Before we get into pricing, what should you actually be looking for in a towel?
Look for drying power on wet skin, softness and whether it leaves gobs of lint in the dryer filter after repeated washings.
Also remember that colour matters; white or lighter colours dry the skin better, are softer, and are likely to be more absorbent. Darker coloured towels most likely will feel stiffer and harsher after a few washes.
The best way to find this out, of course, is to buy a small sized towel, even if it’s just a face towel, and check if it ticks all the boxes. This is probably prudent before you make a bulk investment.
Then there is the matter of size; pay attention to the measurement on the label if you want to wrap and tuck yourself.
Perhaps the most important aspect to check is the GSM value of the towel bought.
What is GSM? You ask…
GSM in fabric, also known as grams per square metre is simply the metric measurement of the weight of a fabric. The higher the GSM number, the denser the fabric will be.
– Source: http://www.gentelle.com/blog/what-is-gsm-in-fabrics/
You want to invest in a towel that’s got a fairly higher GSM value, because of the usage you want out of it.
Towels can range between 300 GSM and 900 GSM. The lower the number, the lighter and thinner the towel.
300-400 GSM – These towels are lighter and thinner. But, depending on its use, you might want a lower GSM for the gym towel or a kitchen towel. A lightweight, quicker-drying beach towel might be around 350 GSM.
400-600 GSM – These medium weight towels are great as bath towels, and as guest towels.
600-900 GSM – This is a premium, luxury weight. The towel will be denser, heavier, and more absorbent. It will probably take a little longer to dry. Remember those hotel towels that feel blissful to wrap up in? Well, they are probably of this weight.
The type of cotton, whether the manufacturer uses a polyester blend, whether the cotton is a single or double loop too play a role in the absorbency of the towel.
However, anything above a 600GSM towel hinges on personal preference and lifestyle.
So remember, higher the GSM, higher the price of the towel. But if you swing that way, go ahead and indulge!
