Fiber
Most towels today are made from cotton or cotton blends, but the type of cotton fiber used has a huge impact on the towel's durability, feel and color-fastness. Here's a quick rundown of some common fibers and what they bring to the towel bar:

• Pima (or trademarked Supima) Cotton
  Often grown in the warm, dry climate of the southwestern United States, Pima cotton is made from the same plant as Egyptian cotton. Known for producing rich, extra-long staple fibers prized for their strength and absorbency, Pima is considered to be a superior blends of cotton. Calcot's Grower's Collection and All American Lines feature 100% Supima Cotton Loops.
  
  
• Hollow Yarn
  In hollow yarn spinning, the yarn is spun with a PVA filament in its core in the yarn-forming zone, which provides enough dynamic strength to the yarn during spinning. Therefore, the dynamic strength of the yarn is not so important a factor in spinning. In order to measure the spinning limit of a hollow yarn, we measure the strength and irregularity of the hollow yarns after extracting the PVA. The results show that the high PVA percentage hollow yarns do not show good tensile properties and irregularity.
  
  
• Eqyptian Cotton
  The "king" of cottons. Favored in luxury markets, Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt's warm climate and prized for its extra-long, fibrous threads. This density produces a highly absorbent cotton that is strong yet breathable. Exceptionally durable, Egyptian cotton towels can last for years with proper care.
  
  
• MicroCotton® (aka Zero-Twist)
  A trademark for a high-quality, long-staple cotton fiber developed in India. Its soft and plush fibers create a fluffy towel with a suede-like texture and excellent absorbency.
  
  
• Organic Cotton
  Certified organic cotton is grown under highly controlled conditions without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and specially harvested to ensure sustainability and little environmental impact. Eco-friendly dyes are often used in conjunction with organic cotton to create a truly environmentally friendly towel.

Construction
Almost as important as a towel's fiber is the yarn's construction – how the yarn is actually made. The three common construction techniques below are used to produce diverse yarns with unique properties.

• Combed
  As the name implies, combed cotton has literally been "combed" to remove short, uneven fibers and debris resulting in longer, stronger and more lustrous cotton perfect for weaving.
  
  
• Ringspun
  Unlike low-twist cotton, ringspun cotton is constructed from a combination of long and short staple yarn. Ringspun fibers are tightly twisted together to create a stronger, smoother and finer yarn. This method produces a more refined feel than that of a basic combed cotton yarn.
  
  
• Twist
  Twist refers to the number of twists per inch of yarn. The lower the amount of twist in a yarn, the more plush the towel will be. A higher twist adds strength and uniformity to a yarn, resulting in a more durable, substantial feeling towel. Low- or zero-twist fabric can only be constructed from longer staple cotton yarn.

Feel
Let's face it – when you forget about the color choices, decorative details, technical terms and the varieties of cotton, the perfect towel is the one you think feels best. So before you buy, you should consider your "towel type": light and fluffy or substantial and dense. There's no right answer, but understanding the difference will help you make the right choice.

• Light & fluffy towels
  Typically woven with zero or low-twist yarn, these towels have longer loops, also called pile, that add a fluffiness you can run your fingers through and an almost airy feel. Absorbent without feeling "thirsty", they efficiently wick water away rather than soaking it up and feel light against the skin.
  
  
• Heavy & substantial towels
  Most often crafted from high-twist or multi-ply yarn, these towels have a shorter, more densely woven pile and a substantial, weighty feel. Soft to the touch, the uniform surface of the towel is exceptionally dense and absorbent, soaking up water quickly.

Size
Most bath towel collections offer a variety of sizes to fit your space, budget and personal preference. We recommend having three of each primary towel size – bath, hand and wash – per person in your household (and don't forget guests!) Check out the list below to see how each size stacks up:

• Bath Towel: measures approximately 30x56"
  The essential, do-it-all towel used for drying after a shower or bath.
  
  
• Hand Towel: measures approximately 16x30"
  This everyday towel gets plenty of usage drying hands after hand-washing.
  
  
• Wash Cloth: measures approximately 13x13"
  This small square towel is used both in and out of the shower/bath to wash hands, body and face (don't forget behind the ears!)
  
  
• Bath Sheet: approximately 34x68"
  A bit more indulgent that a standard towel, this oversized towel is ideal for those who prefer more coverage after a shower or bath.
  
  
• Bath Mat: measures approximately 21x34"
  A handy, tightly woven and highly absorbent towel used outside the tub or shower stall to prevent the floor from getting wet.

Care
Following these simple towel-care tips will help you get years of use out of your new bath towels:

1. Wash once before use Washing your towels before using them for the first time will help set the color, improve absorbency and reduce lint.
   
   
2. Avoid fabric softeners Fabric softeners leave residue on the fibers that will reduce absorbency and stiffen the pile.
   
   
3. Add a dash of vinegar Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to the wash periodically to remove residue, improve absorbency and combat the musty smell sometimes found in damp towels.
   
   
4. Keep skin care products on your skin Avoid contact with skin care products to help minimize towel spotting and bleaching.

Details, details
Now that you know a more about what goes into making a towel, why not think about what you want to get out of your towels? Many towels are available in an array of fresh, modern colors that can become a focal point of your décor, and with new colors being introduced all the time, you can refresh your bath as often as you'd like. Want to create a spa-like space? Try plush Turkish towels in simple, minimal white. Looking to add a cozy feel to your guest bath or powder room? Layer in hand towels embellished with appliqué accents or detailed embroidery. If you think about it, the right bath towels can give your bathroom a whole new look, no general contractor required.