Stylish, authentic, and quality Turkish beach towels make their big entrance every summer, and we know why everybody loves them so much. So, we put together this comprehensive article on Turkish beach towels to see what is so special about them. Let’s jump right in!
What is a Turkish Beach Towel?
A Turkish beach towel, also known as a peshtemal or fouta, is a lightweight, versatile towel originating from Turkey. Here's an overview of their origins and characteristics:
Origins
Turkish beach towels have roots strongly tied to traditional Turkish baths or hammams (public bathhouses). The design was later adapted for beach use in more recent times after being a practical tool for centuries.
What Makes Turkish Towels Special?
There are many a reason for the difference between Turkish towels and regular towels. The most in-your-face ones are their drying time and packability for those who like to travel with less weight and dry up fast after a long day at the beach or a bath. But there are other reasons why one can find Turkish beach towels especially convenient. Here they are:
Unique Characteristics of Turkish Beach Towels
Thin and lightweight
Quick-drying
Highly absorbent
Large size (typically)
Versatile - can be used as a towel, sarong, blanket, or even a light scarf
Often feature traditional patterns or motifs
Materials and Weaving
Turkish beach towels are typically made from Turkish cotton, known for its long fibers. This cotton is prized for several reasons:
Softness
The feeling of a classic Turkish beach towel is softer due to the long fibers. This incredible quality is thanks to the traditional Turkish weaving techniques which we will get into in a moment.
Durability
With repeated use and washing, the fabric gets stronger and more absorbent.
Absorbency
Turkish beach towels have a considerable capacity to absorb water despite their thinness which is one of the reasons why people tend to pick it up for long vacations. They are super absorbent but also extremely thin, letting you have more storage capacity while traveling.
Here you can see a comparison between cotton content that aids in faster water absorbency in terms of Turkish beach towels and other regular towels:
Traditional Weaving Techniques
Using a method that produces a tight, flat weave, the towels are often flat-woven on looms. The distinctively thin and light fabric is the outcome of this. Traditional hand-looming techniques are still widely used by craftspeople, though machine-made equivalents are also accessible.
A towel made with premium cotton and specialized weaving techniques is not only practical but also fashionable and holds cultural significance.
FAQs
What are the pros and cons of Turkish beach towels?
There are some benefits and downsides to Turkish towels. Here we gathered the list for you to figure out for yourself if you are going to need one or not.
Pros
Turkish beach towels are lightweight and compact, making it easy for you to keep them around when compared to other kinds of towels since they are usually heavy.
The quick-drying quality is also another reason for Turkish towels that add to their fame.
Aside from their easy and quick drying feature, they are also highly absorbent.
Turkish beach towels are versatile since they can be used as towels, wraps, and blankets.
They are the perfect choice for a beach day because of their sand-resistant quality.
Their stylish and cultural designs allow you to look fashionable while adding a layer of authenticity to your outfit.
Cons
Turkish towels may be more expensive than regular towels due to their material quality, making them a piece to invest in.
They have less of a plush feeling compared to terry cloth towels.
They can be confused with lower-quality imitations. And this brings us to our next frequently asked question:
How can you tell if a Turkish towel is real?
There are ways you can use to make sure your Turkish beach towel is original and authentic. To determine whether a Turkish towel is authentic or not, look for a label indicating it is made from 100% Turkish cotton. Examine the towel for tightly woven, even threads and ensure it is typically larger when compared to other copycat towels in the market, around 70x40 inches. Authentic Turkish towels should become softer and more absorbent with each wash, often featuring hand-knotted fringes. Additionally, reputable brands or sellers usually indicate the place of origin.
How to wash and Care for a Turkish towel?
To wash a Turkish towel, machine wash it in cold or warm water using a mild detergent, avoiding fabric softeners. For the first few washes, wash separately to prevent dye transfer. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry, and avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals. If desired, you can iron the towel on low heat, though it is not necessary.
Which is better, Turkish towel or microfiber?
This question depends on specific needs you might have concerning your towel:
Turkish towels are more stylish, and natural, and improve with frequent use. Microfiber is often cheaper and may dry even faster than some Turkish towels. However, keep in mind that Turkish towels are better for sensitive skin and more environmentally friendly.
So, if one of them meets your needs more than the other, go for it!
Why do Turkish towels dry faster?
Because Turkish towels are thinner and have better air circulation, they dry quicker. More surface area is exposed for evaporation due to the flat weave, and the premium long-staple cotton fibers efficiently wick moisture.
Are Turkish towels better than Egyptian towels?
Both Turkish and Egyptian towels are high-quality options with distinct characteristics. So, the answer to this question also depends on your personal needs. Turkish towels are more functional because they are lighter and dry more quickly. Egyptian towels traditionally give off a more opulent vibe because they are usually softer and more absorbent at first. The "better" choice would be the one serving the intent of your usage.
What is the difference between a Turkish towel and a Terry towel?
Several factors determine the difference between a Turkish beach towel and a Terry towel. Here are the differences:
Terry towels are thicker and fluffier than Turkish towels because of their looped weave, making them thinner and smoother. Terry towels are initially more absorbent but do not get any better with use like Turkish towels; on the other hand, Turkish towels dry more quickly and generate less lint. Additionally, Turkish towels have a wider range of applications.
Here are some TikTok videos both showing the aesthetic look and quality material of authentic Turkish beach towels. They are practical, stylish, and a profound piece of Turkish culture.
Where to Buy Turkish Beach Towels?
We know it’s important to find original and authentic Turkish towels, especially if you are shopping online. You can always visit local shops in Turkey to purchase your towel but if not, fret none! There are always online alternatives like Amazon and Etsy where you can invest in quality Turkish beach towels for your next trip to the beach.
You can upgrade your beach experience by investing in a Turkish beach towel for your upcoming vacation and see the difference in quality and practicality yourself. Stylish Turkish towels will add to your look and come in handy while traveling with their authentic appearance and packable sizes. It’s time to make the switch to quality, authentic, and stylish Turkish beach towels and experience a culturally packed piece of excellence.
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