Choosing colours for towels

Short answer: Mid dark colours hide the most and fade least visibly. White can be bleached, and very light pastels go dull fastest.

What towels are exposed to

Towels meet cream, makeup, toothpaste and hair dye, and they are washed hotter than other textiles. That is hard on colour, which is why the choice matters more here than in clothing. The same goes for bamboo bedding.

Colours that hold up

Mid dark grey, navy and muted green hide marks and show fading least. White is practical because it tolerates oxygen bleach. See bamboo towels.

Colours that cause trouble

Light pastels go dull fastest, because they neither hide soil nor tolerate bleach. Very dark colours, on the other hand, show limescale marks clearly. See bamboo home and homewear.

Frequently asked questions

Do dark towels get lighter over time

Yes, especially if washed hot. Wash at forty degrees and keep bleach away.

Can white and coloured towels be washed together

After the first few washes yes, once the colours no longer bleed.

Why do towels go stiff

From limescale and detergent residue. A vinegar wash now and then solves it.