Towel Buying Guide: How To Choose Bath Towels

Towels are an everyday essential that’s easily overlooked. However, choosing the right one can elevate your bathing experience and even add a touch of elegance to your bathroom.

While selecting high-quality ones ultimately depends on personal preferences, there are common buying considerations that are helpful when making a purchase. In this towel buying guide, we’ll explore how to choose bath towels that prioritise comfort, drying ability, and durability so you can find the perfect one for you.

Top 4 Bath Towel Materials

Which material is best for bath towels? The best bath towels are usually made from 100% cotton, prized for their absorbency, softness, and durability. Bamboo offers a silky, eco-friendly alternative, while microfibre is perfect for travel or the gym thanks to its lightweight and quick-drying quality.

Featuring Weavve’s Silver Infused Towel Bundle

Check out this comparison table to see the different towel materials based on their qualities and benefits:

 

Cotton

Cotton is known for its softness and absorbency. Its fibres have an impressive water-holding capacity: they can hold water 24–27 times their own weight. It also comes in different variations, like Egyptian cotton and Turkish cotton. It’s often blended with other fibres to create ultra-soft cotton towels of better quality.

Love the feel of cotton and want it feeling fresh for longer? Choose cotton towels treated with antibacterial SILVERPLUS®. This agent helps get rid of up to 99% of odour-causing bacteria.

Featuring Weavve’s Silver Infused Cotton Towel

Microfibre

If you’re looking for an absorbent option that dries quickly, a microfibre towel may just be the one you need. It’s made from synthetic materials, like polyester, nylon, or rayon. It also has fine strands that create a super soft and velvety texture.

Besides being impressively absorbent and fast-drying, microfibre is lightweight, compact, and can even be antimicrobial. This is why it’s ideal for travel or trips to the gym.

Linen

Linen is made from flax plants. While it’s generally thinner than other materials, it’s highly absorbent, making it great not only for after-bath wraps but also for hand drying.

This material is also hypoallergenic, so it’s ideal for sensitive skin. Additionally, it exudes timeless elegance, so it’s perfect for you if you want a bath towel that feels luxurious. 

Bamboo

Bamboo towels are made from sustainable bamboo plants. They’re soft, silky, absorbent, and breathable. Thanks to their antimicrobial properties, they’re also naturally resistant to odours and mildew. When comparing bamboo vs cotton towels, the former is designed to fight bacterial buildup better than regular cotton variants, unless they are treated with SILVERPLUS®. 

Overall, bamboo is an excellent option for those who are environmentally conscious or with sensitive skin.

Featuring Weavve’s Bamboo Towels

Towel Buying Guide: Choosing the Ideal Towel Weight

Towel weight refers to how thick and heavy a towel is. It’s measured using grams per square metre (GSM). Generally, a higher GSM is thicker and more absorbent. Here are the different weights and their characteristics:

• Lightweight (300-400 GSM): These are thin, quick-drying, and easy to carry. They’re great for everyday use.
  

• Medium Weight (400-600 GSM): Medium-weight is thicker and more absorbent. While they’re plusher than lightweight ones, they still have a reasonable drying time. They’re ideal as bath and guest towels.

• Heavy Weight (600-900 GSM): If you want a luxurious, super soft fabric, go for heavy weight towels. They’re thick, plush, and highly absorbent, giving you a spa-like experience. But since they’re thick, they may take longer to dry and may take up more space in your luggage whenever you travel.
  
  

Most Common Towel Sizes and Towel Types to Consider

Towel sizes usually vary depending on the manufacturer or brand. But to give you an idea, here are the standard sizes of different types:

 

Finding Quality and Comfort in Towel Construction

Choosing the best bath towels to buy involves more than just picking the most expensive or softest option. You should also consider how it’s made since it affects the quality and texture. To help you find high-quality towels, keep these construction methods in mind:

Combed Cotton

Combed cotton has carefully brushed cotton fibres without short fibres and impurities. It undergoes a process that reduces pilling and creates a smoother and more durable fabric.

Featuring Weavve’s Silver Infused Cotton Towel

Ring-Spun Cotton

Ring-spun cotton is made with twisted cotton fibres spun with a spinning wheel. It produces fine, smooth, tightly twisted yarns, creating long-lasting, absorbent bath essentials.

Waffle Weave

A waffle weave towel uses a weaving technique that creates a honeycomb pattern that looks like small waffle squares. Because of its design or texture, it lets air circulate through the fabric, making it lightweight, quick-drying, and absorbent.

Zero-Twist Fibres

Zero-twist fibres create good quality towels that are super soft, highly absorbent, and quick-drying. They’re woven without twisting during manufacturing, so they’re lighter and plusher.

Terrycloth

Terrycloth is a towel construction made with bigger thread loops of fabric. These loops are designed to make the towel more absorbent, more durable, and plusher, offering a cosier vibe.

Twist

The twist means the tightness or density of the yarn in a towel. The higher the twist, the tighter the fibres are spun. Higher twist ones are more durable and more resistant to pilling.

Featuring Weavve’s Bamboo Towels

Exploring the Different Towel Designs

Towels are usually used for drying, but they can also elevate the overall look of your bathroom or kitchen. Here are some designs that can add some style and personality to your space:

Print

Printed ones feature colourful designs and patterns. They’re perfect for those who want a pop of colour in their bathroom or kitchen.

Jacquard

This towel design has patterns woven directly into the fabric. It creates a textured pattern that adds a luxurious touch.

Embellished

Embellished towels have decorative elements, like embroidery or lace trim. Props to their elegant or vintage-inspired look, they’re ideal decorative accents.

Dobby

Dobby ones have a border with a textured pattern or design woven with a dobby loom. The pattern may be small, but it still gives the fabric a unique subtle texture and visual interest.

Other Features to Look for When Buying Towels

Whether you want to buy bath towels online or at a physical store, there are a few other features to consider beyond materials, sizes, and designs. These include:

Loop Density

Loop density refers to how many loops are in each square inch of the towel. The higher the loop density, the plusher and more absorbent it is. As a pro tip, look for one with a dense loop construction.

Thickness & Absorbency

When choosing, don’t simply go for the thickest or most absorbent option. Thicker ones are usually more absorbent, but they may not be right for everyone. For instance, if you need a quick-drying fabric, you might opt for a lightweight or medium-weight one.

Edges

Edges may not seem like a big deal, but they actually play a big role in the quality and durability. That said, opt for ones with double-turned edges, where the fabric is folded over and stitched twice. They’re less likely to fray and can withstand frequent use and washing without falling apart.

Sewn-In Loop

Sewn-in loops are designed with your convenience in mind. They are a practical feature that makes it easy for you to hang them up to dry properly.

Fibre Content

Different fibres have different qualities. For example, 100% cotton is soft and absorbent, while cotton-polyester blends offer a balance of softness and durability. That said, consider what characteristics you want most so you can choose the fibre content that suits you best.

Environmental Impact

Some are made with harmful chemicals, which can be detrimental to the environment. If you’re eco-conscious, look for products made from sustainable or organic materials such as bamboo.

You can also opt for ones with OEKO-TEX Made In Green Certification. This means they’re ethically produced in environmentally friendly facilities.

Featuring Weavve’s Silver Infused Cotton Towel

Certifications

To make sure the bath products you choose are safe, check the labels for certifications like the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. This certification guarantees the fabrics have been tested and meets safety standards, giving you peace of mind knowing they’re free from harmful chemicals.

How To Choose Bath Towels: 4 Must-Know Tips

How do you pick a good bath towel? Here’s a straightforward guide to help you choose the right one:

Think About the Material, Weight, & Size

Buy towels that suit your needs and preferences by focusing on material, weight, and size. The material should be in your preferred texture, the weight should feel comfortable, and the size should be big enough to dry you off well.

Choose Quality

Your bath essentials should be built to last. Besides prioritising high-quality materials, go for a fabric with solid construction and sturdy stitching to ensure it can withstand frequent use and washing.

Check the Price

Make sure to set a budget. Since good quality options often come with a hefty price tag, consider your priorities. Ultimately, try finding the balance between quality and affordability.

Consider the Care Instructions

Not all fabrics require the same level of care. For instance, some may call for specific washing or drying methods. Before buying, check the care instructions and make sure you’re willing to follow them.

Washing Towels: How To Care for Your After-Shower Wrap

Taking proper care of your bath essentials can help you keep them in tip-top condition for a long time. Follow these simple care tips to maintain their quality:

• Follow the care instructions diligently.
• Wash towels every three days. Be sure to wash them separately from your clothes for sanitary reasons. Refrain mixing up light-coloured and dark-coloured ones as well to  prevent colour bleeding.
• Be sure to wash new ones before using them.
• Use a mild detergent.
• Wash in warm water. Check care labels for the recommended temperatures.
• It is generally advised to air dry towels. But when using a dryer, select the regular or automatic setting for durable fabrics.
• Give them a good shake before and after drying.
• Store them in a well-ventilated area to prevent odours and mildew.

Where To Buy Bath Towels in Singapore

Weavve is a trusted place to buy bath towels in Singapore, and both of our collections are designed with comfort, freshness, and durability in mind.

Our Silver-Infused Cotton Towels are a smart upgrade to your daily routine. Woven from premium cotton and enhanced with SILVERPLUS® technology, they actively eliminate up to 99% of odour-causing bacteria. By stopping bacterial and fungal growth before it begins, these towels stay fresher for longer, no more musty smells, or unpleasant odours after a few uses.

For those who prefer a more natural touch, Weavve Home’s Bamboo Towels are a perfect match. Naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, they’re woven to feel luxuriously soft against even the most sensitive skin. Bamboo fibres also dry faster and resist long-term moisture retention, preventing the damp environment where bacteria thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Towel Antibacterial?

Antibacterial towels stay clean for longer because they’re made with special fibres or treated with things like silver or copper. These help stop bacteria from growing, so the towel stays fresh, hygienic, and free from bad smells.

Do Antimicrobial Towels Smell?

They are designed to prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria. However, proper washing, drying, and storing are still essential to keep them fresh-smelling.

What Towels Don’t Collect Bacteria?

Not all towels can prevent bacteria from building up, but some fabrics are far better at keeping it at bay. Bamboo towels, for instance, naturally resist microbes thanks to a compound called bamboo kun, while silver- or copper-treated fibres add another layer of defence. 

Our Silver-Infused Cotton Towels go a step further, using Silver Ion Antimicrobial Technology to stop odour-causing mould and fungi, so they stay fresher for longer.

Is 700 GSM Good for Towels?

Yes, 700 GSM (grams per square metre) is regarded as a premium weight for towels, offering a thick, luxurious feel with outstanding softness and absorbency.

What Are the Qualities of a Good Bath Towel?

A quality bath towel should feel soft against the skin, absorb water quickly, and remain durable even after repeated washes.

How to choose bath towels? Sometimes, it really depends on what you value most in a towel. For some, the priority is softness and comfort, while others may look for fast-drying towels that work well in humid climates. 

If luxury is your goal, a higher GSM towel offers plushness and absorbency, though it may take longer to dry. On the other hand, lightweight towels are easier to handle and better suited for everyday convenience.

How Much GSM Bath Towel Is Best?

The ideal GSM for a bath towel really depends on what you’re after. Around 600 GSM tends to strike a great balance - soft, absorbent, yet still quick enough to dry for everyday use. 

If you want that indulgent, hotel-style feel, look for 600–900 GSM; these towels are plush and wonderfully absorbent, though they do take longer to dry. On the other hand, a lighter option in the 300-400 range is perfect if you prefer something practical and fast-drying.

What Are Luxury Bath Towels Made Of?

Luxury bath towels are typically crafted from premium materials such as Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton, Pima cotton, bamboo, or blends of cotton and bamboo. What sets them apart is the use of long-staple fibres, a high GSM for extra plushness, thoughtful weaving techniques, and refined finishes that give the towel its lasting softness and durability.

Best Towels for Softness and Durability 

At Weavve, softness and durability go hand in hand. Our Silver-Infused Cotton Towels stay fresh longer with antibacterial SILVERPLUS® technology, while our Bamboo Towels deliver silky comfort that’s naturally breathable and antibacterial. Both are made to stay soft, absorbent, and long-lasting-everyday essentials you’ll love reaching for.