Bamboo Towels vs. Egyptian Cotton – A Comparison of Two Classics
Egyptian cotton has long been the king of towel materials—renowned for its softness and luxurious feel. But bamboo towels are quickly gaining popularity as an alternative that offers the same softness and a number of unique benefits. In this article, we compare the two.
Soft against the skin
Both materials feel wonderful against the skin. Egyptian cotton has a “crinkled” softness that improves over time, while bamboo is silky soft from the very first use. When it comes to softness wash after wash, bamboo performs better—the fabric retains its softness longer, while cotton towels can gradually become a little stiffer.
Absorbency
When it comes to absorbency, bamboo is the clear winner. Bamboo viscose fibers absorb significantly more moisture per unit of weight than cotton. This means that a bamboo towel can dry you off faster and more effectively than a comparable cotton towel—especially noticeable after a shower. Our bamboo towels offer this benefit along with a luxurious feel.
Odor and Bacteria
Bamboo is the clear winner here. Bamboo viscose wicks away moisture, which reduces the “musty” odor that damp cotton towels can develop. Egyptian cotton is lovely, but it picks up the smell of bathroom moisture faster than bamboo and therefore requires more frequent washing.
Price and the Environment
In terms of price, there often isn’t much of a difference. Genuine Egyptian cotton is a premium product and often costs the same as bamboo. When it comes to water consumption, bamboo is the clear winner: bamboo requires significantly less water to grow than cotton, and the bamboo plant can be grown without pesticides. Our bamboo is FSC-certified and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 approved.
Conclusion
For the bathroom, bamboo comes out on top in most categories: better absorbency, the same or better softness, and more eco-friendly. Check out our wide selection of bamboo towels, and if you want to go all-in on bamboo for your home, check out our bamboo home & homewear collection or complement your decor with bamboo bedding. For bedtime, we also offer bamboo pajamas for women and bamboo pajamas for men.
