I have to admit, until a couple of years ago I hadn’t heard much about Turkish Cotton, I was always told Egyptian cotton was the best so whenever I was shopping around for bed sheets well I would buy Egyptian cotton sheets they were a bit more expensive but quality and comfort wise well worth their cost.
Now this said I also seldom heard the words Egyptian cotton associated with towels, throws and baby blankets. Why is that? Was I not versed when it came to linens or did I just think that something used every day and changed every so often should not require a huge investment. Not sure but what I can tell you now after spending the last year traveling and searching for the perfect towel is that both cottons have something to offer it all depends on what you need them for…
Egyptian cotton is known for its plushness, softness and absorbency, which is especially suited for apparel and sheets. However, in towels too much absorbency means that a towel remains wet long after use. …Turkish cotton provides the perfect balance between absorbency and softness which makes it the best cotton to be used in towels.
Egyptian cotton towels have long, dense threads which creates more surface area to pull wetness away from your body the problem is that it also traps the moisture at the same time which means it basically holds water like a desert camel. This water retention capability often prevents them from drying quickly which often creates this funky, mildew smell. Not recommended in humid or tropical climates where quite often they become humid and wet on their own. Perfect for bed sheets or as hotel towels.
Turkish cotton is a long staple fiber that turns into strong, smooth threads when spun. Initially it will appear to be less absorbent than other types of cotton, such as Egyptian cotton, however the more you wash your Turkish towel the more the cotton blooms and the more absorbent, softer, fluffier your towel becomes. The fibers are not as tightly packed as Egyptian Cotton which also makes them lighter. Towels dry very quickly therefore no funky or mildew smell, you can use and re-use them multiple time before replacing them with a new one. Something extremely practical when you have teenagers who drain your water tanks with their multiple daily showers! Ideal in humid climates, a “must have” for travel! Perfect for the gym, yoga, spa, beach, shower, can also be used as a sarong, shawl, throw or blanket.
If you are looking for something practical, versatile but at the same time elegant and unique I would recommend trying one of our Turkish Towels at Mamasouk.com