The hammam towel, which can also be known as a peshtemal or fouta, is a unique type of flat-woven towel with a rich history dating back centuries.
Originating from the Turkish bath culture of the Ottoman Empire, this towel has gained global popularity for its versatile uses, lightweight texture, and timeless design.
The Origins of Hammam Towels
The hammam towel’s history is deeply intertwined with the traditional Turkish bath, or hammam.
In Ottoman times, these baths were social spaces where people gathered to cleanse and rejuvenate. The peshtemal, the towel used during these rituals, was not only functional but also a symbol of craftsmanship, as they were meticulously hand-woven by skilled artisans.
Today, hammam towels are still produced in Turkey, particularly in the textile-rich region of Denizli, where traditional weaving techniques continue to be used.
While their roots are in Turkish baths, these towels have found new life as an all-purpose textile for modern living.
Unique Texture and Material
What sets the hammam towel apart from typical terry cloth towels is its flat-woven texture. This gives it a smoother and thinner profile, while maintaining excellent absorbency.
Hammam towels are usually made from 100% cotton, which is known for its strength and softness. Some variations may include linen or bamboo fibres to add extra softness or a touch of luxury.
The flat woven cotton also means hammam towels dry much faster than standard towels, making them ideal for humid conditions or frequent use.
Their quick-drying nature makes them less prone to developing musty odours, and they remain soft and absorbent even after many washes.
A Versatile, Lightweight Towel with Ancient Design Roots
A major reason for the hammam towel’s popularity is its versatility. While it started as a bath towel, its uses have expanded far beyond that. Here are a few ways you can use a hammam towel in your daily life:
- As a bath towel: it's absorbent, quick drying and more compact that a regular towel. As they are ideal for humid environments, you can hang these to dry in a hot and steamy bathroom without worrying about whether they will stay wet for long.
- As a beach towel: its lightweight construction makes it easy to carry in your beach bag or squeeze into your baggage allowance. It also has those fast drying capabilities we've mentioned before, giving you a better alternative to those buliker beach towels to dry you off after a swim in the sea. They're also flat-woven so they don't have a conventional loop construction which means they do not trap sand, and they also trap fewer allergens and so are ideal for allergy sufferers too.
- As a pool towel: sit back, relax and utilise the super softness of a hammam towel. Pop these towels on your lounger and induldge in their softness as the sun shines and you enjoy your holiday.
- As a scarf or shawl: the towel's often simple and elegant design means it can double as a fashionable accessory.
- As a picnic blanket or yoga mat: the large size and thin fabric make hammam towels a wonderful option for outdoor activities such as picnics, camping or yoga practice.
- As a gym towel: why not pop a hammam towels into your gym backpack? Its light construction makes it easy for you to carry around, allowing you to dry your body off in style after your workout. They're easy to wash too, so you can take these towels back with you time and time again.
- As a blanket or throw: the soft cotton material and stylish patterns make hammam towels great for home decoration as a sofa throw, blanket or even as a tablecloth.
A Stylish Addition
Hammam towels often feature simple yet stylish designs, usually with subtle stripes, geometric patterns, and hand-tied fringes at the ends.
You can utilise these towels to add a pop of colour to your room, from soft pastels to bold hues, they can easily complement any space or outfit.
Their minimalist design has made them a favourite among those who value both practicality and aesthetics.
A Timeless Piece, Perfect for All
The hammam towel is the ideal blend of tradition and modern utility.
With its ancient origins in Ottoman bath culture, this lightweight, quick-drying towel has become a stylish and versatile accessory for today’s fast-paced world.
Whether you’re lounging at the beach, traveling, or simply looking for a chic towel to wrap yourself in after a relaxing bath or hot shower, the hammam towel offers a practical and elegant solution.
Embrace the timeless beauty and versatility of the hammam towel, and you’ll soon find that it’s much more than just a towel—it’s a lifestyle essential.