Ever wondered why some towels feel incredibly soft while others turn rough after just a few washes? The secret lies in the fabric they’re made from.

From plush cotton bath towels in luxury hotels to quick-drying microfiber towels in gyms, the material directly affects how a towel performs—its absorbency, softness, durability, and even its environmental impact.

In this complete towel fabric guide, we’ll break down the most popular materials—like cotton, bamboo, microfiber, and linen—so you can choose the best towel for your hotel, spa, gym, or home. Plus, we’ll explain what GSM means, which towels dry fastest, and how to pick eco-friendly options.

Table of Contents

Common Towel Materials and Their Benefits
- Cotton Towels – Most Popular and Versatile
- Bamboo Towels – Eco-Friendly and Soft
- Microfiber Towels – Lightweight and Fast-Drying
- Linen Towels – Stylish and Durable
Understanding GSM and Towel Thickness
Most Absorbent Towel Fabrics Ranked
Best Towels for Hotels, Gyms, Spas, and Kitchens
Eco-Friendly and Hypoallergenic Towels
FAQs: Towel Materials
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Towel Fabric

Common Towel Materials and Their Benefits

1. Cotton Towels – Most Popular and Versatile

Cotton is the most widely used towel fabric worldwide. It’s soft, breathable, and highly absorbent, making it ideal for almost every setting.

Types of Cotton Towels:

Egyptian Cotton: Long fibers, ultra-soft, and extremely absorbent. Best for luxury hotel towels.
Turkish Cotton: Slightly faster-drying than Egyptian cotton, with a smooth, premium texture. Great for spa and beach towels.
Pima Cotton: Known for softness, strength, and a high thread count. Suitable for both premium and everyday towels.
Organic Cotton: Grown without chemicals. Perfect for eco-conscious buyers and guests with sensitive skin.

2. Bamboo Towels – Eco-Friendly and Soft

Made from bamboo rayon, these towels are a sustainable option. They’re naturally antibacterial, breathable, and gentle on the skin.

Best For: Spas, eco-resorts, baby care, and hypoallergenic towel needs.
Note: Softer than cotton but not as durable over long-term use.

3. Microfiber Towels – Lightweight and Quick to Dry

Microfiber towels are made from a blend of polyester and polyamide. They’re known for being compact, ultra-light, and fast-drying.

Ideal For: Gyms, travel, outdoor use, and cleaning.

Common blend: 80% polyester / 20% polyamide
Dries faster than cotton, but feels less plush.

4. Linen Towels – Durable and Stylish

Linen is made from flax and has a textured, rustic feel. It absorbs moisture well but dries quickly.

Best For: Kitchen use, hand towels, or boutique hotels with minimalist or rustic themes.

Naturally antimicrobial
Long-lasting but not very plush

Understanding GSM: Why It Matters

GSM (grams per square meter) tells you how thick and heavy a towel is. The higher the GSM, the denser and more absorbent the towel.

GSM Range	Towel Type	Recommended Use
300–400 GSM	Lightweight, quick-dry	Gym, pool, travel
400–600 GSM	Medium weight	Standard hotel & home use
600–900 GSM	Heavy, plush	Luxury hotels, spas, suites

Pro Tip: For hotels, towels in the 500–700 GSM range strike the perfect balance between comfort, absorbency, and drying time.

Most Absorbent Towel Materials (Ranked)

Egyptian Cotton – Thick, super absorbent, and luxuriously soft
Bamboo – Quick to absorb and fast-drying
Turkish Cotton – Smooth and absorbent, with faster drying than Egyptian Cotton
Pima Cotton – Balanced durability and softness
Microfiber – Excellent for sweat and small spills, not ideal for full-body drying
Linen – Moderate absorbency; better for decorative or kitchen use

Best Towels by Setting

Use Case	Recommended Material	Why It’s Ideal
Hotels	Egyptian / Turkish Cotton	Plush, absorbent, long-lasting
Spas	Bamboo / Organic Cotton	Gentle, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly
Gyms	Microfiber	Lightweight, dries quickly, compact
Kitchens	Linen	Quick-dry, durable, stylish texture

Eco-Friendly & Hypoallergenic Towel Options

If you want towels that are good for your skin and the planet, look for:

Organic Cotton Towels – Free from chemicals and certified by GOTS
Bamboo Towels – Naturally renewable and biodegradable
Recycled Microfiber – Made from post-consumer plastics, suitable for gyms or cleaning

FAQs About Towel Materials

Q: What are hotel towels made of?
A: Most hotel towels are made from Egyptian or Turkish cotton, offering a great mix of softness, durability, and absorbency.

Q: Are bamboo towels better than cotton?
A: Bamboo towels are more eco-friendly and softer, but cotton towels are usually more durable and plush.

Q: Do microfiber towels absorb well?
A: Yes, microfiber is great for light spills and drying off sweat quickly. But for full-body drying, cotton or bamboo is better.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Towel Fabric

When selecting towels—whether for hotel guests, spa clients, or everyday home use—the material makes all the difference. Consider:

Cotton for all-around comfort and absorbency
Bamboo for softness and sustainability
Microfiber for performance and speed
Linen for style and quick drying

Always match the fabric type, GSM, and towel size to your usage. Investing in high-quality towels leads to better guest satisfaction, long-term cost savings, and a more professional look for your business.

Explore premium towels at Acme and upgrade your guest experience today.

What Are Towels Made Of? A Complete Fabric Guide for Hotels