Last month Travelocity was offering $62 last minute deals so on a whim, we decided to send our ambassador team on a photo shoot to Tulum, Mexico. They explored refreshing blue waters, ancient architecture, and Mexican culture. With less than 6 hours notice they had to pack quickly without luggage to catch the flight from LAX. Our Turkish cotton towel has now proven itself to be a game changer when it comes to traveling light. It was chilly at the airport as we were waiting to board, but fortunately our Essential Turkish towels double as stylish scarves. On the plane they served as cozy blankets, and when we landed we were ready for the beach. These towels saved space in our backpacks, we didn't have to pack a towel, scarf, blanket, or sarong, we basically left with one Essential Turkish cotton towel, swimsuits and a camera!
Since these towels are light, it didn’t matter that they got wet on the beach, because by the time we got to the restaurant they were all dried out and once again made perfect stylish accents for our minimal attire.
Next time you’re traveling to an exotic location you’ll always want to carry your Essential towel. Versatile, light weight and your ultimate travel companion. So if you’re looking for a new travel buddy, click here to view our collection of travel towels perfect for your next escape to Mexico, even if Mexico is just your backyard with some Corona’s!
Join Riviera Towel &VisitMexicoon a 30-sec. vacation to TulumWatch as our crew travels to the Mayan ruins that tower over the sea in Tulum. The formerly walled city was one of the last to be built by the Mayans, and its archaeological sites are incredibly well preserved. Don't forget your #rivieratowel when you visit the beach to visit El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God. #instamexico #turkishtowels #traveltowelhttps://www.visitmexico.com/.../best-beaches-in-mexico
Why Are Turkish Towels Better Than Traditional Terry Towels?
Turkish towels—also called Peshtemal or Foutas—outperform traditional terry towels because their long‑staple Turkish cotton weave is lighter, faster‑drying, more absorbent, stylish enough to double as a fashion accessory, and produced with sustainable farming practices.
What’s Wrong with Typical Terry Towels?
Drawback
Why It Matters
Bulk & weight
A plush terry bath sheet can exceed 700 gsm, hogging suitcase and linen‑closet space.
Slow drying
Thick loops trap moisture, encouraging mildew if a towel is reused before fully drying.
Average absorbency
Short‑staple cotton sheds lint and loses softness after repeated washing.
Energy drain
Heavier fabric takes longer in the washer and dryer, wasting water, electricity, and time.
Why Are Turkish Towels Better?
Ultra‑absorbent yet Quick‑Dry. Flat‑woven on shuttle looms, Turkish long‑staple fibers expand with each wash, drinking up water in a single pass but releasing it quickly while hanging. You get the absorption of a spa towel without the soggy wait.
Feather‑Light Portability. Weighing roughly 300–400 gsm, a Peshtemal packs to the size of a paperback—ideal for beach days, picnics, yoga class, or minimalist travelers counting carry‑on ounces.
Multi‑use Fashion Accessory. Bold stripes, tassels, and artisanal dyes let a Fouta moonlight as a scarf, sarong, table throw, baby blanket, or couch accent. One item solves multiple style needs while cutting closet clutter.
Sustainable Cotton Credentials. Turkish Aegean cotton grows with fewer pesticide inputs and is harvested in longer staples, meaning stronger yarn that lasts years longer. Many mills are OEKO‑TEX®‑ and BCI‑certified, ensuring lower water use and fair labor.
Low‑Maintenance Luxury. Because the weave is flat, sand and lint shake out effortlessly. Toss it in a cold wash, line‑dry for fresh Mediterranean softness, and skip the energy‑hungry tumble cycle.
Fast‑Start Checklist: Switching to Turkish Towels
Pick the right size. Standard Peshtemal measures about 37 × 70 in (95 × 180 cm): full‑body coverage, backpack‑friendly.
Verify fiber origin. Look for “100 % Turkish long‑staple cotton” on the label; avoid polyester blends that cut absorbency.
Do a pre‑wash. Soak overnight in cool water, then launder once—this “blooms” the fibers for maximum softness.
Style it smart. Drape over a sofa, knot as a sarong, or roll into your gym bag; one towel, many fashion‑forward uses.
Care sustainably. Wash on cold with mild detergent, skip fabric softener, and air‑dry—your towel (and the planet) will thank you.
Shop Recommended Turkish Towels
Ready to upgrade? Explore our favorite picks from RivieraTowel.com—all woven from premium Aegean cotton:
Classic Striped Turkish Towel – timeless cabana stripes with hand‑tied tassels.
Eco Premium Collection – plant‑based dyes, OEKO‑TEX® certified, ideal for sensitive skin.
Travel‑Lite Mini – compact 20 × 40 in size for gym bags and hair wraps.
Note: RivieraTowel.com offers free U.S. shipping on orders over $75 and a 30‑day satisfaction guarantee—so you can switch risk‑free.
Bottom Line: Traditional terry towels are heavy, slow, and resource‑intensive. A Turkish towel delivers equal—or better—absorbency in a lighter, faster‑drying, sustainably grown package that doubles as an everyday fashion accessory.