Types of Cotton used in Bathroom Towels

Many of the bath towels you find at department stores are made of some type of cotton or cotton blend. It is important to check the label to see the type of cotton of which the bath towel is made. The type of cotton used for the towel will determine how soft, absorbent, and thick it is. The more luxurious, longer lasting towels will have longer a staple (fiber) length.

Egyptian Cotton

Egyptian cotton is considered to be the most luxurious type of cotton used for bath towels. It is one of the oldest cotton species and was originally grown near the Nile River Delta. Bath towels made of Egyptian cotton are usually more expensive, but that is because they are softer and more absorbent because they had more loops per inch. Because of their longer staples, they also last longer than bath towels made of other types of cotton. Luxury hotels often have bath towels made of Egyptian cotton because they are considered the best. However, Egyptian cotton is somewhat rare – it makes up only 10 percent of the worldwide cotton production.

Sea Island Cotton

Sea Island cotton is even rarer than Egyptian cotton, making only 3 percent of the worldwide cotton production. It is grown along the south eastern coast of North America and has the longest staple. It is naturally bright white in color, but can be dyed different colors for bath towels. Bath towels made with Sea Island cotton are even more expensive than those made of Egyptian cotton and are sometimes difficult to find because the cotton is so rare.

Brazilian Cotton

Brazilian cotton is also considered to be high quality cotton for making bath towels. But, because Brazilian cotton bath towels are so desirable, like Egyptian, they can be expensive.

Pima Cotton

Pima is a genetic crossing of Egyptian and Sea Island cotton. Its registered trademark name is “Supima,” so sometimes it is known as that as well. Pima is grown in the southwest United States, Peru, Australia, and a few other places around the world. Named Pima after the Native Americans that first cultivated the plant, it is very durable and absorbent. Only 3 percent of the cotton made in the United States is Pima and it has a finer, longer staple than several other types of cotton.

Turkish Cotton

Turkish cotton is grown in the Aegean area of Turkey. Because of its long fibers, it is known as a strong cotton with a natural shine. Also durable, Turkish cotton bath towels are known for being plush and soft.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton bath towels are made of cotton on which no pesticides or chemicals were used during the growing process. Organic cotton is also not treated with bleach during production. Because of this, organic cotton bath towels are excellent choices for people who have dust mite or skin allergies. Certified organic cotton may also be grown in a sweat-shop free labor environment.