Massage Tools & Accessories

5 Best Massage Towels and How to Choose One

Massage towels are probably one of the most neglected items in hotels, wellness centers, and even in homes, but did you know that choosing the right one involves some mathematical calculations?

There are many factors involved in choosing superior and long-lasting towels. Five-star establishments are very specific about these things, and they make sure that the quality of their towels lives up to their brand. If you want to choose your towels like them, then stay awhile and read on.

Grams Per Square Meter (GSM)

Grams per square meter (GSM) is the most important factor in selecting massage towels. In a nutshell, this number indicates absorbency, thickness, weight, and size. The higher the value, the better it ought to be. You’ll have a general idea of the quality once you see the GSM value of a towel. Here’s a simple guide on how GSM is used in towels:

GSM Value Towel Uses Remarks
400 kitchen towels, gym towels dries quickly, lightweight
600 beach towels, massage towels, bath towels Goldilocks Zone, not too light, not too heavy
900 hotel towels dries longer, heavier, luxurious
If you see a value in between, such as 300, 500, or 700, just remember that a higher value means that it is more absorbent, weighs more, and will dry up longer.

You can usually search for massage towels online by their GSM value. If you want to make sure that the towels you just purchased have accurate numbers, you can calculate the actual value by measuring the length and width (converted to meters), as well as the weight (converted to grams):

For instance, the towel you got has the dimensions: 30 inches x 56 inches, and weighs 650 grams:

56 in = 1.4224 m
30 in = 0.762 m

650g / (1.4224 x 0.762) = 599.70 g/m²

You can also use these online resources to calculate the GSM. Simply put the given values and see the result in real time.

Turkish Cotton vs. Egyptian Cotton

Cotton is the primary choice for making towels. It is fluffy, breathable, resilient, inexpensive, and absorbs a lot of moisture. However, only two kinds are highly sought after in the towel industry. One comes from Turkey, and the other is from Egypt. There are newer ones, like pima and microfiber, but most of the towels that are selling well are still made of Turkish or Egyptian cotton.

Turkish cotton is composed of long staple fibers. This means that the fabric is tougher than the average cotton. It also means less pilling, lint, or fraying. However, Turkish cotton is harder and less absorbent compared to its Egyptian counterpart. Even then, it weighs less and dries quickly. This kind of cotton is ideal for massage towels.

An example of fraying fabric.

Egyptian cotton, on the other hand consists of extra-long staple fibers. It is thick, exceedingly fluffy, and effective at absorbing moisture. The downside is that it also takes a long time to dry. In extreme conditions, bacteria may eventually begin to build up and result in a stinky towel. It is considered as a luxurious fabric that’s well suited for bed sheets and blankets.

An example of lint from fabric.
Rick