Turkish Towels: What is so Special About Them?
October 19, 2023
Turkish towels, also known as peshtemal towels, have become increasingly popular in recent years. But
Turkish towels, also known as peshtemal towels, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These beautiful, handwoven towels originate from Turkey, where artisans use traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. If you’re looking for soft, absorbent and quick-drying towels, Turkish towels are a fantastic option.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why handmade Turkish towels are such a great choice and what makes them stand out from regular bath towels. We’ll also share tips on how to care for and use Turkish towels so you can enjoy them for years to come. Let’s dive in!
Turkish towels are lightweight, flatwoven towels traditionally made in Turkey. The word “peshtemal” comes from the Persian word “peştamal” which means “to wrap around the waist”. These towels are designed to wrap around the body after bathing.
While Turkish towels can be machine-woven, the highest quality towels are still lovingly handmade by artisans. The handweaving process results in slight imperfections that add to the towel’s character and beauty.
Traditional Turkish towels use long-staple Turkish cotton that is absorbent, soft and gets softer over time. The flatweave style gives the towels a textured feel and allows them to dry quickly. The fringed edges add a nice decorative touch.
There are several features that set handmade Turkish towels apart from regular bath towels:
Natural Materials – The best quality Turkish towels are woven from 100% Turkish cotton. This organic cotton is grown in the Aegean region of Turkey without the use of harmful pesticides. The cotton is incredibly soft and becomes even softer when washed.
Small Looms – Handweaving on small looms allows Turkish artisans to weave intricate designs into the towels. Mass-produced towels lack this level of artistry and detail.
Traditional Techniques – Handweaving techniques used to create Turkish towels have been passed down for generations. The artisans carefully select colours and patterns that are symbolic in Turkish culture.
Absorbent – The flatwoven style and breathable cotton make Turkish towels highly absorbent. They soak up water quickly after bathing or swimming.
Quick-Drying – Since the towels are lightweight and woven loosely, they dry very fast compared to plush bath towels.
Durable – Well-made Turkish towels become softer over time but remain durable for years with proper care. The colours also stay vibrant wash after wash.
Multipurpose – Turkish towels have many uses beyond just drying off after a bath or shower. Their versatility makes them a great value.
One of the great things about Turkish towels is their versatility. Here are some of the many ways you can use these handwoven towels:
As a bath towel – Wrap yourself up in a Turkish towel to dry off after bathing or swimming. The lightweight fabric dries you off quickly.
As a beach towel – Turkish towels are perfect for the beach or pool because they are lightweight and quick-drying. The absorbent cotton also keeps you comfortable.
As a sarong – Wrap a Turkish towel around your waist as a stylish sarong or pareo when lounging at the beach or poolside.
As a table runner – The beautiful patterns and fringed edges make Turkish towels an attractive table runner.
As a picnic blanket – Lay down a large Turkish towel for a picnic at the park or beach. The towel gives you a clean surface to sit on.
As a yoga mat – Practice your downward dog on a Turkish towel. The flat, grippy surface provides cushioning and traction.
As a scarf or shawl – Drape a Turkish towel around your shoulders as a stylish scarf or shawl.
As a light blanket – Turkish towels work nicely as a light blanket for chilly evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
The options are endless! Turkish towels are a versatile item to have around the home.
With proper care, artisan-made Turkish towels will last for years and get softer over time. Here are some tips for keeping them in great condition:
Wash in cold water – Always use cold water to wash Turkish towels to prevent fading. Warm or hot water can damage the cotton fibers.
Line dry – Never put Turkish towels in the dryer. Always hang them to air dry to prevent shrinking.
Use a mild detergent – Wash the towels in a gentle, bleach-free detergent. Harsh detergents may cause the colors to fade.
Avoid fabric softener – Fabric softener and dryer sheets can coat the fibers and reduce the towel’s absorbency.
Shake out folds – After drying, gently shake out the folds and creases to prevent permanent creasing in frequently used areas.
Remove stains promptly – Don’t let stains set in the fabric. Pretreat any stains before washing.
Wash similar colors – Group lights and darks when washing to prevent colors from bleeding.
With a little care, your handwoven Turkish cotton towels will last for many years of beauty and enjoyment. The towels get even softer and more lustrous as you wash them over time.
Handwoven Turkish towels have many benefits that make them a worthwhile investment:
Support Artisans – Buying handmade towels supports the small artisan workshops in Turkey who use traditional weaving techniques to create these textiles. The art of handweaving could be lost without this support.
Get Better Quality – Handwoven towels are higher quality and last longer than mass-produced towels. The attention to detail shows in their beauty and durability.
Enjoy Artistry – Every handwoven towel has its own character with small imperfections that add to its beauty and charm. Machine-made towels lack this artisan touch.
Appreciate Craftsmanship – Turkish weavers take great pride in their craftsmanship. Buying handmade honors and supports this dedication to their art form.
Experience Luxury – Well-crafted Turkish cotton towels provide a little luxury and comfort in everyday life.
Reduce Your Footprint – Choosing organic cotton towels woven by hand reduces your environmental impact compared to mass-produced options.
Turkish towels handwoven from organic Turkish cotton are a luxurious and versatile addition to any home. Their beauty, quality and versatility set them apart from regular bath towels.
When shopping for Turkish towels, look for ones made from long-staple, 100% Turkish cotton. The handwoven fabric should have a slight imperfections that give it character. Check that the towels are dyed with low-impact dyes as well.
The best place to buy authentic Turkish towels is directly from artisan sellers in Turkey. This ensures you receive high-quality towels and support the local weavers. Many Etsy shops also carry handmade Turkish towels.
With proper care, handwoven Turkish towels will become softer and last for years. Wash them in cold water with a gentle detergent and always line dry. Avoid using fabric softener which reduces their absorbency.
Turkish towels make a meaningful gift for weddings, birthdays or holidays. Offering them as guest towels is a thoughtful gesture. Or buy some for yourself and discover just how luxurious air-drying can be!
We hope this article has inspired you to give hand-crafted Turkish towels a try. Let us know in the comments your experiences using these beautiful and versatile towels.
Turkish towels, also known as peshtemal towels, have become increasingly popular in recent years. But
Are you looking for a lightweight, compact towel that dries quickly and doesn’t take up