Bamboo towels and what sets them apart from terry
Short answer: Terry is a way of weaving or knitting a towel with loops, while bamboo is a fibre, so the two cannot be compared directly. A bamboo towel is usually viscose from bamboo, often in terry, and it differs from cotton mostly in feel and care.
Terry is a construction
Terry is a loop fabric where small loops of yarn make the towel thick and absorbent, and it can be made in several fibres. It is therefore not an alternative to bamboo but a way of making the fabric, and a bamboo towel can very well be terry. So it is the loops, not the fibre, that make a towel thick and absorbent, and you can see that if you look closely at the surface.
Bamboo is a fibre
Bamboo in clothing and textiles is usually viscose, where the cellulose of the plant is processed into a fibre, and not the plant itself. You can look at bamboo towels and read the label to see which fibre has been used and whether it is pure or a blend. That is an important difference, since the name bamboo says something about the source, not about how the towel is woven.
How they feel in the hand
A bamboo towel often feels smooth and soft, while a cotton terry towel can feel drier and firmer. What you prefer is personal, and thickness and loop length matter as much as the fibre, so feel them when you have the chance. Many people only notice the difference after a few washes, so give the towel some time before you decide.
Absorbency
Both fibres can absorb, and how much a towel takes up depends on thickness, weight and quality. A new towel may absorb less well until it has been washed a few times, so wash it before use, and avoid too much fabric softener, which can leave a film on the surface. Notice whether the towel feels damp or clammy after use, since that says something about how well it dries.
Drying time
How fast a towel dries depends on thickness and air, and thick terry towels can take a long time. Hang it to dry with space around it so that air can reach it, and do not leave it folded damp, so that it does not pick up a heavy smell.
Care and washing
Follow the care label, usually a gentle programme and low to moderate heat for viscose from bamboo. Wash towels with similar items and do not cram the drum, so that the water reaches everywhere and the towel gets clean and soft.
When terry is best
If you prefer a firm, dry feel, a cotton terry towel may suit best. If you want something soft and smooth, bamboo is worth trying, and you can match it with bamboo bedding, so that you get an even softness in the bathroom and the bedroom.
Small tips for everyday
Use one towel for hair and one for the body if you like, and change regularly so that they feel fresh. Also look at a night T-shirt for men if you want something soft to put on after the bath, and wash it by the same simple principles.
Frequently asked questions
Is bamboo better than terry?
They cannot be compared directly, since terry is a construction and bamboo a fibre. A towel can be bamboo in terry, so choose by feel and care.
Does a bamboo towel absorb well?
It depends on thickness, weight and quality. Wash it before use and avoid too much fabric softener, so that the surface can absorb and feels soft.
How do I wash a bamboo towel?
Follow the care label, usually a gentle programme, and do not cram the drum, so that it gets clean and keeps its softness.
