When it comes to choosing the best gym towel, there are a number of factors that you have to consider. Check out this guideline for choosing the right workout towel for your gym facility!
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In this article:
- Towel Material
- Appropriate Size and Weight
- Softness Quality
- Absorbency Power
- Durability and Towel Care
- Time Required to Dry
- Towel Storage
7 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Gym Towel
1. Towel Material
Most gym towels are made of cotton, and it’s for a good reason. They are durable, absorbent, and widely available.
Terry cotton towels, for example, make an ideal gym accessory for fitness enthusiasts who sweat a lot during their workout routines. They have an impressive absorbency power and fast-drying feature, which helps prevent mildew and bacterial growth.
While cotton towels are ideal for workout sessions, you may consider other options as well. Other towel materials include cotton-polyester blends, linen, microfiber, and bamboo.
If you’re looking for a fast-drying towel with soft, thin, and incredibly tiny fibers, microfiber is your best bet. Aside from cotton, microfiber is also a worthy candidate for workout towels since it absorbs well and dries quickly, too.
2. Appropriate Size and Weight
Towel weight and size also matter. Identify how big and heavy you need your gym towel to be and consider its pros and cons.
Towels are typically measured by fabric density. The thinner the towels are, the less they weigh.
Thinner towels are more affordable since they wear down faster, too. If you are looking for a reliable workout towel for your gym facility, consider the heavier ones.
Heavier towels are a good option because they can endure multiple uses and washes. Keep in mind, though, that they can trap more moisture and could easily house bacteria if not cleaned and dried properly.
Ideally, gym towels should be washed after every use. Since multiple washes can affect towel quality, many people prefer to buy towels in bulk for easier replacement.
Towel size is also an important consideration. Some gym owners prefer small workout towels that can be easily packed and stored.
However, take into consideration what your gym-goers want as some people prefer a gym sweat towel larger than a hand towel. Usually, people consider the duration of their workout session for the gym towel size.
Fitness buffs who work out longer commonly prefer a slightly larger towel. A standard hand towel, meantime, usually works fine for those who spend 30 minutes or less at the gym.
3. Softness Quality
Many people prefer a soft gym towel since they are more likely to use it for wiping the sweat off their skin. Simply put, you need to ensure that your gym towels are gentle enough, especially on sensitive areas like the face.
If you want to offer both softness and durability, consider buying premium cotton towels. Remember, though, that proper towel care is essential for keeping a gym towel soft and of high quality.
See to it that you handle and wash your towels with care so they can last for years. Refrain from using harsh detergents to maintain the towels’ plushness.
4. Absorbency Power
There’s no point in buying a gym towel if it doesn’t serve its purpose of absorbing excess sweat from an intense workout. While your gym towel should be absorbent, it doesn’t require lengthy fibers, which make a towel more absorbent.
Consider a workout towel that is somewhere in the middle. Go for one that is absorbent enough but not so thick and heavy that it harbors bacteria.
Be mindful of the detergents and fabric softeners that you use, though, as some can affect towel absorbency. It’s best to stick with the mild ones to preserve towel quality.
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5. Durability and Towel Care
Gym towels should be washed after every use to prevent bacteria and germs. Since this is the case, you need to consider a towel durable enough to hold up multiple washes.
Also, you’d want to consider the maintenance of your gym towels. While they should be washed with detergent, refrain from using harsh ones and softeners at a very high temperature.
You may consider a commercial laundry service to help ensure the quality of the wash. If you opt to clean the gym towels yourself, it helps to read on tips for towel care. It can contribute to maintaining the towels’ quality over time.
6. Time Required to Dry
Essentially, thinner gym towels dry quicker. Take note, though, that thinner towels also wear out faster compared to their thicker counterparts.
If you’re buying towels for a gym facility and need to wash and dry them quickly, it’s best to buy quick-drying towels. Regardless of the size, material or chosen fabric, remember that you have to dry your gym towel fully.
Bacteria and mold grow in damp towels, causing unpleasant odors and even hygiene and health issues. Be careful of over-drying, though, as this creates a lot of lint.
This can be problematic if you’re supplying towels for an entire gym because nobody wants to use a towel full of lint. To prevent excess lint, consider separating your old towels from the new ones when washing.
Separate them while drying, too, as new towels are more prone to shedding and creating lint during the drying cycles. As much as possible, air-dry your workout towels or use a lower dryer setting to prevent lint or unnecessary wear.
7. Towel Storage
When putting up a gym facility, you have to allocate a place where your towels should be stored. Keep in mind that open areas are not ideal storage for gym towels.
They should be placed in a cabinet or a specific storage space away from moist. Bacteria lingers where moist exists, so you have to store your towels in a dry, cool place.
Also, prevent multiple people from handling your workout towels when not in use. This will help maintain hygiene, towel cleanliness, and quality.
Choosing the best workout towels for your gym facility may not be an easy task. With a little guidance and tips, though, you are more likely to make the right purchase decision.
As a rule of thumb, pick a gym towel that is soft, durable, and absorbent. Depending on your needs and preference, you can use this guide when choosing the best workout towel for your gym facility.
Have you seen a good workout towel for your gym facility? What were the factors that you considered for choosing a gym towel? Let us know in the comments section below!
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