A Turkish towel is a flat-woven cotton towel that you can use far beyond the bath: wear it as a sarong or scarf, spread it out as a picnic blanket, throw it over a sofa, set a table with it, or pack it as a quick-drying travel towel. Because it's lightweight and dries fast, one towel can do the job of several. Here are our favorite ways to use one, including a simple step-by-step for tying a Turkish towel as a sarong.
What makes a Turkish towel so versatile?
Traditional Turkish towels, sometimes called peshtemals, are woven flat rather than with the thick loops of a terry towel. That flat weave is the secret to their versatility. It drapes like fabric, folds small, and dries much faster than a bulky bath towel.
Most have finished fringe on the ends and come in stripes, solids and patterns that look as good on a dinner table as they do on the sand. In other words, they were made to be more than a towel. Our Essential Turkish Towel is a great everyday place to start.
10 ways to use a Turkish towel
1. As a sarong
This is the classic. A Turkish towel tied at the hip or chest makes an easy beach cover-up that goes from the water to a seaside lunch. Some of our towels, like the Santa Margherita Sarong Towel, are designed with this in mind. See the step-by-step below.
2. As a scarf or wrap
Santa Barbara evenings cool off quickly once the sun drops behind the mountains. Fold a towel lengthwise and drape it over your shoulders, or loop it loosely around your neck like a scarf. Lighter weaves work best here; browse our scarves, wraps and shawls for pieces made specifically for wearing.
3. As a picnic or beach blanket
Spread it out on the grass at Alameda Park or the sand at Butterfly Beach. The flat weave doesn't hold on to sand the way terry does, so a good shake is usually all it takes to clean it off before you head home.
4. As a throw blanket
Drape one over the arm of the sofa or the foot of the bed. It adds color and texture, and it's light enough for warm nights. For something cozier, our woven Turkish blankets and throws use the same easygoing style with more weight.
5. As a tablecloth or table runner
A striped Turkish towel makes an instant tablecloth for a patio dinner or a picnic table. Fold it lengthwise for a runner. It washes easily, so spills from a summer lunch aren't a worry.
6. As a bath towel
Yes, it's still a great towel. Turkish towels absorb water well and dry quickly between uses, which helps keep a bathroom fresh. Many people find they get softer with every wash.
7. As a travel towel
Because it folds flat and small, a Turkish towel takes up a fraction of the space of a terry towel. Use it as a beach towel, airplane blanket, pillow cover or emergency scarf on a trip. It also dries overnight in a hotel room.
8. As a yoga or workout towel
Lay it over your mat for a bit of extra grip and comfort, or keep one in your gym bag. It's thin enough that it doesn't bunch up, and it dries fast between sessions.
9. For baby, with care
Soft, breathable cotton makes a Turkish towel a nice after-bath wrap or a clean layer over a changing pad or play mat. Always keep baby supervised when using a towel, never leave loose fabric in a crib or sleep space, and follow your pediatrician's safe-sleep guidance. Fringed ends should be kept away from little hands and mouths.
10. As a headwrap
Fold the towel into a long band, wrap it around your hair after a swim or shower, and tuck the ends. Lighter towels also make a stylish sun-protective headwrap at the beach.
How to wear a Turkish towel as a sarong: step by step
There are many ways to tie a sarong, but these two are the easiest and most secure.
The hip wrap
- Hold the towel horizontally behind you, with the long edge at your waist or hips.
- Bring both ends around to the front.
- Cross one end over the other, then pull the top end down and through to form a knot at one hip.
- Tie a second knot to secure it, then adjust the drape so the fringe falls where you like.
- For a shorter skirt, fold the top edge over once before you start.
The halter or dress wrap
- Hold the towel horizontally behind you at chest height, under your arms.
- Bring both top corners forward and up around the back of your neck.
- Tie the corners together behind your neck in a secure double knot.
- Let the rest of the towel fall as a simple, breezy beach dress.
Tip: a slightly longer towel gives you more coverage and more fabric to work with for knots. If you're between sizes, size up for wearing.
How to care for your Turkish towel
A little care keeps your towel looking good for years:
- Wash before first use. Turkish cotton becomes softer and more absorbent after a few washes.
- Wash in cool or warm water with similar colors.
- Skip fabric softener, which can reduce absorbency.
- Line dry or tumble dry on low.
- If a thread pulls, gently ease it back into the weave rather than cutting it.
Finding the right Turkish towel for you
If you want one towel to do it all, start with a classic stripe from our Essential Collection. For bold color at the beach, the Neapolitan Rainbow Turkish Towel is a cheerful favorite. And our Beach Collection brings together our favorite towels for sun and sand.
Better yet, come by the shop in downtown Santa Barbara and try a few on. We're always happy to show you a sarong tie or two.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Turkish towel used for?
A Turkish towel can be used as a bath or beach towel, a sarong, a scarf or wrap, a picnic blanket, a throw, a tablecloth, a travel towel, a yoga towel and a headwrap. Its flat weave makes it lightweight, quick-drying and easy to pack.
How do you wear a Turkish towel as a sarong?
Hold the towel horizontally behind you at your hips, bring both ends to the front, and knot them at one hip with a double knot. For a dress, hold it at chest height and tie the top corners behind your neck.
Are Turkish towels better than regular towels?
Turkish towels are thinner, lighter and faster drying than thick terry towels, and they pack much smaller. Many people prefer them for the beach, travel and humid bathrooms, while some still like terry for a plush feel.
Do Turkish towels get softer over time?
Yes. Turkish cotton towels typically become softer and more absorbent after several washes. Washing before first use and skipping fabric softener helps.
Can I use a Turkish towel for my baby?
A Turkish towel can be a soft after-bath wrap or a clean layer over a changing pad while baby is supervised. Never leave loose fabric in a crib or sleep space, and follow your pediatrician's safe-sleep guidance.
About The Riviera Towel Company. Visit our shop at 17 W. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, or call us at 805-560-1571. We offer free shipping on orders over $95. Every year, 5% of our net profits go to organizations that heal and protect the ocean, and we've donated $75,000 so far.
