Bath Towels

Wash at up to 40°C using a detergent without optical brightening agents, which can affect the natural tone of the cotton over time. Avoid bleach, chlorine-based products and fabric conditioners – softeners coat the fibres and can reduce absorbency. Air drying is ideal; if using a tumble dryer, choose a low heat setting.

Combing is a process that removes the shorter, weaker fibres from the cotton before spinning. What remains are the longest, smoothest strands, which produce a yarn that is softer, more durable and less prone to pilling. It is one of the reasons our luxury towels feel noticeably different from mass-produced alternatives.

Portugal has one of the longest-standing traditions in towelling and textile production in Europe. Specialist knowledge has been passed down through family-run mills for generations, and this depth of experience is what enables the production of towels that are consistently soft, durable and beautifully finished. We work with Portuguese heritage weavers because their expertise in fibre selection, combing, weaving and finishing embodies the standard we are looking for. Our Atelier towels, however, are crafted by heritage makers in Italy, with the same exacting standards of textile excellence.

Zero-twist refers to a construction method where the cotton yarn is left untwisted during spinning. This is only possible with the highest grade of raw cotton, because without the twist the fibre needs to be long and strong enough to hold together on its own. The result is a towel that is naturally softer, fluffier and more absorbent than a conventionally twisted equivalent.

GSM (grams per square metre) measures the density of the towel. We use 550gsm across our core collections, which balances a more plush, substantial feel with practical drying time. Towels above 600gsm can feel heavier but take longer to dry; towels below 450gsm dry quickly but may feel less substantial. For most daily use, the 500–600gsm range offers the best balance of softness, absorbency and practicality.

Three things matter most: the fibre, the construction and the finishing. Long-staple cotton produces a smoother, more durable yarn that resists pilling and softens with each wash. Zero-twist construction creates a fluffier, more absorbent luxury towel. Finally, the finishing, from combing to trimming, is what gives a towel its final feel. A well-made towel should feel generous and beautifully absorbent, and should hold its softness for years.