How To Spot Fake Turkish Towels From Authentics: Learn More

You might be surprised, but Turkish towels are different from ordinary terrycloth bath towels. Not only are they considered the first towels ever made, but they are distinctive for their premium cotton and traditional hand-woven techniques.

Because of their high-quality, Turkish towels are very popular and in demand. Many people prefer Turkish towels to other kinds of towels due to their versatility, absorbency, and longevity. Depending on the expertise of the weaver, these towels can become a bit expensive. Usually, the best real Turkish towels will carry a high price tag. However, there is a price point range that can fit different budgets.

You'll want to watch out for fakes, however, as real Turkish towels are considered premium and in-demand–imitators often use the name. If you are searching for an authentic Turkish towel in your price range, there are a few points to remember so you can avoid fake ones. We'll cover these below.

What Makes Turkish Towels So Special?

If you've never used a Turkish towel, you may be wondering why authenticity is so important. Turkish towels are made with extra-long cotton fibers that make the towels soft and ultra-absorbent despite being lightweight. They are designed to get softer with every use and are incredibly versatile. You can use it as a throw on your couch, a picnic blanket, a wrap on chilly nights, or as a bath towel. They are also pretty sustainable due to their versatility, durability, and longevity, especially when you buy organic cotton. Fake towels will not have these same benefits and will probably not have the same sustainability practices, which is something to keep in mind–even if you feel tempted by a slightly cheaper price.

Check the Label

The very first thing you should do when considering purchasing a real Turkish towel is to check the fabric label. If you are unable to physically examine the tag because you are shopping online, you should still check the product description for keywords "Made in Turkey" or "100% Turkish cotton." Cheaper towels often originate in China or other countries besides Turkey. 

The labels can look different, but they must specify the location and cotton. This method is probably the easiest way to identify if the product is an imitation or the real deal. If you are unable to see the product description or the fabric tag, then you should contact the company or seller before committing to purchasing the item. 

Pick Aegean Cotton

The best towels made in Turkey use premium cotton grown in the Aegean area of the country. It's crucial to pick Aegean cotton as this type of cotton has uniquely long fibers that are durable and plush. You will be able to wash this towel many times without breakage, only giving the towel a vintage look. It will actually only get softer with washes, which makes this a great, long-lasting, sustainable towel. 

Check up on the Company

Real Turkish towels are handcrafted by people in the country. Many families and communities rely upon this industry to make a living. If you care about sustainable fashion practices, it is worth researching the company/maker when you are looking for where to buy Turkish towels to learn more about their values and mission. 

Fast fashion contributes to a lot of waste and has a negative impact on the environment. As consumers have become more aware of retail manufacturing's poor environmental practices, many people are shifting towards more environmentally friendly brands and companies. Towels made in Turkey with organic Aegean cotton are not fast fashion. They are artisanal products, which means that if you are buying from a business online, they are supporting local communities and sustainable practices.

Read Other Customer Reviews

Reading other customer reviews available online will clue you in on the finer details of the towel, as well as its longevity. The best Turkish towels will pay attention to the small details like stitching and knotting. It will also last through many washes, so be on the lookout for reviews that call into question the durability and craftsmanship of the towels. A good, high-quality product will always have more positive reviews than negative ones. 

Price

Though there is a range of price tags for real Turkish towels, they will generally fall between 30 and 60 dollars. This price depends on the quality of the towel and the weaver. But usually, the more expensive the towel is, the higher quality it is. If you are presented with a too-good-to-be-true offer, then it probably is. You should be wary of businesses or online sellers that are allegedly selling real Turkish towels way below this price range. Along with the other points on this list, the price should reflect the quality and care that went into the creation of the product. If you are genuinely interested in supporting sustainable fashion and supporting local Turkish artisans, then the higher price tag will be well worth it.

Investing in high-quality and sustainable garments and textile products is a great thing. Having a bunch of "stuff" that falls apart after a few uses or isn't soft and comfortable isn't ideal for most people. If you're ready to upgrade the towels in your home to premium, sustainable Turkish towels, understanding how to tell the difference between fake and real Turkish towels is important. By following these key points and understanding what to look out for, you'll be able to quickly find the best Turkish towels that you'll love for years to come. If you are looking for where to buy Turkish towels online, we offer a few different collections, including classic, premium, and luxe options. As a company, we take our commitment to sustainable fashion practices very seriously and invite you to learn more about our mission to heal the earth's oceans.