What’s important when buying Towels?

So, you’re in the market for some new towels but not sure what to buy. You could spend up to $100 on a luxury bath towel or shop with us and discover our great range of hard-wearing bath towels for less than $20. 

Plus, we’ve created this towel buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice. From explaining GSM weight to the different fibre options, we’re here to help you tell the difference between a low-cost, low-quality option and an affordable, quality one.Plus, we’ve got some tips on how to wash your towels, so they stay soft and absorbent for longer. 

 

Weight 

Towel weight is measured in grams per square metre (GSM). Generally, the higher the weight, the thicker and more absorbent the towel will be. A heavy towel will absorb more water, but it will dry slower and a light-weight towel will absorb less, but dry faster.

Weight	GSM
Light	300 - 400
Medium	400 - 600
Heavy	600 - 900

Fibre

Your choice of fibre determines the durability, absorbency and feel of your towel.

• 100% cotton Pure cotton is a popular choice. It’s easy care and perfect for everyday use. 100% cotton is soft and highly absorbent.
• Cotton/polyester Often less expensive than 100% cotton, and more hard wearing. Cotton/polyester is a quick-drying option.
• Bamboo Super absorbent with natural anti-bacterial properties. Can be combined with cotton to make it soft and hard wearing. Bamboo is another environmentally friendly option.

In addition, if you like to support more sustainable farming practices, you’ll be pleased to know that many of The Warehouse’s cotton products are now sourced via the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). The Better Cotton Initiative makes global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in, and better for the sector’s future.

 

What’s in a name? 

• Carded cotton. Cardingis the process of lengthening the fibres and cleaning it of seeds before it’s spun into yarn or thread.
• Combed cotton. Combed cotton is carded cotton that has been through an extra process to remove the shorter threads. The result is a super soft towel that’s less inclined to pill or fluff.
• Twisted cotton. Wrapping fine yarn around thicker low twist yarn creates a soft and absorbent texture.

Combed, Carded, Twisted - what does it matter?

We test all our towels for absorbency, shrinkage and colour fastness so you don’t have to worry. 

 

Feel 

Don’t judge a towel by its in-store softness. Some new towels have a temporary finish which makes them feel extra soft but may reduce the absorbency. Pick up the towel to feel its weight. If you’re after a long-lasting towel with extra absorbency, choose the one that feels heaviest. For families using towels on high rotation, a lighter weight that will dry quicker might suit best.

Tip Wash and dry your towels to remove any finishing product before you use them. 

Before you buy, it’s useful to think about;

• How often you’ll use your towels
• Whether they’re just for guests or every day
• How many times you’ll use your towel between each wash
• The options you have for getting your towels dry

What’s important when buying Towels?

GSM and Weight:
What does GSM mean? GSM stands for grams per square metre and is a good indication of how heavy and dense a towel is. A good rule of thumb is the higher the GSM the thicker and more absorbent the towel will be. Remember that heavier towels will be able to absorb more water but will dry slower and light-weight towels will absorb less but dry faster. So make sure you think about how often you’ll be using your towels when considering buying.

Cotton Type:
Determines the durability, absorbency and feel of the towel.

Quality Control:
We test all our towels for absorbency, shrinkage and colour fastness to ensure they wash and wear well and offer good value for money.