Bamboo or cotton for towels
Short answer: Cotton is the robust, familiar choice, while viscose from bamboo feels soft and absorbs moisture. Choose by how often you wash, how fast they need to dry and the feel you like after the bath.
What a towel needs to do
A towel must absorb water, feel good against the skin and dry so that it does not smell. Both cotton and viscose from bamboo can do the job, but they each have their own strengths. Thickness, weave and care matter at least as much as the type of fibre. Think about how you use the towel: after a bath, for hands, for the beach or for guests.
Cotton: robust and absorbent
Cotton is the classic towel material and is known for absorbing moisture well. It tolerates high washing temperatures and strong tumble drying, which is practical for daily use. Terry in cotton often feels a little coarser and more structured. The drawback is that thick cotton towels can take a long time to dry if they hang in a damp bathroom.
Bamboo: soft and quick to dry
Viscose from bamboo has a soft, smooth feel against the skin and absorbs moisture. Many find that towels of bamboo feel light and soft after the bath. They are often a little lighter in weight, which can help when they need to dry on the rail. The drawback is that viscose is more sensitive to heat and rubbing, so wash at a lower temperature and avoid fabric softener. See bamboo towels for styles in this material.
Hygiene and drying
Whatever the material, the most important thing is that the towel dries completely between uses. Hang it up and do not leave it rolled up damp. Wash towels often and dry them fully. A towel that does not dry can get a sour smell, whatever the fabric. Make sure the bathroom is ventilated and has a good place for drying.
Bedding and other textiles in the house
The same considerations apply to other textiles in the home. Cotton is robust and easy to look after, while bamboo is soft and smooth. If you want the same feel throughout the bedroom, look at bamboo sheets and bamboo split sheets. The choice is personal, and you can easily mix, so the towels are cotton and the bedding is bamboo, or the other way round.
Our recommendation by situation
Choose cotton if you want a robust towel that can be washed hot and tumble dried often, and if you like a more structured feel. Choose bamboo if you like a soft, smooth feel after the bath and want to wash gently. For guests and daily use you can have both. Wash bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees and avoid fabric softener, which can make the fabric less absorbent.
Frequently asked questions
Do bamboo towels dry faster than cotton
They can, if they are lighter and thinner. It depends on the weave and thickness, though, so always let them dry fully.
May I use fabric softener on towels
Better not to. Fabric softener can leave a film on the fabric and make it less absorbent.
How often should I wash a towel
After a few uses, as long as it dries in between. Wash more often if it is damp or starts to smell.
