Please read the following post for important information on how I’ve chosen my recommendations:
TLDR: It’s better to invest in sustainable bath towels for your own health and the health of the planet.
Why you should care: “Towels marketed as ‘ultra absorbent’ often shed microfiber plastics when washed and dried.” https://www.leafscore.com/eco-friendly-bath-products/best-eco-friendly-towels/ Microfiber plastics pollute our soil and water. Plus, we rub these towels all over our bodies so they should be made of stuff that’s safe for our skin.
What you should buy: https://www.the-citizenry.com/products/mara-organic-waffle-towel-set?v=44255203918011
These towels are effing expensive! I got them on sale at Christmas.
The following link is actually a great primer on towel materials and it’s consistent with all my reading but in a much more concise form. The only info that’s not exactly accurate is the part about some fabrics being antimicrobial. Studies don’t support that so ignore that paragraph! https://fiveadrift.com/blogs/news/7-reasons-why-you-should-be-using-eco-friendly-towels
I liked these towels because they last a long time. They have the GOTS and Oeko-Tex certifications, which means they were made with safe and environmentally friendly practices.
Plus, you can throw cotton towels in the washer, whereas other materials don’t fare as well in a machine.
One of the big downsides of this product is that it’s made from Turkish cotton, which means a larger carbon footprint for shipping. But since I’m only buying it once and then keeping it for many years, I’m less concerned about this issue.
Photo Credit: pablo ramos