Bamboo towels and how to choose the weight

Short answer: Weight is measured in grams per square metre. A heavy towel holds more water, a light one dries faster, and the ventilation in your bathroom decides which is right for you.

What the weight means

When a towel is described by weight, it refers to the density of the fabric, measured in grams per square metre. A high number means more material and a thicker towel. A low number means a thinner, lighter towel. Neither is better in itself. It depends on how and where the towel will be used.

Heavy holds more

A heavy towel can take up more water in total and feels more luxurious against the skin. That is pleasant after a long shower, when there is a lot of water to dry off. On the other hand, it takes longer to dry and takes up more space in the cupboard and the washing machine. See bamboo towels.

Light dries faster

A light towel holds less water, but it has time to dry between uses. That means it is always ready when you need it and does not start to smell. It also takes up less space and dries faster after washing, both on the line and in the tumble dryer.

The bathroom decides

In a bathroom without a window or extractor fan, a light towel is more practical, because it dries between uses and so does not smell. If you have good ventilation and a heated towel rail, a heavier one works well. Think about where the towel will hang before you think about how thick it should be.

Bamboo absorbs faster

Bamboo viscose takes up moisture faster than cotton of the same weight. That means a lighter bamboo towel can do the same job as a heavier cotton one when you dry off. Thick cotton terry can hold more water in total, though. You notice the difference most when drying off quickly after a shower.

For guest towels

For hands, a light towel is enough, because it is used briefly and often. A heavy guest towel rarely gets the chance to dry when many people use it during the day. Choose a light one and change it more often. It is both more hygienic and more practical. See home and homewear in bamboo.

For the gym and travel

If the towel goes in a bag, weight matters in a different way. A light towel takes up less space, weighs less and dries faster if it needs to be used again the next day. A heavy towel stays wet in the bag and soon starts to smell. Here the light one almost always wins.

Wash without fabric softener

Whatever the weight, absorbency is ruined by fabric softener, which leaves a film on the fibres. Wash towels without softener, go easy on the detergent and hang them unfolded. That way both heavy and light towels keep their absorbency. Read more about washing and care.

In short

A heavy towel holds more water but dries slowly. A light one holds less but dries quickly and smells less often. If ventilation is poor, choose the light one. If it is good, choose whatever feels best. What matters most is that the towel dries completely between uses.

Frequently asked questions

Are heavy towels better?

They hold more water but dry more slowly. In a bathroom without ventilation, light towels are often the better choice.

Does bamboo absorb better than cotton?

It takes up moisture faster. Thick cotton terry can hold more water in total, so it depends on what matters most to you.

What is the most important factor?

That the towel dries completely between uses. Otherwise it starts to smell whatever its weight, and thickness will not help.

See our range of bamboo towels.