Some people say that only hotels can purchase and maintain the very nicest, most sumptuous towels, the ones that are so soft and fluffy. Why do hotel towels feel so luxurious and dry so effectively? In part, it has to do with the way they are washed.

However, you don’t have to go to a high-end hotel to get a quality towel. You can bring the luxury to your linen closet, and for a fraction of the price. Read on to learn the secrets to choosing towels.

1. Consider the Fiber Content

For a quality towel, you really should buy 100% cotton. That is the softest, most absorbent material. Cotton also ages well, getting softer with each wash.

If you’re on a budget, cotton-polyester blends will do. They are cheaper and can be more durable, reducing costs in the long run as well. However, they won’t feel nearly as nice. Nor will they dry quite as well as their cotton counterparts, like these towels.

2. Look at the Loops

No, we’re not talking about that popular meme in which a fat, fluffy cat asks for Fruit Loops. The loops on towels are a good way to gauge whether or not it’s the right type of towel for you.
Plush, thick, dense loops indicate a soft and absorbent fabric. That type can take longer to dry and wear out more quickly. On the other hand, a quick-drying and durable towel is characterized by a low pile made up of shorter, thinner loops.

3. Learn Some Lingo

Want to delve even deeper into towel terminology? Here’s a quick guide to some of the buzzwords you might see on the towel’s label or description.

Combed cotton is cotton that has been combed or brushed. This removes short fibers that could otherwise cause the fabric to wear more quickly and feel rougher during its life.

Ring-spun cotton combines fibers that are both long and short. They are tightly twisted together to ensure strength and smoothness in the final fabric.

Twist describes how much the fibers are twisted. The higher the twist, the more long-lasting the towel. Low or no twist will make it thicker and plusher.

4. Don’t Be Fooled By Finishes

If at all possible, buy towels in-person so you can inspect them yourself (or order online but be prepared to return them). Don’t be fooled by your first touch of the towel. Many manufacturers will treat towels with special chemical finishes that increase their apparent softness.

For truly absorbent towels, you’ll have to wash them several times to remove this finish. Protip: to keep towels soaking up that shower water, never use fabric softener when you launder them.

5. Examine the Edges

Have you ever bought a towel that seemed super luxe in the store—but that fell apart after only a few washings? Avoid that scenario by examining the towel’s edges.

You are looking for plain old-fashioned craftsmanship here. That means neatly folded edges and secure-looking stitching that shows no signs of fraying in the near future.

A Quality Towel Can Be Yours!

It’s usually true that you get what you pay for. However, a hefty price tag doesn’t necessarily correlate with a quality towel—some are priced to reflect the designer label, and some great towels can be found for discounts. Instead, use these tips and your common sense.

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