If you are asking yourself what towel to take to the gym or what kind of gym towel to choose, you can find your answer right here. When picking a towel to bring for working out or going to the gym, there are a couple of things you should look out for.
Here are 7 things you should look out for in a towel if you are going to use it for working out.
1. Material
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Most users choose cotton towels, and they are right to do so. They are highly absorbent and durable.
For example, 100% cotton towels are ideal for use at the gym. Their absorbency is quite impressive and will take care of even people who sweat a lot during their workouts.
Also, if you like taking a bath after your workout, cotton towels with their high absorbency can help you get dried quickly.
2. Size and Weight
The weight and size of your towel are also things to consider while picking a towel for going to the gym.
Fabric density is the measurement with which towels are separated. This is measured with GSM (grams per square meter). The higher the GSM count, the higher the absorbency and weight. Something near 500 GSM is suitable for your gym needs.
If you wish to have a trusty gym towel, then heavier ones are the ones to go with. The thinner ones are cheaper, yet they are also less durable and won’t last as long.
As you need to wash any towels you use for working out frequently, lighter options will wear out more easily, so it is better to stick to the heavier options.
When it comes to the size, some people prefer smaller towels as they weigh less and can be easily packed. In truth, it depends on the intensity and length of the workout.
For a casual and light workout that takes approximately 30 minutes, a small option like a hand towel would be ideal.
As for people with a more intense routine that both take longer and is packed with many sets, a bigger alternative like a bath towel is better.
3. Softness
Soft towels are preferred more often as you are going to use the towel to wipe the sweat off your skin. The softness of these items is important, as if they are not gentle enough, they might irritate your skin and face as you use them.
For softness and durability, you should choose high-quality organic cotton towels. It should be noted that towel care is an essential part of keeping your towel of choice soft and healthy.
You should wash your towels after each use without using any harsh detergents to keep them soft and hygienic.
4. Absorbency
What’s the point of a gym towel if it doesn’t absorb the sweat properly after your session?
A gym towel is supposed to be pretty absorbent as you will need to use it time and time again during your workout. However, you should be wary of bacteria that might grow on your towel if you do not wash it properly.
Try to avoid detergents and fabric softeners that are too harsh, as they can reduce the softness and absorbency of your towel.
5. Towel Care
You should wash your towel every time you use it for your workouts. This is quite important because bacteria and germs might reside in your favorite piece of post-workout drying fabric if you don’t.
It should be reminded again that you should avoid using detergents and fabric softeners that are too harsh. Using temperatures that are too high while washing is also bad for your towel’s health.
Taking care of your towel might be challenging, so you might want to read about towel care on our blog and follow any instructions that might come with your towel.
6. Drying Time
For a faster drying time, thinner towels are better. It is important to remember that thinner towels wear out faster and therefore won’t last long.
Any towels you use for working out are supposed to be dried off completely, as any damp areas might cause bacteria to breed, leading to a horrid smell and health issues related to the hygiene of the towel. You also need to try not to over-dry them, as it might create lint.
Nobody wants to use a towel with lint, so when you wash your towels, separate your new and old towels to avoid lint.
You should also separate them while drying because new towels shed and create lint more when dried. Drying your towels on a radiator or towel rail with lower settings would decrease the amount of lint created..
7. Storage
While storing your towels, you should pick their place carefully as if you put them in a moist location, they won’t dry off properly or if they weren’t fully dried beforehand, then it might cause bacteria to form. Try to choose a dry and cool place to store your towels, like a non-damp closet.
To be safe and hygienic, you shouldn’t share your gym towels with anyone. Also, it should only be you who is handling your gym towels, as hygiene is of the utmost importance for gym towels.
Summary
7 things that we mentioned above pretty much sum up what you need to look for when you are thinking about what towel to take to the gym. While we have discussed the details, it is always smart to remember that when you are browsing for gym towels, look for ones that are soft, durable, and absorbent. Homelover’s hand towels and bath towels are ideal for all your gym needs, as they check all the boxes.