Turkish towels and Egyptian Towels are often misjudged as the same type because they are both regarded as the finest quality towels. Yet, Turkish and Egyptian towels are very different.
Turkish towels are lightweight, easy to maintain, durable, and multipurpose towels, whereas Egyptian towels are comfortable, thick, very absorbent, soft, less durable, and easily shed.
These differences become very important when one may wander or get confused about whether Turkish towels or Egyptian towels are the right choices for them.
Let’s have a look at both towels so that you can decide on the right towel for yourself.
Turkish Towel vs Egyptian Towel:
| Egyptian Towel | Turkish Towel |
| Very high absorbency, hard to dry, requires warm air to dry, can smell | High absorbency, but very quick drying capability, does not smell |
| is used mostly in hotels because very soft and comfortable | is used at beaches, outdoors, bath houses where durability is important |
| Fluffy, thick, heavy | Thin, flat, lightweight, foldable, and takes very little space. |
| Can shed | Can be used many times, most durable towel type |
Why are Egyptian Towels different from Turkish Towels?
Egyptian towels are different from Turkish towels in two ways. The variety of cotton used and weaving techniques are different.
Turkish cotton has long fibers which are woven tightly, producing a thin but durable cloth.
Egyptian cotton has short fibers and women as thick and fluffy cloth and is known for its softness.
Egyptian cotton is also known for its water absorption and is well-suited for clothing, sheets, and other garments.
Yet, absorbency makes Egyptian cotton a poor choice for bath towels because this fabric retains moisture for a long time after use which can cause mold and smell.
This is an inevitable trade-off. The more absorbent a towel, the longer towel will stay moisturized, and eventually worse scented it will get.
Turkish towels are almost the opposite.
Turkish cotton is made up of long, thin, and durable fibers. These long fibers enable Turkish cotton to be woven like a Turkish carpet.
Turkish towel cloth is not fluffy, and it is very thin. This decreases drying time and moisture absorption to a minimum. By reducing the wetness, the growth of bacteria and smell on the towel is prevented.
Thus, towels made from Turkish cotton offer a much healthier and more comfortable use.
In short, Egyptian towels are more comfortable, absorbent, slower to dry, less durable, and prone to smells.
On the other side, Turkish towels are slightly less absorbent, dry faster, and are very firm and hygienic.
Where to Buy Turkish Towels?
Amazon is another perfect place for buying Turkish and Egyptian towels in other countries. Here are four of my favorite designs. Click to check them.
Turkish Towel design 1 on Amazon and Turkish Towel design 2 on Amazon
Egyptian Towel design 1 on Amazon and Egyptian Towel design 2 on Amazon
Which are softer Turkish or Egyptian cotton towels?
Egyptian cotton towels are softer than Turkish cotton towels because Egyptian cotton has thick fibers making it softer and fluffy. This is the reason most hotels use Egyptian towels.
Yet, if not cared for, Egyptian towels do not preserve their softness and become harder.
For Turkish towels, check my specific article on “How to Wash Turkish Towels” to learn more.
Is Turkish or Egyptian cotton better?
Both have their own features, and it’s a little difficult to decide which one is the winner; it depends on which one you like the most for your comfort.
I would choose Turkish cotton and Turkish towels because they are more easily cleaned, smell fresh, and are durable.
Egyptian towels are very comfortable in their first uses, but a month later, they start to smell and very easily shed.
The lightweight Turkish cotton also enables Turkish towels to be used in other areas such as table cloth, beach wear, and even as a skirt. Yet, a heavy fluffy Egyptian towel is always a towel.
With faster absorbency and slow drying, Egyptian Cotton is not easily cleaned. Egyptian towels can have a bad smell if not washed properly and are not long-lasting.
For more, you can read my article “Why Turkish Towels are Unique?”
How to prevent your towels from getting hard?
– Shake your towels; Be sure to whisk your towel when it comes out of the washing machine.
– Make sure your towels are completely dry; Even if it is absolutely dry, be sure to ventilate them. Otherwise, your towels will smell like mold with wetness. However, there is a very thin line between them.
– Folding properly is very important: Yes, you did not hear wrong; very simple but important detail is to fold your towels neatly. Fold towels in thirds and place them on the shelves with the outer edges facing the front.
– Maintain the color of your towels:
You can keep the color of your towels as bright as the first day, please wash them separately according to their colors.
Use half of the recommended amount of detergent or keep the amount of detergent to a minimum level.
If possible, add a cup of white vinegar to the softener section of the washing machine. Vinegar is a natural cleaner, very effective, and will aid in softening your towels.
Further Reading
Why are Turkish Towels Unique? 14 Things to Know
How To Wash Your Turkish Towels (Step by Step Guide)
What is a Peshtemal? Why Should You Use Them?
17 Famous Turkish Fashion Brands That You Can Shop Online
