One element of our towels that we reference quite heavily throughout our product pages is their GSM.
It's an important term to understand, whether you're shopping for a bath towel set for your home, or a beach towel for a trip on holiday.
But what is GSM, what does it mean and how will it help you pick the towels best suited for you?
These questions we get regularly, so we thought why not put together a blog with all the answers in one place! So, here goes...
What is towel GSM?
Put simply, a towel's weight is measured using grams per square metre (GSM).
All of the materials used to craft a towel, whether it be cotton, microfibre or bamboo fibres, have a weight, and GSM is the universal measurement for the weight and quality of the towel.
It is also the measurement of the density of the towel, the higher the GSM, the thicker and bulkier the towel. This also improves durability too!
What GSM is best for towels?
Towels generally range from 300 to 800 GSM, with anything in between. There are plenty of options out there.
Determining the right GSM for you is really important, and this will vary depending on your needs.
Let's take a look at some of the characteristics of the different towel GSMs and how they are likely to perform for you:
A towel measuring between 300-400 GSM is considered a lightweight towel.
It tends to be thinner, making it perfect for packing within a weight allowance for travel or a trip to the gym.
These towels will dry much quicker than the heavier towels, but won't have the same absorbency potential as denser towels as there are less fibres for the water to be absorbed by.
Most towels are between 400-600 GSM, a medium-weight towel which is perfect for everyday use at home in the bathroom.
These mid-weight towels often feel bulky, absorb well and are easy to care for thanks to their relatively short drying time.
However if you want some spa-like quality for your home, any towel over 600 GSM would be what you are looking for.
These towels are extra thick and absorbent and they won't feel as damp as a lightweight towel when you are drying yourself off.
This is because their increased surface area can absorb more water so they won't feel as damp on your skin.
Guiding you through our range
We have a wide range of towels, with weights ranging 450 GSM right up to 800 GSM.
For a lighter weight option, opt for our Hotel Essentials 6 Piece Towel Set.
This 450 GSM bale consists of 2 face cloths, 2 hand towels and 2 bath towels. Wrapped with a satin ribbon for the final flourish, this bundle makes for a perfect gift for new homeowners or university starters.
At the other end of the spectrum, if you're looking for a luxurious and opulent option for your home, our Hotel Premium Towels come in at 800 GSM, making them one of the heaviest towels you can find.
These towels, expertly crafted in Turkey, feature dual stitching detail for durability and are created using only the finest materials to guarantee ultra softness and absorbency.
What else should I consider?
A lot goes into choosing the right towel for your bathroom, we know how important it is for you.
You have to consider the size, the weight, the material and the design.
Check out our blog "Picking the perfect towels" for some tips and advice on how to find the towels that will satisfy your needs.