When it comes to towels, there are two main options that people consider – Turkish towels and terry cloth towels. Both have their own unique characteristics and advantages that set them apart.

Turkish towels are traditionally woven, lightweight towels made from Turkish cotton that is known for its long fibers, durability and ability to soften over time.
On the other hand, terry cloth towels feature loops of pile that create extra surface area for water absorption.
How They’re Made: Unique Constructions
Turkish towels and terry cloth towels are constructed differently, resulting in key variations:
Turkish Towel Construction
- Uses Turkish cotton with extra long fibers from the Aegean region of Turkey
- Woven using traditional techniques like flat weave or jacquard weave
- Features a loose, open construction with more space between the threads
- Results in a thin, lightweight, and breathable fabric when complete
Key Takeaway: Turkish towels feature special long-fiber Turkish cotton and traditional open weaves that yield lightweight, breathable fabrics.
Terry Cloth Construction
- Uses shorter cotton fibers
- Created via knitting or weaving methods
- Comprised of dense vertical loops known as pile
- Loops act as pockets to absorb and retain moisture
- More loops means greater surface area and absorbency
- Has a thick, plush feel compared to Turkish towels
Factor | Turkish Towel | Terry Cloth Towel |
---|---|---|
Main Fiber Used | Long-fiber Turkish cotton | Shorter cotton fibers |
Construction Method | Traditional weaving techniques like flat and jacquard | Knitting or weaving |
Resulting Fabric Structure | Open, loose construction | Dense vertical pile loops |
Weight and Feel | Lightweight and breathable | Thick and plush |
Key Takeaway: Terry cloth towels feature dense loop pile construction that creates great absorbency through increased surface area, unlike the flat woven Turkish towel.
Absorbency Comparison
When comparing absorbency between Turkish and terry cloth towels, terry cloth is the clear winner:
- Terry cloth’s looped pile structure gives it an advantage for water absorption
- The high number of dense fabric loops effectively act as moisture pockets
- Allows terry cloth to rapidly absorb large volumes of water
- Turkish towels made of flat/open weaves absorb decently but cannot match terry cloth
However, the ultra-absorbent nature of terry cloth does come with a few tradeoffs:
- Takes much longer to fully dry after use due to retained moisture
- Tends to become heavy when holding water unlike the lightweight Turkish towel
- Over time, terry cloth loops can collapse and lose absorbency from repeated compression
So for pure water absorption and drying ability, terry cloth reigns supreme – but the lightweight Turkish towel provides decent absorbency with faster dry times.
Key Takeaway: Terry cloth vastly outperforms Turkish towels for water absorption thanks to its dense piled loop construction that acts as countless moisture pockets.
Softness and Durability Factors
Beyond absorbency, two other key factors for towel quality are:
- Softness
- Durability
Here’s how our two towel varieties compare for these metrics over their usable lifespans:
Softness Over Time
- Turkish towels start out rougher in texture than plush terry cloth
- But the Turkish cotton fibers soften significantly with repeated use and washing
- This helps Turkish towels become extremely soft and comfortable over time
- Terry cloth feels cushy and soft initially thanks to the looped pile
- But the loops can degrade and collapse with frequent use, reducing softness
Durability Differences
- Turkish cotton’s extra long fibers are very resilient
- Enables Turkish towels to withstand years of regular use with minimal wear
- Terry cloth loops are vulnerable to damage over time
- The toweling piles tends to pill or fall apart with consistent laundering
- Leads to reduced lifespan compared to durable Turkish counterparts
In summary:
- Turkish towels become softer and retain durability over time
- Terry cloth towels start out softer but experience faster degradation from use
This makes Turkish towels the longer-lasting, “improving with age” choice for those wanting towels that soften and endure.
Texture and Weight Variances
Due to their differing constructions, key textural and weight differences also emerge when comparing these towels:
Surface Texture and Feel
- Terry cloth = soft, cushy, plush texture
- Looped terry pile leads to a fluffy, fuzzy fabric finish
- Turkish towels = smooth, flat texture
- The flat/open weaves result in a sleeker, smoother fabric feel
Weight and Heaviness
- Turkish towels made with lightweight open weaves are much thinner and lighter than terry
- Allows them to dry quicker while being easy to carry and transport
- Terry cloth’s high density piled loops = heavier fabric weight
- Becomes even heavier when waterlogged after bathing
- Gets cumbersome to move around compared to featherlight Turkish towels
So if you want a lightweight, quick-drying and easy-to-manage towel, Turkish towels have a strong advantage over heavier terry options.
Styling, Color and Design Differences
Beyond performance metrics, styling-related preferences can also impact your towel decisions:
Style and Fashion Factor
- Turkish towels are often praised for their decorative versatility
- The lightweight fabric can be used as throws, shawls or sarong wraps
- Adds a bohemian flair popular in modern home decor
- Terry cloth more limited as a purely utilitarian bath towel
Color and Pattern Range
- Turkish towels come in diverse colors and intricate designs
- Offer great latitude for adding decorative flair to bathrooms
- Terry cloth often sold in basic colors or simple patterns only
- Provides fewer stylistic options relative to Turkish patterns
So for buyers wanting to make a fashion statement with their towels, Turkish cotton offers greater styling flexibility compared to basic terry cloth.
Price and Value Comparison
Price and overall value are always key purchasing factors. Here is how Turkish and terry cloth towels compare:
Turkish Towel Pricing
- Higher initial price than basic terry cloth towel sets
- Mainly due to specialized weaving processes and Turkish cotton sourcing
- But enhanced durability results in greater long term use and value
Terry Cloth Pricing
- Very affordable initial pricing due to commodity status
- But shorter usable lifespan from pile damage over time
- Requires re-purchasing replacement towels more frequently
When total cost of use is calculated over 5-10 years, the durable Turkish towel often offers better value for money.
Key Takeaway: Though Turkish towels carry higher upfront pricing, their exceptional longevity provides greater overall value in the long run.
Usage and Care Factors
To maximize lifespan and performance, proper care methods are key for both towel varieties:
Cleaning and Washing
- Machine wash in cold water to avoid shrinkage and pile damage
- Skip fabric softeners since chemicals degrade fibers over time
- Wash regularly before buildup occurs for best results
- Quick rinses of soiled areas extends time between full washes
Drying Procedures
- Line drying preferred to limit mechanical wear from dryers
- If machine drying, use low heat settings only
- Makes sure towels are fully dried before re-using or storing
- Limit folding and compression to retain fluffiness
Proper towel care is vital – so be sure to follow these best practices for long-lasting softness, absorbency and durability!
Textural Properties Comparison Table
This summarizes the key similarities and differences in Turkish and terry cloth towel attributes:
Towel Property | Turkish Towel | Terry Cloth Towel |
---|---|---|
Softness Over Time | Improves | Declines |
Durability Over Time | Excellent | Fair |
Weight | Lightweight | Heavy |
Texture | Smooth | Looped Pile |
Styling Potential | Highly Versatile | Basic |
Initial Price | Higher | Lower |
Long-Term Value | Superior | Inferior |
FAQs
Are Turkish towels actually from Turkey?
Yes – authentic Turkish towels feature specialized cotton sourced from Aegean coastal areas on Turkey. They also utilize traditional Turkish weaving methods to create the unique flat woven construction.
Can you put Turkish towels in the dryer?
Yes, but use care – machine drying can wear down fibers faster, especially if high heat is applied. Line drying is ideal. If machine drying, use a delicate cycle and low heat only.
How do I wash Turkish towels properly?
- Machine wash in cold water using a gentle detergent
- Skip adding fabric softener since it degrades fibers
- Wash similar colors together to prevent any dye transfer issues
- Line dry or tumble dry on delicate, low temperature setting
Why are Turkish towels better than normal towels?
Turkish towels excel due to their lightweight fabric, breathability, softening potential, decor versatility and durability – areas where basic terry cloth towels are deficient by comparison.
Conclusion
Understanding the unique strengths and applications of each variety allows you to make the best choice aligned with your priorities – whether that is pure drying power, lightweight versatility, fashion flair or long-lasting durability over years of ownership.