Have you ever reached for a towel after a shower, only to find that it feels too thin, rough, or takes a long time to dry your body?
This simple experience shows that choosing a towel is not just about colour. The material, fabric structure, and thickness determine everyday comfort.
Let’s learn about good towel materials so you can more easily find an option that suits your needs.
Material is not the only factor that determines towel quality. Also pay attention to the fabric density measured in g/m², as this figure affects the towel’s thickness, absorbency, weight, and drying speed.
What is a good towel material?
Towels are available in a variety of materials, ranging from natural to synthetic fibers. Each material has different characteristics that affect absorbency, softness, thickness, and drying time. However, some types of materials may be harder to find or have more limited product options.
If you are looking for a towel material that is comfortable to use, easy to find, and suitable for everyday use, 100% cotton can be a good option. Its natural fibers absorb water well and feel comfortable against the skin.
Even towels made from the same material can differ in quality and feel. This can be influenced by the fabric construction and fiber density. For example, towels with a weight of 400 g/m² tend to be lighter and dry faster, while 500–650 g/m² towels feel thicker and may offer higher absorbency.
Therefore, choose a towel based on its material, thickness, and intended use to find an option that suits your everyday needs.
Read also: Learn about towel types and materials and their uses
Types of towel materials
1. 100% Cotton
Cotton is one of the most popular towel materials for everyday use. Its fibers absorb water well and feel comfortable against the skin.
Cotton towels are also easy to care for and available in various thicknesses. The higher the fabric density, the thicker the towel generally feels and the more water it can absorb, but it may also take longer to dry.
2. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is an option for those who prefer towels made from organic fibers. The main difference from conventional cotton lies in the cultivation process and production standards for the fibers.
One certification to look for is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which sets standards for textile products made from organic fibers.
3. Bamboo
Bamboo fibers can be used as textile materials to make towels. They are known for their soft surface and comfortable feel against the skin.
Bamboo towels can also be an alternative if you want to try a material other than cotton. However, the characteristics of the towel can vary depending on the manufacturing process and the fiber blend used.
4. Microfiber
Microfiber is made from very fine synthetic fibers. Towels made from this material are lightweight and can absorb water quickly.
Because they are lightweight and easy to dry, microfiber towels are often used for sports, travel, or activities that require a practical towel.
IKEA towel recommendations
After understanding towel materials and thickness levels, find an option that suits your everyday needs through the IKEA towel category. IKEA offers a variety of sizes, colours, and fabric densities to help you choose towels that are comfortable, absorbent, and easy to care for.
1. VÅGSJÖN bath towel for everyday use
For everyday needs, you can consider VÅGSJÖN. The 70x140 cm VÅGSJÖN bath towel variant uses cotton with a density of around 400 g/m².
This characteristic makes it feel sufficiently soft and absorbent while also drying relatively quickly. The material uses 100% cotton with a minimum of 20% recycled cotton.
This option is suitable for those who wash towels regularly, have limited drying space, or want a towel that does not feel too heavy when wet.
2. GULVIAL bath towel for softness and comfort
If you want a slightly fuller feel without switching to an extra-thick towel, consider GULVIAL. The GULVIAL bath towel uses 100% cotton with a density of 500 g/m². IKEA also uses low-twist yarn in this series, giving the surface a soft and smooth feel.
This density sits between lightweight towels and extra-thick towels. The result can provide a middle ground for a family bathroom: absorbent enough to dry the body after a shower, but not as heavy as a 650 g/m² towel.
If you are updating your entire bathing area, also explore simple and aesthetic bathroom inspiration from IKEA for ideas on arranging textiles, storage, and bathroom accessories.
3. FREDRIKSJÖN bath towel for high absorbency
Do you like a towel that feels thick when wrapped around your body after a shower? The FREDRIKSJÖN series uses 100% cotton with a density of 650 g/m². The extra-thick terry construction makes it soft while also providing high absorbency.
This towel is suitable when your priorities are a denser feel and absorbency. As a consequence, heavier fabrics generally require a longer drying time than lower-density towels.
The higher the surface density of the fabric, the greater its absorbency, while towels with a lower density tend to dry faster.
4. BROKGLIM bath towel for an organic cotton option
Another available option is BROKGLIM. This towel is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton (Global Organic Textile Standard) with a density of 650 g/m². It is extra thick, soft, and highly absorbent.
BROKGLIM can be considered if you are looking for a towel made from organic cotton with clear textile certification. This series is also available in several sizes, allowing bath towels and hand towels to be coordinated more easily within one bathroom.
How to choose towel materials according to your needs
Rather than focusing on a single indicator, use the following three simple considerations.
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For faster drying: choose cotton with a density of around 400 g/m², such as VÅGSJÖN. This option is practical for regular use and environments with limited drying space.
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For a balance between softness and weight: a density of around 500 g/m², such as GULVIAL, provides a fuller feel without becoming too heavy.
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For a thicker and more absorbent feel: 650 g/m² towels such as FREDRIKSJÖN or BROKGLIM are suitable when you prioritise thickness and absorbency.
Do not forget to consider the towel size according to its function. A hand towel does not need to be as large as a towel used to dry the entire body, while a bath towel should be wide enough to be comfortable to use after bathing.
How to care for towels to maintain their absorbency
Even good towel materials require proper care.
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Wash towels before use because their absorbency can increase after the first wash.
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Avoid excessive use of fabric softener because it can reduce the fibres’ ability to absorb water.
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After use, spread the towel out so that it receives sufficient air circulation and dries faster.
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Do not leave towels piled up while damp.
You can read the guide on choosing a towel rack for a tidier bathroom to help organise your towel-drying area.
Choose towels based on your comfort
There is no single thickness that suits every home. 100% cotton is a practical foundation, and you can then determine the density according to your needs: 400 g/m² for towels that are lighter and dry faster, 500 g/m² as a middle option, or 650 g/m² for a thicker feel and greater absorbency.
Discover a variety of IKEA bath towels and hand towels and choose the material, size, and colour that suit your routine and bathroom style.
Read also: The right towel rack for a cleaner and tidier bathroom
FAQ about good towel materials
100% cotton can be an option because its fibres are soft and have good absorbency. The fabric density should also be considered.
Not always. Thick towels are usually more absorbent, but lighter towels can dry faster and be more practical for regular use.
Around 400–650 g/m² can be selected according to your needs. Lower figures tend to be lighter and dry faster, while higher figures feel thicker and more absorbent.
It is best not to use it excessively. Fabric softener can reduce the absorbency of some types of towels.