While shopping for beach towels, you may find some made with Turkish cotton. These so-called Turkish towels, also known as fouta or peshtemal towels, feature fibers that “are typically a little smoother and stronger than many other types of cotton,” says Karin Sun, founder of bedding and bath brand Crane & Canopy. And yes, this cotton is only made in Turkey, she adds.
SKIP AHEAD How to shop for Turkish beach towels | The best Turkish beach towels of 2024 | The difference between Turkish, Egyptian and Pima cotton
Experts told me that Turkish cotton is an absorbent yet quick-drying fabric. To help you find the right Turkish beach towel for your needs, I talked to experts about how to shop for them and rounded up a handful worth your consideration. I also included some of my favorites that I've used and reported on over the years.
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How to shop for Turkish beach towels
Turkish towels are perfect for situations where you need a highly absorbent but quick-drying option,” says Elissa Hall, lead designer and founder of EDH Interiors in Portland, Oregon. “They are also ideal for travel, as they fold up compactly and don’t take up much space in your luggage.” Experts have outlined three things to look for when you shop for Turkish beach towels.
- Material: It may sound obvious, but Turkish towels should be made from 100% Turkish cotton — a material known for its durability and softness, says Hall. You may find other thin towels that resemble Turkish towels, but if they aren’t made with Turkish cotton, they won’t be as absorbent and quick-drying.
- Weave: With a looser weave, you’ll see small spaces between the threads — something you won’t be able to do with a tighter weave. “A tighter weave generally indicates higher quality and increased absorbency,” says Hall.
- Size: The size you choose comes down to personal preference and need, says Hall. As you shop, think about what will work best for your life. A smaller size should do if you just need a towel to dry off. Want something that can double as a small picnic blanket? Opt for a larger size.
Best Turkish beach towels 2024
With our experts’ guidance in mind, I rounded up a variety of Turkish beach towels for you to consider. Some were recommended by our experts, while others are highly rated.
Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towels
“Coyuchi’s towels are luxurious and also sustainably made — aligning with my commitment to eco-friendly design,” says Hall. “The combination of craftsmanship, durability and aesthetic appeal makes this brand a standout.” These towels are made from 100% organic Turkish cotton and come in either a bath towel size or a larger beach towel size.
Lands’ End Turkish Cotton Beach Towel
I keep this towel in a trunk, which has saved me numerous times. I’ve used it as a picnic blanket on impromptu trips to the park with my daughter, to dry off my dog after she’s jumped into puddles at the dog park and as a beach towel. The 100% Turkish cotton towel measures 39 inches by 78 inches long and is super soft. It’s available in five colors, including primrose yellow stripe and salt-washed pink stripe.
Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Towels
If you want the quick-drying benefits of Turkish cotton but the plush feel of a standard bath towel, consider this option from Parachute. “Their Turkish towels are crafted with high-quality Turkish cotton and they offer exceptional softness and absorbency,” says Hall. They come in a bath towel or bath sheet size, the latter of which is more roomy if you want to use it as a beach towel.
Wetcat Turkish Beach Blanket Towel
According to the brand, this towel is made from 100% Turkish cotton and is designed to be quick-drying and odor-resistant. It comes pre-washed, so you can use it immediately, and it’s machine-washable for easy clean-up. This towel is also available in two sizes — beach towel (38 inches by 71 inches) and beach blanket (82 inches by 82 inches). It has a 4.7-star average rating from 12,150 reviews on Amazon.
Cacala Turkish Beach Towel
Made from 100% Turkish cotton, these towels are dyed with fade-resistant dye, so they maintain their vibrant color after they’re washed, according to the brand. They have a 4.6-star average rating from over 4,060 reviews on Amazon.
Smyrna Turkish Beach Towel
This oversized towel, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 6,075 reviews on Amazon, measures 37 inches by 71 inches. In addition to quickly drying you off, this 100% Turkish cotton towel can be used as a sarong, picnic blanket or scarf. The towel is pre-washed so it can be used as soon as it arrives.
Sand Cloud Turkish Beach Towel
Consider the Sand Cloud Turkish Beach Towel if you’re looking for a fun design. According to the brand, this towel is also absorbent, quick-drying and sand-resistant. It has a 4.7-star average rating from over 830 reviews on Amazon and was featured on Shark Tank.
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What is the difference between Turkish, Egyptian and Pima cotton?
When shopping for towels, you’ll generally find three kinds of cotton: Turkish, Egyptian and Pima.
- Turkish cotton is meant to be lightweight and quick-drying — this duality makes it a popular pick for towels, Sun says. Turkish towels usually feature tightly woven cotton on one side and plush terry on the other — the combination of the two means they’re soft, absorbent and lightweight, according to Sun.
- Egyptian cotton, similar to Turkish cotton, has extra-long fibers but is known for being durable and high-quality.
- Pima cotton can be considered a “sister to Egyptian cotton,” Sun says. She said it generally refers to a generic label given to extra-long staple cotton (just like Egyptian cotton) developed in the U.S. in the early 1900s. This cotton was actually created from a variety of Egyptian cotton—Supima is a trademarked type of Pima cotton.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Karin Sun is the founder of bedding and bath brand Crane & Canopy.
- Elissa Hall is the lead designer and founder of EDH Interiors in Portland, Oregon.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two textile experts.
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