The size of the product is one of the most important factors in choosing a towel, since its value directly affects the quality of the functions performed. This indicator is standardized, but may differ for imported products:
- Toilet (guest) – 30X30 cm (30X50 cm);
- Kitchen - 50x70 cm;
- For the face – 50Х85/90 cm;
- Standard – 50X100 cm;
- Bath - 70x140 cm;
- Classic bath - 80x160 cm;
- Large bath - 100X150 (90X160/80X200 cm);
- Terry sheet – 150X250 (175X250 cm).
The most common shape of towels is a rectangle, which has a positive effect on the efficiency of use. However, various forms necessary for the interior are allowed.
Composition, softness and density of the fabric
Currently common natural raw materials for production are:
- Cotton (high absorbency, durability, hypoallergenic properties, environmentally friendly material);
- Bamboo (antibacterial properties, absorbency and strength compared to cotton fabric are much higher, the product acquires a characteristic shine);
- Lionel (eucalyptus wood fibers significantly increase liquid absorption and drying speed, structural features prevent the accumulation of dust or other microscopic substances, thereby preventing the risk of allergic reactions and unpleasant odors).
Silk or flax fibers are also often added. They give the product a pleasant appearance and it becomes soft and pleasant to the touch. Quality is improved by increasing durability and maintaining a high level of hygroscopic properties.
It is possible to add artificial fibers (their presence is indicated on the tag with the letters (M) - modal, (PC) - polycotton, and so on).
The most common is modal - a viscose fiber that does not reduce the absorbent properties of the fabric, increases durability, and the product becomes pleasant and fluffy. Polyamide and polyester are also used, which are characterized by low hygroscopicity.
The most optimal artificial material is soy fiber, made from plant protein molecules. The towel will be highly hypoallergenic, soft, wear-resistant, sufficient moisture absorption and a significant drying speed.
ATTENTION It is not recommended to buy towels consisting of 50% artificial fibers. Such products absorb moisture very poorly, shed and do not perform their function in drying hands and body.
The density of the fabric is determined by the density of the weave (the number of fibers used), which affects durability and absorbency. Its value is indicated on the product label in grams per 1 square meter:
- Kitchen towel - from 150 to 250 grams per square meter;
- Bath – 400 – 600 grams (the most optimal option);
ATTENTION The high density of the fabric not only increases wear resistance and absorbency, but also increases the drying time of the towel. This should be taken into account when choosing, since the time spent on drying is not always justified.
Softness is an important indicator in a choice that reflects high quality. A large number of manufacturers may resort to adding artificial fibers (for example, viscose), which increases softness, but negatively affects other properties, such as hygroscopicity.
Country of origin
The country in which the cotton was produced plays a big role in the properties of towels. Most often it comes from Turkey, Uzbekistan, Brazil, and India. But the highest quality raw materials are found in Egypt and Pakistan. Therefore, it is necessary to focus specifically on these producing countries.
What else to pay attention to
It is important to decide what kind of towel you need: terry, waffle or velor. Each of them serves to perform certain functions:
- Terry and velor for drying the body;
- Waffle is suitable for the kitchen.
You should choose towels with a pile about 4-5 millimeters long. Products with a shorter length of pile are short-lived, become hard and can cause discomfort or even injure the skin. If the length is higher, then the pile is stretched, and the towel loses its original appearance.
Before purchasing, you must carefully check the quality of the towels:
- Pay attention to durability and uniformity of coloring using a napkin;
- Peculiarities of edge processing (they must be neat, the threads do not stick out);
- The stitch frequency is at least 25 by 10 cm;
- There should be no smell.
IMPORTANT! After purchase, before use, you should wash the towel at a temperature not exceeding 60 ºC. The rpm speed should be average (no more than 800). It is strictly forbidden to use large volumes of air conditioner, as it reduces hygroscopicity.
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