How to choose your linen and how to care for it?

This is a question that everyone asks.

Between the price, the dimensions, the compositions and the finishes, there are so many parameters to take into account that it can seem impossible to find the product that suits you, and to maintain it according to the rules of art.

The stakes are high, and although we tend to focus on the smell of the soap or the decoration in the bathroom, the choice of towel is crucial. It helps to prolong a feeling of well-being and to make showering or bathing an experience that brings rest and serenity.

Nicolas, the founder of Comptoir du Bambou, deciphers this universe for you and gives you his advice on how to make an informed choice.

 

Technical and aesthetic characteristics

The size

There are several standard towel models, each size responding to a specific need or desire, which must be identified.

• The shower sheet (70×140), for those who have trouble getting up in the morning and need to shower quickly
• The bath sheet (90×150), for those looking for softness and comfort
• The bathrobe, for those who want to wrap themselves up like in a cocoon and prolong the warmth of the shower

The material

Traditionally, bath towels are made of terry cloth, for its thickness, which provides softness and warmth. In recent years, however, we have seen the emergence of the honeycomb texture, which is just as absorbent as towelling and is much appreciated for its lightness and ease of storage.

The composition

This is where things get tricky and where clans form. The compositional preferences are very varied and represent a real question mark both in terms of texture and ecology.

• Linen: known for its exfoliating and slightly rough side, it has the drawback of being difficult to care for because it is easily creased and deformed by washing
• Cotton: a fibre that is widely used in the textile world and is cheap, it has the advantage of providing strength, thickness and softness. However, it takes quite a long time to dry, and it tends to shrink and become rough after only a few washes. It is a bath towel that does not sparkle and will lose its comfort quickly.
• Bamboo: recommended for its softness and its capacity of absorption, it is very resistant. It is also one of the least polluting materials, as it is a plant that does not require water or pesticides... it grows by itself! However, bamboo towels tend to lack thickness and softness

We can see that each fibre has its advantages, but also its disadvantages. To overcome this and to get the most out of each, Comptoir du Bambou decided to create a new fibre, Fibre B, a combination of cotton and bamboo. After several months of research and development, Fibre B was developed: a mixture of bamboo for softness and absorption, and cotton for thickness and softness.

This ensures that you have the best performing and most durable towel available, so that you can enjoy a high quality, durable and environmentally friendly product.

The grammage

It determines the thickness of the towel and differs for different materials.

For a Fibre B bath towel the ideal thickness is between 500g/m2 and 550g/m2, to have something soft and comfortable without being too heavy.

If you choose a honeycomb cloth, you should choose a thickness of about 280g/m2. It is preferable for the summer or for small spaces, because it is thinner and lighter.

Finishing touches

In addition to the technical characteristics, the aesthetic aspect is also important. It is important to choose a simple, uncluttered design that will fit in with any bathroom and that you can't get enough of. You can therefore opt for a plain bathroom linen, or turn to very light patterns such as fine stripes, to bring a little bit of pep.

It is also becoming increasingly common and easy to have towels personalised, with embroidery for example. An original and unique gift idea for the whole family!

 

Maintenance conditions

Once you have your brand new bath linen, it's time to look after it in the best possible way. There are a few rules to follow in order to enjoy the softest and most fluffy bath linen possible.

Washing 

Between 40° and 60° depending on the degree of soiling, with a spin at 1200 rpm. It is not normally necessary to use fabric softener as good quality bath towels do not become rough.

Drying

It is not necessary to dry the towels, but it is highly recommended, as it helps to fix the curl and make it more airy. Otherwise, simply lay the towels out in the sun and you're done.

 

Now you know all about bath linen! You can now start browsing the shelves of specialist linen shops, or simply stay at home and have a look at our eshop ! I promise you won't be disappointed with the click 😉

If you want to find this information in audio format, listen to Nicolas' interview on France Bleu Haute Corse : How to choose your bath linen?

 

PS: To thank you for staying and reading to the end of this article, we are revealing a small exclusive... The launch of our bed linen very soon!

Pillowcases, fitted sheets and duvet covers will soon be available, as soft and comfortable as ever!