Bamboo towels compared with cotton towels
Short answer: Bamboo towels and cotton towels differ mainly in feel, drape and how they look after many washes. Bamboo in textiles is viscose made from bamboo, and these fibres behave differently from cotton. Here is what to look at when you compare them.
What happens to a towel after many washes
Every towel changes over time, because the loops flatten, the edges thin out and the colour loses some depth. How quickly that happens depends less on the material alone than on care, how often you wash and how well the towel is made. Knowing that lets you keep a towel looking good longer and compare more honestly.
Comparing bamboo towels in everyday use
Many people find that bamboo towels feel soft and smooth, while cotton towels often feel a little more grippy. Which suits you better is a matter of taste and depends on the weave, the thickness and your habits. Look at bamboo towels and compare the feel and weight with the towels you already have, instead of relying only on the material.
Where the fibres give way first
The edges and corners usually give way first, because friction, pulling and hanging all meet there. The loops also flatten in the places you use most, for example where you dry yourself. Wet fibres are more fragile than dry ones, so do not pull or twist a wet towel hard when you lift it out.
Wash them so they last longer
Wash towels according to the care label, usually at a moderate temperature on a gentle programme. Wash them with other towels and not with clothes that have zips or hooks, which can snag the loops. A drum that is too full rubs the fibres more, so give the towels plenty of room in the water.
Use detergent and softener sparingly
Too much detergent stays in the weave and makes towels stiff. Many people also advise against fabric softener, because it can leave a film on the fibres and make drying yourself harder. Dose according to the pack and the hardness of your water, and add an extra rinse if in doubt, so nothing is left in the towel.
Drying without punishing the loops
Let towels air dry or use the tumble dryer on low to medium heat if the label allows it. Shake them out well before hanging them up, so the loops stand up again. Very high heat stresses the fibres and makes towels rough and thin, so a low temperature protects the structure.
When a towel should be replaced
A towel may look worn, but it should still get clean and dry well. If it smells musty even after washing, develops holes, or you can hardly feel the loops any more, it is time for a new one. Keep older ones as cleaning cloths or guest towels instead of throwing them out straight away.
Match towels with the rest of the bathroom
When you replace towels, you often think about the other textiles too. A set goes well with bamboo bedding in a calm, matching colour. And after the shower, a women's Bamboo Pajama Shirt makes the evening comfortable. It pays to plan the colours in advance so that everything goes together.
Frequently asked questions
Are bamboo towels better than cotton?
That cannot be said in general. Feel, weave and care play a big role, so it is better to compare with your own towel than to look for one single answer.
How often should towels be washed?
Many people change after a few uses, depending on the room and how they are used. If the towel hangs airily and dries fully you can wait longer, but if it is often damp, change it sooner.
Why do towels become rough over time?
Often it is due to detergent or softener residue and too much heat when drying. With less product, an extra rinse and gentle drying they usually become softer again.
