When shopping for towels
it is important to avoid choosing a towel from touch alone. Here are
tips for finding high-quality towels and knowing how the GSM of a towel
can play a vital part in the selection process.
Bath towels
are typically the hardest working members of your hotel or household.
As well as keeping us dry and clean, towels add to the look and feel of
a bathroom and can even be expected to wipe up muddy floors or dry your
pet after its weekly wash.
When shopping
on the high street it is important not to judge a towel by its in-store
softness. Most manufacturers add softeners to the towels so they appear
nice and soft. However after a few washes, these towels may start to
feel course and rough.
To ensure the towel feels cozy and
luxurious, check the care label and ensure it states the towel is 100%
cotton. Cotton fibers naturally attract water and can hold almost 25
times its weight in liquid. For extra comfort, 100% combed cotton
ensures that the shorter threads have been removed, keeping the towel
strong and prevent pilling. However, most towels are made of cotton,
but the look and feel of towels largely depends on the type of cotton
used. Towels
designed and priced for everyday use are typically made of standard
cotton, while the more expensive Egyptian cotton towels have a much
longer threads, allowing each towel to have more moisture absorbing
loops per inch.
The number and the length of loops is also an
important factor in choosing the right towel. The denser the loops, the
more absorbent the towel will be so check the stitch for thick, tightly
packed loops. If however you can see the base of the towel, then this
is an indicator of a poor quality towel.
The key to the
longevity of a towel is for the hems to be double stitched all the way
around the edges of the towel. This extra reinforcement reduces fraying
and will give your bath towels a longer life.
The best way to
judge the quality of a towel is to hold it. A high quality towel feels
much heavier than it looks and in turn will be much more absorbent. The
weight of a towel is measured by the GSM (Grams per Square Metre). Low
GSM (300-400) towels are light and thin whilst high GSM (450-600)
towels are thicker and heavier. A towel that weighs less than 400 GSM
is likely to be thin and typically suitable for a gym bag or trips to
the beach. If you are purchasing a hand towel or guest towel then it is
advisable for the GSM to be at least 400. For Bath Towels, a higher GSM of 500 will provide a soft and absorbent towel. Typically, the higher the GSM, the better performance you will have from the towel.
Richard Haworth supplies a wide range of towels including hand towels, bath towels, bath sheets with a GSM ranging between 400-550.
Richard Haworth is the market leader supplying linens to the hospitality sector. View our online linen guide for useful help and tips on how best to care for your linens.
