Choosing a towel by weight and size
Short answer: Size and weight decide what a towel is good for: a small one for hands and guests, a medium one for daily use and a large one for the bath and beach. Thickness decides how long it takes to dry. Here is advice on choosing the towel that suits you.
Why size and weight matter
A towel is used for many things, and its size decides whether it works in practice. If it is too small it does not cover, and if it is too large it takes up room and dries slowly. The weight says something about thickness, and it affects the feel, the drying time and how much space the towel takes in the cupboard.
Bamboo towels by size
Look at bamboo towels in several sizes and think about who will use them and where. Bamboo in textiles is viscose made from bamboo, and choosing a size is the same as with other towels. Small ones suit hands and guests, medium ones daily use and large ones a proper bath.
Guest towel, hand towel, bath sheet and beach towel
Every size has its job. A small guest towel hangs by the sink, a medium towel is for daily drying, and a large bath sheet gives cover after bathing and at the beach. If several people share a home, you can choose different colours for each person so there is no doubt who uses what.
What grams per square metre means
The weight of a towel is often given as grams per square metre, and a higher number normally means a thicker towel. It is only a guide, because the weave and yarn also affect the feel. Check whether the weight is given in the product description and compare it with a towel you know to get a sense of it.
Thin, medium or thick in daily life
A thin towel dries quickly and takes up little room, so it suits sport, travel and small bathrooms. A medium towel is a good all-round choice if you want both absorbency and reasonable drying time. A thick towel feels rich and warm, but needs more space and dries more slowly, especially when the air is damp.
Drying time and space at home
Think also about where the towel will hang and how much room it takes in the machine and on the line. A large thick towel can take a long time to dry fully, and a damp towel soon smells musty. Hang it as airily as possible and switch to a fresh one if it does not get the chance to dry.
For sport, travel, bath or guests
If the towel is going on a trip or in the gym bag, a light, compact model is often the best choice. For the bathroom at home you can pick something thicker, and for guests smaller towels are easy to wash and change. Think about daily life and choose by that, not by what looks most impressive.
Good things to combine with
Once you have chosen towels, think about the rest of the textiles. After the bath a bamboo dressing gown for men is an easy way to keep warm, and all bamboo socks for men give warm feet on the bathroom floor. Pick colours that go together so the whole set hangs right.
Frequently asked questions
Which size is best for daily use?
A medium towel is the most practical for most people in daily use. It covers the body without taking too much room and dries fairly quickly between uses.
Is a thicker towel always better?
No, not always. A thick towel feels rich but takes longer to dry and needs more room. A thinner one is better for travel, sport and small bathrooms.
How can I tell how thick a towel is?
Look at the weight in grams per square metre if it is given. A higher number usually means a thicker towel, but feel the weave too, to get a sense of it.
