BATHING BEAUTIES

Our towelling picks

The higher the GSM (grams per sq metre), the more absorbent the towel. As a guide, 450-600 is a medium-weight towel.

Look for towels that have double-turned edges with double stitching – this will reduce fraying.

When washing, avoid overdosing with detergent as it can leave towels stiff.

Too much fabric conditioner can settle in the towel’s fibres and make it less absorbent. Leave it out altogether every few washes.

Line-drying towels outdoors or using a tumble dryer will keep them fluffy. Ensure you give them a good shake before you toss them in the tumble dryer and don’t let them get bone dry – a little moisture should be left in them.

Use a colour-safe detergent for brightly coloured towels to prevent fading. These generally contain enzymes, so should still be good at removing stains.