TEST HOUSE

TEST HOUSE EDITOR TASNEEM LARNEY

We test towels

You use them every day, so best you make sure you’re buying a quality bath towel! We did a few dry runs and here’s what we found. BUYERS’ GUIDE

The makeup of a towel

• PILE WARP, also known as the loops (about 60 percent)

• GROUND WARP refers to the towel’s vertical threads (about 20 percent)

• WEFT, or the interwoven horizontal threads (about 20 percent). Various types of towels can be created by using thicker or thinner yarn, more or fewer threads per centimetre and higher or lower loops. How it is manufactured

Towels are made with yarn that has been produced by different spinning methods: • OPEN-END SPINNING produces the most effective type of yarn. When used in the loops, the towel has a crispier feel.

• RING SPINNING creates a stronger yarn that is more even than open-end yarn, which also makes it pricier. • WRAP SPINNING produces yarn that is used in the pile, and gives the towel a soft, fluffy feel.

• COMBING also produces yarn that is used in the pile to give towels more ‘fluff’. It is also more expensive than open-end and ringspun yarn.

Weight

A towel is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). Generally, the higher the gsm, the more absorbent and softer the towel: 300-400 gsm is considered lightweight, so the towel dries faster (which makes it a great choice as a gym towel); 400-600 gsm is medium weight; and 600-900 gsm is the heaviest (and most expensive).

TIPS

Most manufacturers recommend a 40°C wash, but higher or lower temperatures can also be used.

Detergents with brighteners may alter colour.

Use fabric conditioner sparingly – while it softens the material, it also coats the fibres, making your towels less absorbent.

Check for double-turned edges and stitches when buying a towel, as this reduces fraying and ensures better durability.

If you regularly use high heat, towels may shrink, fade or become worn out much faster.

Tumble-drying at a lower temperature softens the material. Give the towel a shake before putting it in the dryer, as it brings the pile back up.

When line-drying towels, don’t leave them in the sun too long: this can cause colours to fade and makes the towel harsh. Air-drying in the shade is best.

Store towels in a well-aired cupboard or in your bathroom, rolled up or folded. Make sure they’re dry when stored to prevent mildew growing on the fibres.