A towel's durability, feel and color retention are due to the type of fibers used to produce it. Towels are generally made from terrycloth, which has a thick pile made of loops and/or cut loops. Remember to wash your towels before using them for the first time. This will improve absorbency and help set the color to extend the lifetime of your towels. Here are the most common towel materials:
Cotton: Soft, breathable, natural fiber that comes from a plant. Cotton is the world's most popular natural fiber.
Egyptian Cotton: Durable, light and fluffy to the touch, Egyptian cotton has extra-long fibers that give towels more density and absorbency.
Pima Cotton: Considered a superior blend of cotton, Pima towels are light and fluffy due to the extra-long staple fibers. Pima cotton is known for its absorbency and strength.
Microfiber: Made of mostly polyester fibers, these towels are absorbent and dry more quickly than 100% cotton towels.
In a state of towel confusion? We're racking up the facts on standard towel sizes to help you out! Compare the various sizes of towels with this handy illustration.