Your towels work hard every single day. They absorb moisture, withstand frequent washing, and set the tone for your entire bathroom. Yet most of us never think twice about how we care for them. With a few simple habits, you can extend the life of your towels, keep them feeling soft and fresh, and even make your bathroom look like a luxury hotel suite.
How to Wash Your Towels the Right Way
Proper washing is the foundation of towel care, and it starts before you even use them for the first time. Always wash new towels before their first use. This removes any residual manufacturing finishes and activates the cotton fibers so they absorb moisture more effectively right from the start.
When it comes to regular washing, follow these best practices:
Wash towels every three to four uses. Waiting too long allows bacteria and mildew to build up, while washing too frequently causes unnecessary wear on the fibers.
Use warm water and a mild detergent. Hot water can break down cotton fibers over time, while cold water may not remove oils and buildup effectively. Warm water strikes the perfect balance.
Skip the fabric softener. This is one of the most common towel care mistakes. Fabric softeners leave a waxy coating on fibers that reduces absorbency. If your towels feel stiff, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead. It naturally softens fibers without leaving residue.
Don’t overload the machine. Towels need room to agitate and rinse thoroughly. Crowding them leads to poor cleaning and leftover detergent buildup.
Tumble dry on low to medium heat. High heat weakens cotton fibers and can cause shrinkage. Remove towels promptly when the cycle ends to prevent musty odors.
What Is GSM and Why Does It Matter?
GSM stands for grams per square meter, and it is the standard measurement used to describe the density and weight of a towel. The higher the GSM, the thicker, heavier, and more absorbent the towel will be.
| GSM Range | Feel | Best For | Featured Style |
| 300–400 GSM | Lightweight, quick drying | Beach towels, gym towels, warm climates | Amalfi Towel |
| 400–600 GSM | Medium weight, soft | Everyday household use | Kyoto Towel |
| 600–900 GSM | Plush, luxurious, highly absorbent | Spa and hotel quality bath towels | Atelier Towel |
When shopping for towels, GSM is one of the best indicators of quality. A towel around 600 to 700 GSM hits the sweet spot between plush luxury and practical performance.
As Seen In: Our Most-Loved Towels, Ranked by the Press
Photo courtesy of Kassatex
Amalfi Towel
“Available in six summery colors, each with a subtle embroidery moment, this beach towel is roomy enough to sprawl out on with a friend.” -Architectural Digest
Photo courtesy of Kassatex
Kyoto Towel
“I’ve been using the Kyoto towels for nearly three months, and they’re honestly the only ones I reach for now. Besides loving how they feel, I also appreciate their higher quality.” -Apartment Therapy
Photo courtesy of Kassatex
Atelier Towel
“Kassatex’s Atelier Towels are the most dense and absorbent of all the towels we tried. They remain soft after several washes, and the hanging loops are a thoughtful touch.” -Business Insider
How to Fold Towels for Storage and Display
The way you fold your towels affects both how they fit on your shelves and how your bathroom looks. Here are two popular methods:
The Classic Spa Fold is perfect for linen closets. Lay the towel flat, fold it in half lengthwise, then fold it into thirds. This creates a neat, uniform rectangle that stacks beautifully on shelves.
The Hotel Roll is ideal for display and guest bathrooms. Fold the towel in half lengthwise, fold one corner diagonally toward the center, then roll tightly from the flat end toward the pointed end. Tuck the pointed flap underneath to secure it. This method saves space, prevents hard creases, and adds an elegant touch to open shelving or baskets.
For the best results, always fold or roll towels immediately after drying to prevent wrinkles and keep them looking crisp.
A little care goes a long way. Treat your towels well and they will reward you with softness, absorbency, and style for years to come.