Turkish Towel

A Turkish towel, also called a peshtemal or hammam towel, is a flat-woven textile with ancient roots in Turkish bath house culture, crafted from long-staple Turkish cotton using traditional loom techniques. Unlike the looped terry construction of standard bath towels, Turkish towels feature a flat, thin weave that is surprisingly absorbent, exceptionally quick-drying, and remarkably lightweight. Their distinctive flat construction allows them to be folded compactly, making them popular for travel, beach use, and small bathrooms where storage space is limited. The cultural heritage of Turkish towels spans centuries, originating in the hammams of the Ottoman Empire where they served as wrap-around garments, drying cloths, and even decorative furnishings. Modern Turkish towels preserve these versatile traditions while adding contemporary aesthetic appeal through beautiful color combinations and artisan fringe details. Their multi-functional nature sets them apart from any other towel type: they work equally well as bath towels, beach blankets, picnic throws, sarongs, and decorative accents draped over furniture. The flat weave also means they get softer with each wash without developing the musty smell that can plague thicker terry towels.