News
Turkish Towels vs Regular Towels
What's the difference between Turkish towels and regular towels? If you've never used a Turkish towel before, you're probably wondering what the big deal is between them. With so many towel options available, it's hard to know all the pros and cons of different towels out there. But if you're unfamiliar with Turkish towels, you may be quite surprised to find that they are a bit different from regular terrycloth towels. Authentic Turkish towels are world-renowned and highly sought after because of their high-quality cotton. This article will further explain the differences between the two kinds of towels, as well as discuss the benefits and care of Turkish towels. What Is a Turkish Towel? Authentic Turkish towels are made in Turkey with 100% Turkish cotton. They are highly sought after due to their high-quality material and are made by hand from traditional looming techniques. The cotton has extra long fibers resulting in a smooth thread, which is then made into a flat woven fabric. Since authentic Turkish towels forgo fast fashion in favor of a slow artistic craft, they are more expensive than other towels. Typically, a higher price point signals a master weaver and a better garment. How Does It Differ From a Regular Towel? Regular towels have a higher GSM (grams per square meter), meaning they are much denser than Turkish towels. A high GSM means that regular towels are much thicker and plush than Turkish towels. However, Turkish towels are far superior to regular towels and include varying degrees of GSM, so if you prefer a thicker towel, there are heavier Turkish towel options available. Why are Turkish towels better? There are a lot more benefits of Turkish towels than regular ones. They are thinner, easier to fold up and travel with, dry quicker, and become softer with every wash. In contrast, regular towels often take a long time to wash and dry, and the poly synthetic material tends to get less soft and fluffy over time. Also, regular towels can even develop a mildew smell if not properly dried and put away, which does not happen to Turkish towels often due to their quick drying capabilities. Turkish towels are the superior choice due to their durability, absorbency, functionality, and versatility. While regular towels are generally limited to indoor bathroom uses, Turkish towels are used as blankets, on picnics, as wraps, tablecloths, and much more. Usually, Turkish towels are made in varying colors and timeless designs so that they do not go out of fashion. How Do You Distinguish Quality in a Turkish Towel? Luxury Turkish towels are generally pretty easy to spot. They will be more expensive than other kinds of towels, as they are handmade in Turkey. Always check the fabric label of the towel to see where it originated. It would not be an authentic Turkish towel if it wasn't made in Turkey. The highest quality Turkish cotton is made in the Aegean region of Turkey. Cotton from Aegean boasts incredibly long fibers, which means smoother threads and super soft material. It also gets softer with washing, so it will get more faded with age, giving it a soft vintage feel. Is It Hard to Take Care of Turkish Towels? Though expensive and handmade, luxury Turkish towels are cared for easily and with minimal effort. They are machine and dryer safe; just make sure not to use too much heat. They are also able to air dry quickly, so washes can be farther apart if you are using them as bath towels. What Are the Benefits of Buying Turkish Towels? Why are Turkish towels better than regular towels? There are many benefits of Turkish towels, like their sustainability, versatility, and GSM thickness. If you are looking for a specific thickness of towel, then take a look at the benefits and uses of different GSM levels with our collection of light-to-heavy towel options. Light Towels Our classic beach towel collection is a lightweight option of around 200 GSM thickness. It's perfect for warm climates, so bring it to the beach to sit on and dry off quickly after a dip in the water. Also, its thin and compact material makes it easy to stuff into a crowded beach tote or picnic basket when you are on the go. People also like to use our classic towels as scarves or wraps as stylish accessories. Medium Towels Our premium collection features towels with medium-thickness levels. These towels can be used to snuggle up in as a light blanket, as well as for outdoor activities. They are highly absorbent and quick to dry, making them an excellent replacement for your old regular towels in the bathroom. Since they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, finding something to match the style in your home should be easy (in case you would like to use the towel as a throw or tablecloth). Heavy Towels The Luxe collection is a selection of luxury Turkish towels that are incredibly thick, with a weight between 350-700 GSM. Whether you are dining out or taking in the stars on your own porch, these towels are perfect to use as a wrap on a cool night. Elegant and plush, these towels make excellent throws around your house that you'll want to show off to guests. Because of the manufacturing process, our handmade authentic Turkish towels are very sustainable compared to the fast fashion industry. We strive to promote local artisans from Turkey in their craft. And provide customers with high-quality, versatile garments they will want to use daily. Our handmade towels are designed to last a long time and even get better with age. If you're interested in living an eco-friendly lifestyle, learn more about our commitment to providing sustainable garments and how your purchase will make a difference in our mission to save our oceans.
Learn moreTurkish Cotton: Bath & Kitchen Towels
Are you looking for some durable towels to use around your home? Bath and kitchen towels made with Turkish cotton are able to stand the test of time. Due to their quick-drying nature, they avoid mildew and mold problems that traditional towels face. They also are very lightweight and thin, making them easy to store in kitchens and bathrooms without a lot of drawer space. Below, you'll learn more about the benefits of Turkish cotton towels and their uses throughout the home. In addition, the article will explain why Turkish towels are a more sustainable option than mass-produced towels for sale at chain stores. What Makes Turkish Cotton So Great? Turkish cotton is high-quality and world-renowned due to its extra-long fibers for a smoother thread that leads to soft and durable materials. Plus, Turkish towels are traditionally hand-weaved by local artisans using traditional methods. The result is a towel that is thin, lightweight, absorbent, and soft. What Are Some Top Quality Hand Towels? When searching for a high-quality Turkish hand towel, make sure that the fabric tag says 100% Turkish cotton. Avoid imitations and cheaper knock-offs, as the real deal will be much better. It's also sustainable to support local artisans in Turkey who depend on crafting towels for their livelihood. It's a great way to support the economy and receive a valuable handmade item. Here are some of the best handmade Turkish kitchen towels and Turkish tea towels available. Antibes Hand Towel These striped Turkish kitchen towels are a classy addition to your kitchen. With multiple neutral colors available, the towel can easily blend into your kitchen, no matter your style. The great benefit of using this towel in your kitchen is how quickly it dries. Wipe up spills, dry off dishes, and use after washing your hands. This towel can quickly move from task to task, which reduces the number of towels needed, leaving you with a lot less laundry after cleaning up around the kitchen. Cafe Towel These handy kitchen towels come in a set of two. Display them out in the open because of their stylish and understated design and colors, or fold them up easily to put into storage. Though they are thin towels, they are surprisingly sturdy and durable. Tea Towels This set of Turkish tea towels comes in a stylish striped tan and gray design. They are perfect for some added functional decor around your kitchen. Use it for a sophisticated display or dry off some dishes, as these towels are incredibly versatile and absorbent. What Are Some Top Quality Bath Towels? The best Turkish bath towels should be absorbent enough to dry off fully and thin enough so that the towels will dry quickly after use. Turkish cotton towels are easily able to do this, making them an excellent choice to replace your old terry cloth towels in the bathrooms. As always, when searching for authentic towels, look for ones completely made in Turkey for the best Turkish bath towels. Waffle Hand Towel The waffle pattern on these towels creates more surface area, becoming highly absorbent. People love this heavier, absorbent waffle towel in the bathroom as it is great for washing up and drying off hands. Its stylish look will fit well in your bathroom's decor and come in multiple colors. It's also small and compact, so you can easily take it on the way to the gym or on a run when you need a quick dry-off. Waffle Towel The bigger version of the waffle hand towel, this super absorbent towel is great to wrap yourself up in after a shower. The waffle pattern is popular for its ability to be super absorbent, so you can take this towel to the pool, beach, or lake to use after a swim as well as in the bathroom. Soft and available in different shades of soothing colors, this towel is versatile and can be used at home or outside. With a delicate fringe along the sides, this towel is stylishly designed and can be used for more than just a towel. Use it as a tablecloth, decorative throw blanket, picnic blanket, and more. How Do Turkish Towels Need to Be Taken Care of? Fortunately, Turkish towels are pretty easy to take care of and can be quite durable over the years. There are a few simple guidelines to follow to ensure the maximum longevity and quality of your towels. Machine wash cold on a gentle or normal cycle. The more you wash your towel, the softer and more absorbent it will become. So try to wash at least once or twice before you start using your towel. Avoid using fabric softeners and hot water during washes. Either let your towel air dry or use a low-heat, gentle dryer cycle. If your towel has snags, just cut them off. It won't damage the entirety of the towel. Try to avoid snags as much as possible, though, by avoiding washing with other garments that contain zippers. Why Are Turkish Towels More Sustainable Than Chain Store Options? Turkish cotton towels are a lot more sustainable than the fast-fashion towels that chain stores produce. When you buy a Turkish towel, you are supporting local industries in Turkey, where the livelihoods and financial success of many people may depend on making towels. You are also buying a high-quality, versatile, and durable material, meaning you won't have to keep buying new towels yearly. These excellent towels don't skimp on quality. They're handmade by local artisans using traditional looming techniques, making Turkish towels much more valuable and scarce than chain store options. If you are looking to live a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle, adding Turkish cotton towels to your home and ditching the chain store towels is a great option. Because of our company's commitment to sustainability, our handmade towels are sourced directly from local artisans in Turkey. Learn more about our mission and commitment to sustainable fashion practices before checking out our selection of Turkish towels.
Learn moreCustom Embroidered Turkish Towels for Weddings Personalized with Name Date.
The new trend in wedding favors this year is back to basics, with beautiful handmade gifts for attendees that will remind them of your generosity, love and warmth every time they use it. With their many stylish stripes Turkish towels are a wonderful way to celebrate the diversity of all the attendees. Riviera Towel offers quantity discount price breaks for orders of 25 towels or more. Check our Gifting Catalog for special discounts for blank or embroidered Turkish-Towels. Nothing makes a memento like customized decorations to commemorate your special day. Personalized Wedding Gifts For Couples Custom Embroidered Towels known as Foutas are quick to dry and lightweight for easy travel. • Turkish Towels make wonderful Wedding favors, Bachelorette or Bridesmaid Gifts • Peshtemals are stylish 100% Cotton woven with stylish stripes. • Perfect party favors Throw Blanket or Beach Towels, Warps Scarves or Sarongs.
Learn moreRiviera Towel Donates Towels To Flower Empower
Riviera's Corporate Gifting Turkish Towels Table Setting Favors with Custom Branding Embroidery for Flower Empower of Santa Barbara.
Learn moreRiviera Towel Sponsors Park & Rec Volley Ball Camps
The Riviera Towel Company donated Custom Turkish Towels to Santa Barbara's Park & Rec Volley Ball Camp. "They make the best prizes because the kids all love them" said camp director Jordan Dyer. "They're really perfect towels for volley ball because they're light weight and super absorbent so they kids can dry off after jumping in the ocean" "Over the years Riviera Towel has been a sponsor of other Beach Volley Ball leagues including the Santa Barbara's 805 and the CBVA. For us it really a great fit to support a lifestyle fitness sport while helping the camps with towels for trophies" said founding partner Shannon DiPadova. "We launched Riviera Towel with the mission of supporting Marine agencies who are working hard to keep our beaches and oceans clean", says Co-Founder Albert DiPadova. "So it makes sense for us to help spread our message by sponsoring beach volley ball because there's nothing more beautiful than a day playing volley ball on a clean beach and healthy ocean. " Learn about the Marine Agencies that Riviera Towel Supports.
Learn moreEnhance your Home Décor with Beautiful Turkish Towels and Blankets
You may think of Turkish towels as luxury items that will be resigned to your linen cabinet, but in reality, Turkish towel material is incredibly versatile. And once you’ve discovered the magic of Turkish towels, you’re sure to want to surround yourself with as many variations as you can get your hands on. Today, let’s take a closer look at where you can incorporate our Turkish towel fabric and designs into your home décor. First up: our Turkish blankets. Turkish Blankets At Riviera Towel Company, we’ve taken many of our most popular Turkish towel designs and adapted them for use as blankets. Many clients who purchase Turkish towels do ultimately adapt them for use as blankets in the home, simply because they’re so soft and warm. So, our expansion to blankets was only natural. Explore the La Jolla Throw Blanket, Umbria Throw Blanket, Essential Blanket, and more. The durable nature of Turkish cotton makes these blankets perfect for heavy-duty use as picnic blankets and other outdoor areas, while the fabric’s softness lends itself to all your favorite indoor uses. Better yet, get a few and stash some for outdoor use while you enjoy the others on the couch, at the end of your bed, or anywhere else you could use a little extra luxury and comfort La Jolla Throw Blanket - These super versatile blankets also have many uses; they’re not just for the beach. They make great picnic blankets or tablecloths. Whether you use it at the beach, pool or in your bedroom, these classic striped Turkish blankets will work perfectly with any decor. Choose from a wide variety of colors you’ll love to show off in this classic striped design. See Product Turkish Hand Towels Next on the list, our Turkish hand towels are beautiful, smaller versions of our original Turkish towels. They look great as bathroom hand towels, kitchen hand towels, display towels that are just for show (you know the ones), or guest room towels that you save to impress company. If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, the ultra-absorbent nature of Turkish cotton is also perfect for your go-to gym towel. When it comes to these smaller towel options, we have something for everyone. Check out our Waffle Hand Towel in a variety of pastel colors if you like the waffle pattern, or opt for the Monterey Turkish Towel and Monterey Hand Towel if you want to match your everyday use towels. If you prefer a striped pattern for your bathroom or kitchen décor, our Antibes Hand Towel is for you! Monterey Hand Towel - Our versatile Monterey hand towel is a best-seller. Made from soft Turkish cotton, these towels are not only stylish, but durable. Use them in the kitchen or they look great used alone or layered over your favorite towel in the bath. Also, works great for a gym or sport towel, as it dries quickly and packs up small. See Product Why Turkish Towels When it comes to home décor pieces, you have a ton of options beyond Turkish towel designs. So why should these products stand out? In addition to the balance of durability, softness, and portability that we mentioned above, all of our Turkish towel products are made in Turkey, near the Aegean region where the cotton is originally grown. What’s more, each and every product is sustainably sourced, OEKO-TEX Certified, and contributes to the 5% profit that we share with marine agencies working to heal and protect our oceans. Our products feel good as you enjoy them in your home and as you reflect on the impact your purchase makes for the future of our planet. Rimini Towel - We love the design of our Rimini Turkish towel. Contrasting chevron print and stripes with tied tassels make for a fun beach or pool towel. As with all of our towels, this one also functions as a wrap, sarong, throw, etc. Carefully woven with 3 dimensional patterns, they are the luxurious Turkish towels you would expect to find at any 5-star hotel or luxury resort. See Product Check out our blankets, towels, and other home designs to find the perfect fit for your home. (And, if you want to shop home goods beyond Turkish towels, we have that too! Shop here.) See you next time! Shop All
Learn more

