Turkish Towels

If you've been researching Turkish towels, you've probably come across the word peshtemal (also spelled pestemal, pestamal, or fouta). It sounds exotic — and it is. Peshtemal is one of the oldest textile traditions in the world, with roots going back over 600 years to the Ottoman Empire. Here's everything you need to know about what peshtemal is, where it comes from, and why it's become a modern lifestyle essential.

What Does Peshtemal Mean?

Peshtemal (پشتمال in Ottoman Turkish) is the traditional flat-woven cotton cloth used in Turkish hammam bathhouses. The word comes from the Persian "peshtemal" meaning a cloth worn around the body. In Turkey, it has been a staple of bath culture for centuries — used to wrap the body, dry off, and even as a modesty covering inside the hammam.

Today, the word peshtemal is used interchangeably with:

• Hammam towel — named after the Turkish bath (hammam)
• Turkish towel — the most common English name
• Fouta — the North African version of the same flat-woven textile
• Pestemal — an alternate spelling common in Turkey

The History of Peshtemal

Peshtemal has been woven in the Aegean region of Turkey — particularly in cities like Bursa, Denizli, and Afyon — for over 600 years. The tradition emerged alongside the hammam culture of the Ottoman Empire, where communal bathhouses were central to social life, hygiene, and religious practice.

In the hammam, attendants (called tellak) would wrap bathers in fresh peshtemal after bathing and massage. The quality of a bathhouse was often judged by the quality of its peshtemal — fine weaving, soft fibers, and vibrant colors were signs of prestige.

For centuries, peshtemal was woven by hand on traditional wooden looms, with each region developing its own patterns, fringe styles, and color traditions. The most prized peshtemal came from long-staple Turkish cotton grown in the fertile Aegean plains — the same cotton used in Basic Layers Turkish towels today.

How Is Peshtemal Different from a Regular Towel?

The key difference is in the weave. Traditional terry cloth towels are made with looped pile — thousands of tiny cotton loops that create a thick, plush surface. Peshtemal is woven flat, more like a fine fabric, with long parallel threads running in both directions.

This flat weave gives peshtemal several distinct advantages:

• Lighter weight — a peshtemal weighs 200–350g vs. 600–800g for a terry towel
• Faster drying — dries in 20–30 minutes vs. 1–2 hours
• More compact — folds to the size of a large paperback book
• More durable — flat fibers don't snag, pill, or lose shape the way terry loops do
• Gets softer with age — the long-staple fibers open up and soften with each wash

What Is Peshtemal Made Of?

Authentic peshtemal is made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton — specifically a variety grown in the Aegean region with fibers that are longer and finer than standard cotton. This extra length means the threads can be spun more tightly, creating a stronger, smoother, more absorbent fabric.

Beware of peshtemal made from blended fabrics — cotton/polyester blends, bamboo mixes, or short-staple cotton will not deliver the same softness, absorbency, or longevity. At Basic Layers, every peshtemal is woven from 100% pure Turkish cotton with no synthetic blends.

How to Use a Peshtemal

The beauty of peshtemal is its versatility. Here are the most popular ways people use them:

• Bath towel — wrap around the body after a shower or bath
• Beach towel — lightweight, sand-resistant, dries fast on the beach
• Hammam wrap — use it the traditional way in a steam room or sauna
• Yoga and gym towel — thinner and more hygienic than terry cloth
• Travel towel — fits in any bag, dries overnight in a hotel room
• Sarong or pareo — wrap around the waist at the beach or pool
• Blanket or throw — drape over a sofa or use as a picnic blanket
• Baby blanket — soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin

How to Choose a Quality Peshtemal

Not all peshtemal are created equal. Here's what to look for:

• 100% Turkish cotton — no polyester, bamboo, or cheap cotton blends
• Handwoven or traditionally woven — better structure and durability than mass-produced options
• Weight 200–350g — lightweight but with enough density to absorb well
• Knotted fringe — a sign of traditional craftsmanship; look for evenly spaced, tightly knotted fringe
• Natural dyes or OEKO-TEX certified — ensures no harmful chemicals

Shop Authentic Peshtemal at Basic Layers

At Basic Layers, we source and handweave our peshtemal using centuries-old traditions from Turkey's Aegean region. Every towel is made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton — no shortcuts, no synthetic blends, no compromises.

Browse our full peshtemal collection and discover why thousands of customers have made the switch from regular terry towels to authentic Turkish peshtemal.

Turkish towels are an investment in quality — and like any premium textile, they reward proper care with years of softness, absorbency, and beauty. Whether you just received your first Turkish towel from Basic Layers or you've had one for years, this guide covers everything you need to know about washing, drying, and maintaining your peshtemal.

Do Turkish Towels Get Softer Over Time?

Yes — this is one of the most important things to understand about Turkish towels. Unlike regular terry cloth towels that start soft and get rougher with each wash, genuine Turkish cotton towels made from long-staple fibers become noticeably softer and more absorbent the more you use and wash them.

The first few uses may feel slightly textured or firm — this is completely normal. By the 3rd to 5th wash, most customers notice a significant improvement in softness. By the 10th wash, your Turkish towel should feel exceptionally plush.

How to Wash Turkish Towels

Machine Washing (Recommended)

Turkish towels can be machine washed, which makes them easy to maintain. Follow these simple steps:

• Water temperature: Cold or warm water (30°C / 86°F max). Avoid hot water — it can shrink the fibers and reduce softness over time.
• Cycle: Gentle or delicate cycle. A regular cycle is fine but gentle extends the life of the weave.
• Detergent: Use a mild, liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergents, which can leave residue in the weave.
• Bleach: Never use bleach or fabric softener — both break down the long-staple cotton fibers that give Turkish towels their strength and softness.
• Separate colors: Wash dark and light-colored towels separately on first wash to prevent color transfer.

Why You Should NEVER Use Fabric Softener on Turkish Towels

This is the number one mistake people make with Turkish towels. Fabric softener coats the cotton fibers with a waxy residue that actually reduces absorbency and prevents the towel from getting softer naturally. Skip it entirely — your Turkish towel will become soft on its own through washing.

Hand Washing

If you prefer to hand wash, use lukewarm water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Gently agitate the towel, rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, and press out excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric.

How to Dry Turkish Towels

Air Drying (Best Method)

Air drying is the preferred method for Turkish towels. Because they are woven flat rather than looped like terry cloth, they dry incredibly fast — usually within 20 to 30 minutes when hung in a well-ventilated area. Simply shake the towel to loosen the fibers after washing and hang flat or drape over a towel bar or railing.

Tumble Drying

If you use a dryer, follow these tips:

• Use a low heat setting — high heat can shrink the cotton and damage the fringe
• Remove promptly when dry to prevent wrinkles
• Do not over-dry — slight dampness is fine, the towel will finish drying at room temperature
• Add a clean tennis ball or dryer ball to help fluff the fibers

What About the Fringe?

The fringe on Turkish towels is delicate and deserves a little attention. To keep the fringe looking neat and tangle-free, give the towel a firm shake after washing to straighten the fringe before hanging or drying. Avoid washing with items that have hooks, zippers, or velcro that can snag and tangle the fringe.

How to Store Turkish Towels

Because Turkish towels are lightweight and compact, they are easy to store almost anywhere:

• Folded in a linen closet — stack neatly by color or set
• Rolled on a bathroom shelf — Turkish towels look beautiful rolled and displayed
• Hung on a ladder rack — a popular home decor choice that doubles as storage
• In a beach bag or gym bag — their compact size makes them perfect for on-the-go storage

Always store Turkish towels completely dry to prevent mildew. Since they dry so fast, this is rarely an issue — but if stored damp, hang them to air out completely before folding and storing.

How to Remove Stains from Turkish Towels

Treat stains promptly for best results:

• Organic stains (food, grass, mud): Rinse with cold water immediately, then apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the stain before washing
• Oil-based stains: Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain, let sit for 5 minutes, then wash as normal
• Avoid rubbing — blot stains gently to prevent spreading
• Never use bleach on colored Turkish towels — it will permanently damage the color and fibers

How Long Do Turkish Towels Last?

With proper care, a high-quality Turkish towel from Basic Layers can last 5 to 10 years — far longer than a standard terry cloth towel. The key is gentle washing, air drying when possible, and avoiding bleach and fabric softener.

Many of our customers tell us their Basic Layers Turkish towels are still going strong after 7+ years of regular use — getting softer and more beautiful with every wash.

Shop Our Turkish Towel Collection

Ready to add to your collection? Browse our full range of handwoven Turkish towels — from beach towels and bath towels to Turkish bathrobes and hand towels. Each piece is made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton for lasting softness and quality.

                        

 

Yes, Turkish towels can typically be machine washed. However, it's essential to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best results and preserve the towel's quality and longevity. Here are some general tips for washing Turkish towels:

1. Check the Care Label: Always check the care label attached to the towel for specific washing instructions. Different towels may have different care requirements based on their materials and construction.

2. Use Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent without bleach or fabric softener to avoid damaging the fibers of the towel.

3. Wash in Cold or Warm Water: Wash Turkish towels in cold or warm water. Hot water can cause shrinkage and may damage the fibers over time.

4. Avoid Overloading the Machine: Overloading the washing machine can prevent the towels from getting thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. Wash Turkish towels with similar items and avoid overcrowding the machine.

5. Gentle Cycle: Use a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to prevent excessive agitation, which can cause fraying or damage to the towel's fibers.

6. Avoid Fabric Softener: Fabric softener can coat the fibers of Turkish towels, reducing their absorbency. It's best to avoid using fabric softener when washing these towels.

7. Air Dry or Tumble Dry Low: Turkish towels can be air dried or tumble dried on low heat. Avoid using high heat, as it can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage. Air drying is preferable as it helps maintain the towel's softness and absorbency.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your Turkish towels clean, soft, and in excellent condition for years to come.

Their high absorbency makes them incredibly efficient at drying off your body, making them ideal for use after a relaxing bath or a refreshing swim. Moreover, the flat-woven texture of Turkish towels adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bathroom or beach bag.

Turkish towels tend to be more luxurious than regular cotton towels, which also means they might come with a higher price tag.

         

      Turkish towels, also known as Peshtemal or hammam towels, have gained            popularity for several reasons:

1. Absorbency: Turkish towels are traditionally made of high-quality cotton, such as Turkish cotton, which is known for its long fibers. This makes them highly absorbent and quick-drying, making them ideal for use at the beach or in the bathroom.

2. Durability: Turkish towels are woven using a special technique that makes them durable and long-lasting. They can withstand frequent washing without losing their softness or shape.

3. Versatility: Turkish towels are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. They can be used not only as towels but also as beach wraps, picnic blankets, scarves, or even home decor items like tablecloths or throws.

4. Softness: Turkish towels become softer and more luxurious with each wash, thanks to the quality of the cotton used and the weaving technique employed.

5. Design: Turkish towels often feature beautiful patterns, colors, and fringe details, adding a touch of elegance and style to any environment.

Overall, Turkish towels offer a blend of practicality, durability, and aesthetics that make them stand out from other types of towels.