Types of Towels: Towel Fabric Types to Know

You use towels for bathing, cleaning, and traveling. Knowing the different types of towel materials helps you select the best one for your needs. In this guide, we will explore towel fabric types, their uses, and why certain options stand out.

Types of Towels

Towels come in many fabrics. Each type serves a specific purpose. Understanding these fabrics ensures you get the best performance from your towels.

Cotton Towels

Cotton towels are the most common. They are soft, absorbent, and durable. You often find them in bathrooms and spas. There are several types of cotton towels to consider.

Types of Cotton Towels

There are many types of cotton towels available in the market. Each towel is different in terms of quality and comfort.

Egyptian Cotton

Egyptian cotton is a premium choice. It is grown in the Nile River Valley, where the unique climate produces long fibers. These fibers make the towel extra soft, durable, and highly absorbent. 

Egyptian cotton towels feel luxurious and improve with every wash. This makes them a favorite for high-end homes and hotels.

Turkish Cotton

Turkish cotton is another high-quality option. It is grown exclusively in Turkey and is known for its long fibers, similar to Egyptian cotton. However, Turkish cotton towels offer a perfect balance between softness and quick drying. 

These towels are slightly less plush than Egyptian cotton but are ideal for humid environments due to their fast-drying nature. They are great for people who want both comfort and practicality.

Standard Cotton

Standard cotton towels are more affordable but less luxurious. They are made from shorter fibers, which makes them less soft and less durable compared to Egyptian or Turkish cotton. However, they are still effective and practical for everyday use. 

Standard cotton towels are a budget-friendly option for families or individuals looking for reliable towels without the premium price tag.

Cotton Terry Towels

Terry towels have looped fibers on both sides. This design increases absorbency and durability. Terry towels are thick and plush. They soak up water quickly and feel luxurious. These towels are common in hotels, spas, and homes.

Best Uses for Cotton Towels

Cotton towels work best for everyday use. They are ideal as bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Their softness makes them perfect for sensitive skin.

Microfiber Towels

Microfiber towels are made from synthetic materials. They are lightweight, compact, and highly absorbent. The IslaDry Microfiber Towel is a top example.

Advantages of Microfiber Towels

Microfiber bath towels dry faster than cotton towels. They are perfect for travel due to their compact size. Most beach towels are made from microfiber cloth. However, there are also some beach towels that are made from cotton.

Microfiber towels are also effective for cleaning, as they pick up dirt and bacteria without chemicals.

Best Uses for Microfiber Towels

Microfiber towels excel in travel and outdoor activities. Use them for beach trips, hikes, or gym sessions. They are also great for cleaning around the house.

Bamboo Towels

Bamboo towels are a newer option. They are made from bamboo fibers, which are eco-friendly and sustainable.

Benefits of Bamboo Towels

These towels are soft, lightweight, and naturally antibacterial. They are perfect for people with sensitive skin. Bamboo towels also dry faster than traditional cotton towels.

Best Uses for Bamboo Towels

Use bamboo towels for daily skincare routines. Their softness makes them ideal for drying your face and hands. They are also a great eco-friendly alternative.

Native Towels from the Philippines

Inabel Weavers in Ilocos Sur

Native towels from the Philippines, such as Inabel, are handwoven using traditional methods. These towels showcase Filipino craftsmanship and heritage.

Inabel Towels

Inabel towels are made from natural cotton or fibers. They are lightweight, soft, and durable. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors reflect Filipino culture. These towels from Ilocos, Philippines are eco-friendly and sustainable, supporting local artisans and communities.

Hinabol Towels

The Higaonon people of Bukidnon create Hinabol textiles. These weaves, traditionally used for blankets or ritual cloths, have evolved into more practical items like towels. They are soft and strong, perfect for multi-purpose use.

Hablon Towels

Some Hablon weaves from Iloilo are crafted specifically as towels. They are absorbent, lightweight, and breathable, ideal for tropical climates. Their vibrant designs also make them visually appealing.

Best Uses for Native Towels

Use native towels as decorative pieces or for everyday use. They are perfect as hand towels, travel towels, or even table runners.

Towel Variations: Different Types of Towels and Their Uses

You use different towels for various tasks. Knowing their uses helps you make better choices.

Bath Towels

Bath towels are the most common type. They are medium-sized and made for drying your body after a shower or bath.

Best Type of Bath Towels to Buy

The best type of bath towels depends on your needs. If you prioritize softness, choose Egyptian cotton. For quick drying, go with microfiber bath towels.

Cotton and terry towels are classics for home use. Microfiber towels, like the IslaDry Microfiber Towel, are perfect for travel. Bamboo towels offer an eco-friendly alternative. For a Filipino touch, Inabel towels are the most local thing you can get.

Hand Towels

Hand towels are smaller than bath towels. They are used for drying hands and face.

Best Fabrics for Hand Towels

Cotton and bamboo are excellent choices. Both fabrics are soft and absorb moisture well. Choose a fabric that matches your bathroom’s style and function.

Kitchen Towels

Kitchen towels are versatile. They handle spills, clean surfaces, and dry dishes.

Ideal Fabrics for Kitchen Towels

Microfiber is highly effective for cleaning. Cotton is a good choice for drying dishes. Choose a durable fabric that withstands frequent washing.

Beach Towels

Beach towels are thinner than bath towels. They are designed for outdoor use and quick drying.

Common Fabrics for Beach Towels

Cotton and microfiber are the most popular materials. Cotton beach towels are soft and absorbent. Microfiber beach towels, like the IslaDry Microfiber Towel, dry quickly and resist sand.

Upgrade Your Towel Game with IslaDry

The Philippines offers stunning beaches and mountains. You need towels that match your adventurous spirit. Microfiber towels are perfect for tropical destinations. They dry quickly and pack easily, making them ideal for trips to Boracay, Palawan, or Cebu.

Try the IslaDry Microfiber Towel today. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and perfect for travel. Explore the beauty of the Philippines, from Siargao to Mount Pinatubo, with a reliable companion. Visit IslaDry’s website and shop now!