When you think of linen, you might visualize a crisp fabric that wrinkles easily, which wouldn’t be incorrect. Does it ever cross your mind why people store their towels in the linen closet? Are towels considered linens, along with everything else in the closet?
Towels are, in fact, considered linens. Any fabric item that we regularly use in our homes is regarded as linen. Household linens include sheets, comforters, pillows, tablecloths, napkins, and towels.
In the post, we’ll discuss the history of this term, the various types of towels, and any other questions you may have about the linen closet. We’ll also give five reasons linen towels are better when compared to cotton towels
Why Are Towels Referred To As Linens?
Contents
Towels have existed in various forms for centuries, but the term “linens” is most likely from the 18th century. Dishtowels, or tea towels, were first manufactured in the United Kingdom using linen fabric.
Today’s bath and tea towels are made from various materials other than linen. The other materials used include cotton or polyester, which is the most popular due to its durability and absorbency.
On the other hand, Linen tea towels are still available and are no longer the fussy, embroidered items of decades past. Nevertheless, they’re equally beautiful in the modern kitchen.
What Is Linen Cloth?
Linen cloth, which isn’t the material used to make your bathroom towel, is a 100% natural fiber derived from the flax plant. Flax is more durable and absorbent than cotton and dries faster. For this reason, linen has been used for summer clothing and dish towels.
Additionally, it has been a popular fabric for vintage handkerchiefs and table linens, including table cloths and napkins. However, the disadvantage of actual linen is that it wrinkles easily, and who wants to iron their bath towels anyway?
Which Material Is Used To Make Towels?
Towels are now available in various fabrics including, Pima cotton, Turkish cotton, bamboo, microfiber, and polyester. For maximum absorbency, choose plush Pima or Egyptian cotton.
Bamboo or bamboo rayon will provide you with softness. Choose polyester or a poly-cotton blend if you’re looking for something durable for the gym or a high-traffic area.
Let’s take a look at the types of towels we have:
- Absorbent Towels: With their extra-large size and thick feel, these ultra-soft Turkish cotton towels will transport you to a spa. They also will perform admirably in terms of water absorption.
Turkish cotton is used to create these ultra-thick jacquard patterned towels. They are eco-friendly and spun uniquely to increase cotton fibers’ loft and absorption capacity.
They’re available to order in various configurations, ranging from single hand towels to complete sets. Additionally, they come in approximately ten different color options.
With this deluxe Egyptian cotton bath towel set, you’ll discover the pinnacle of bath towel royalty. These towels are thick and durable due to their density of 900 grams per square meter and long-staple cotton fibers.
They are exceptionally absorbent and machine-washable. Two towels, two face towels, and two hand towels are included in each set.
- Soft Towels: These luxuriously soft towels are antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. They are eco-friendly and one-of-a-kind because they are made entirely of organic bamboo fibers. The set of three is the perfect thickness for your skin.
This luxuriously soft set of microfiber bath towels isn’t only ultra-soft but also quick-drying. These are excellent for the beach, as they aren’t as thick as the absorbent style towel.
Nonetheless, they do an incredible job drying due to the unique microfiber. Two towels, two face towels, and two hand towels are included in each set.
- Easy Clean Towels: Towels made of a poly/cotton blend are highly economical and easy to care for. This affordably priced set is machine washable and quick to dry.
It features a lovely weave and stitched border, made of 90% cotton and 10% polyester. This set includes two towels, two hand towels, and two face towels.
Should I Iron Towels?
Linen, a flax fiber, is notorious for becoming extremely wrinkly when worn or left unfolded from the dryer. Ironing linen tablecloths, linen napkins, linen handkerchiefs, and even tea towels are necessary to remove wrinkles.
If your everyday bath towels are removed from the dryer hot and folded carefully, they won’t require ironing. However, if you have thinner cotton towels, there is a chance they will wrinkle slightly.
Most people prefer a neat fold-over. Polyester blends don’t require any ironing, and neither do bamboo cultivars.
5 Reasons Why Linen Towels Are Better Than Cotton Towels
Here are some reasons why linen towels are superior to cotton towels:
Dry more rapidly
Cotton towels are incredibly absorbent and quickly absorb water. The issue is that they retain the liquid and can take a long time to air dry.
While linen is more absorbent than cotton, it dries much more quickly. They can be reused many times before washing, as they don’t develop a musty smell like cotton towels. Additionally, they are a more convenient option to bring to the beach or pool if you’re a frequent swimmer.
This characteristic is since linen fabric is more breathable. Despite their lower thread count, linen towels are extremely absorbent due to their thicker threads than cotton.
Linen is a naturally antimicrobial fabric that protects against musty odors. You’ll also appreciate their moisture-wicking properties after wrapping one turban-style around freshly washed hair.
More durable
Linen takes longer to manufacture into a fabric than cotton, which is why it’s more expensive. However, you will receive value for money as it is a durable natural material that lasts years longer than cotton. Linen is stronger than cotton because it is derived from the flax plant.
Cotton towels last approximately five years before developing tears and thread loss. On the other hand, linen improves with age. Be prepared for your linen towels to become softer and more luxurious with each laundering.
While cotton may appear to be the less expensive option, you may find yourself replacing cotton towels more frequently than linen towels. Linen towels are preferred in many parts of Europe due to their durability.
Compact
Linen towels are naturally lighter than cotton towels, which is why they may be your preferred choice for beach or travel towels. They take up less space and contribute to the weight reduction of your bag. This means that storing them takes up less space than folded cotton towels, which tend to be thick and bulky.
More Sensitive
Linen towels feel softer from the moment you bring them home from the store. They’re an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. After laundering, cotton towels can feel stiff and scratchy.
Eco-Friendly
Purchasing linen towels are environmentally friendly, as linen is considered eco-friendly. The flax plant can be grown without using pesticides or other chemicals. Additionally, linen manufacturing generates very little waste because every part of the flax plant is utilized.
The majority of cotton manufacturing can now be accomplished with minimal pesticide use. However, linen is widely regarded as organic.
Conclusion
We hope this clarifies why towels are referred to as linens when they aren’t made of linen fibers. This is because they are a component of the collection of everyday fabric items we collectively refer to as “linens.”
