textures
Patterned weave
Towel weaves come in many different kinds of jacquards of patterns, from all-over honeycombs to inlaid squares to raised stripes. Choosing this style adds depth, complexity, and a little spice to your bathroom, and is therefore best applied in a simple, one-color room. Be careful not to overdo it by mixing many conflicting patterns in one small space.
Waffle towels
Perfect for au natural bathers, waffle towels are available in natural fibers like hemp and add a muted, rustic feel to your space. Again, this style is best suited for a basic, one tone bathroom to which the waffle weave adds depth. The added bonus here is that the waffle texture feels sumptuous against your body!
Decorative edging
If you describe yourself as soft and simple, pastel may be the look for you. Pastels can lead to an airy, fresh, spring-time look that makes your bedroom seem happy and welcoming. Add sheer, billowy curtains that let in lots of light to complete the pastel feel. Prevent too "girly" an effect by mixing in pale greys with your pinks, yellows, and blues. And, don't forget to include the newest color in interior decorating for this year: lavender!
Jacquard
A combination of loops and flat weave, jacquard towels have designs woven into the fabric itself for a 2-dimensional look.
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materials
Cotton
Absorbent. Efficient. Probably the best fabric choice for towels. One tip: the more cotton, or loops, per square inch (ie. Higher thread count), the better the absorbency. There are also many variations of cotton. Pima cotton towels have longer fibers, which give the towels extra strength, yet maintain softness. Egyptian cotton towels are typically the most expensive option, due to their durability, luster and silky feel.
Linen
Linen loops on a cotton base, this hybrid combination is the most absorbent and fastest drying.
Velour
Luxurious and soft, the lovely look and feel of these towels definitely makes up for their lacking in functionality, as they are not the most absorbent of towels.
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photo courtesy of Macy's
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