Top 5 tips for buying towels online

Posted by amrina alshaikh on February 29th, 2020

There are certain things in the household on which we accord ownership – these items are exclusively ours. They cannot be shared with anyone – it's almost sacrilegious to do so. One such item is the towel – but all said and done, it's still not easy to buy towels online. The sheer variety, limitless brands, materials, finishes, and claims make it a confusion endeavor! So how does one choose that best towel – an able inanimate companion in times of joy, despair, energy, and activity!? Here are some tips.

The Tactility of a Towel Is Not Always the Best Indicator of Quality

Tactility refers to judgment based on the sense of touch. But this is not always the best way to buy towels online. Simply because softness alone doesn't signify quality, manufacturers may use softeners to the finishes of towels. It could feel velvety when running one's fingers through. But after a few washes, the towels lose this deftness.

Check for the Percentage of Cotton

On reputed ecommerce sites, if a towel specification indicates 100% cotton, then it is surely 100% cotton. Excellent at water absorption, cotton fibers can retain water several times their weight. Check how the cotton has been weaved. Are the loops stitched with thick, looped patterns? If yes, then the towel will remain rigid. Also, a good towel with good absorption potency will feel heavier and look lighter. The heaviness is due to its dense inner bindings, packed closely to absorb as much liquid as possible. So the gist of the matter is – the better the absorbing potency of a towel, the higher is its quality.

Combed Cotton vs. Ringspun Cotton Towels

When regular cotton is treated, it turns softer – it becomes combed. Of a higher quality, due to its rigid construction, hardened fabric, and shorter threads, combed cotton requires more manufacturing cost, time, and effort. Combed cotton towels are therefore expensive, but worth it. Whereas ringspun cotton is made with a different methodology; cotton threads twisted, thinned, and made soft. Durability-wise, ringspun cotton towels last longer, yet relatively less expensive than their combed cotton towel counterparts.

Choose Terrycloth for Maximum Strength, Absorption, and Durability

Combed and ringspun may have trade-offs, to choose one over the other. If you have money to spare, go straight for the terrycloth towel variety. Made of uncut cotton strands, the loops are longer, have fewer severances, and this aspect makes these towels extra-durable and highly-absorbent.

Eco-Friendly Towel – Go Green

Try to buy towels online made of eco-friendly organic cotton. Devoid of fertilizes or the use of bio-hazardous materials in the manufacturing process, organic cotton towels can also dry quickly. A very helpful aspect given that less energy is spent by the washing machine's drier on getting the towel for immediate use again.