I’ll be honest, I’d never really given towels much thought until recently. A towel was a towel as far as I was concerned, and as long as it dried me after a shower, I was happy.
Over the last year or so though, I’ve become a bit more interested in our home and the little details that make it feel nicer. I’ve noticed that almost every time I’m looking at inspiration for bathroom interiors, whether that’s on Pinterest or Instagram, I keep spotting Turkish towels. They’re always draped over a towel rail or folded neatly on a shelf and they just seem to make a bathroom look effortlessly stylish.
Of course, looking good is one thing, but I wanted to know whether they were actually any better than the traditional fluffy towels we’ve all grown up with.
The answer isn’t quite as straightforward as yes or no because they each have their own strengths.
They Dry Differently
If you love wrapping yourself up in a thick, fluffy towel after a shower then a traditional terry towel is hard to beat. They absorb lots of water quickly and feel lovely and cosy.
Turkish towels have a completely different feel. They’re much lighter, but they still dry you really well by drawing moisture away from your skin rather than trapping it in thick loops of fabric.
They Dry Much Faster
One thing that really appealed to me was how quickly Turkish towels dry afterwards.
A traditional bath towel can still feel damp hours later, especially in winter, whereas Turkish towels dry much more quickly because of their flat weave. That also means they’re less likely to develop that slightly musty smell we’ve probably all experienced at some point.
They’re Surprisingly Practical
I can definitely see why people use them for holidays, the gym and the beach because they fold up so much smaller than a standard towel.
If you’re short on cupboard space or regularly pack towels in a suitcase, that’s a genuine advantage.
They Get Better With Time
One of the things I found most interesting is that a well-made Turkish towel that improves with every wash isn’t just marketing speak.
The long cotton fibres gradually soften and become even more absorbent over time, whereas traditional towels often lose a little of their softness after years of washing.
They’re Not Just For The Bathroom
I think this is one of the reasons they’ve become so popular. As well as looking lovely in modern bathroom interiors, they’re versatile enough to use as a beach towel, picnic blanket, lightweight throw or even a wrap on holiday.
That makes them feel like a much better investment than something that’s only ever used after a shower.
So Which Is Better?
For me, I don’t think it’s about choosing one over the other.
There are definitely days when nothing beats a big fluffy towel straight out of the shower, especially on a cold winter morning. But I can also completely see the appeal of Turkish towels for everyday use, travelling and simply because they look so lovely around the house.
If you’re looking for something lightweight, quick drying and versatile, they’re well worth considering. And if you invest in a well-made Turkish towel that improves with every wash, chances are it’ll be something you’ll still be using for years to come.
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