Microfibre towel or bamboo
Short answer: Microfibre dries fastest and takes up the least space, while a towel in bamboo viscose feels softer against the skin and starts to smell later. The choice mostly depends on whether the towel goes in a bag or hangs at home in the bathroom.
For travel
Microfibre is made of very fine synthetic fibres that lie close together and release water quickly. That is why a microfibre towel takes up little room in a bag and is dry again soon, even in a hotel room with poor ventilation. It has become the standard for sport, hiking and travel.
At home
At home the towel hangs on a hook or rail and has hours to dry between uses. Here the feel against the skin matters more than drying time. A towel in bamboo viscose is soft and feels heavy in the hand. Look at the bamboo towels if you want to feel the difference yourself.
Smell
Synthetic fibres hold on to odour more easily, because bacteria and oils bind to the surface of the plastic fibre. Many people know the microfibre towel that smells sour even straight after washing. Bamboo viscose is made from plant cellulose, and odour usually sets in later. Both stay fresh longest when they dry fully between uses.
Absorbency
Both materials absorb well, but in different ways. Microfibre draws water into the fine fibres and lets it go quickly, while bamboo viscose holds more water inside the fibre itself. The difference is mostly in how the towel feels and how fast it dries. Read more in do bamboo towels absorb well.
Washing
Fabric softener coats the fibres and closes the loops in both types, so the towel absorbs less. Wash without softener and use a mild dose of detergent. Bamboo viscose does best at 40 degrees, and microfibre should not be washed hot either. The full method is in how to wash bamboo towels.
For the gym bag
In a gym bag the towel often lies damp for hours before it comes out. That speaks for microfibre, which dries quickly, but also for taking the towel out of the bag as soon as you get home. A small bamboo towel works fine if you hang it up straight away. See the towel in the gym bag.
How many you need
Two towels per person in rotation means one is always dry while the other is in use or in the wash. An extra bath sheet covers guests and the days when laundry piles up. This applies whatever the material. If you want the rest of your home in the same soft quality, see home and homewear in bamboo.
In the bathroom at home
Bathrooms are often humid, and the air rarely gets fully dry. Hang the towel spread out so air reaches both sides, and avoid folding it over a narrow hook. It will dry faster and smell later. Many choose the same soft material for the bed and also look at bamboo bedding.
In short
If the towel goes in a bag, on a trip or to the changing room, microfibre is the practical choice. If it hangs at home and is used every day after a shower, most people choose what feels best against the skin. Many end up with both: microfibre for travel and bamboo for the bathroom.
Frequently asked questions
What dries faster, microfibre or bamboo?
Microfibre dries fastest, because the fine synthetic fibres release the water again. Bamboo viscose holds more water in the fibre and needs to hang a little longer before it is completely dry.
Which towel starts to smell later?
Bamboo viscose usually starts to smell later than microfibre, because odour binds more easily to synthetic fibres. Both stay fresh longest when they dry completely between uses.
Can I use fabric softener?
No. Softener closes the loops in both microfibre and bamboo, so the towel absorbs less. Wash with a mild dose of detergent and leave the softener on the shelf.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
