so they are very inconvenient to use.
Many buyers try for its softness. This is not always correct. To make the product softer, many unscrupulous manufacturers add synthetics to their products. In this case, the label will always indicate that towel consists of 100% cotton. Experienced buyers may notice the presence of synthetics in the product, but if you are not confident in your abilities, try the following experiment. Pour some water onto a flat surface and blot it with the towel you are testing. If there are wet stains on the surface, then the towel is made of artificial materials. What other features are there in how to determine the quality of a terry towel can be read on the website