Most towels today are made from cotton or cotton blends, but the type of cotton fiber used has a huge impact on the towel's durability, feel and color-fastness. Here's a quick rundown of some common fibers and what they bring to the towel bar:

Made from Bamboo grass, Bamboo fiber has a velvety soft texture and a lustrous appearance that dyes well. Usually blended with cotton, bamboo towels are naturally anti-bacterial and mildew-resistant. Because the bamboo plant is highly sustainable, fast-growing and doesn't require pesticides, this fiber is also an environmentally friendly choice.

The "king" of cottons. Favored in luxury markets, Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt's warm climate and prized for its extra-long, fibrous threads. This density produces a highly absorbent cotton that is strong yet breathable. Exceptionally durable, Egyptian cotton towels can last for years with proper care.

A trademark for a high-quality, long-staple cotton fiber developed in India. Its soft and plush fibers create a fluffy towel with a suede-like texture and excellent absorbency.

Certified organic cotton is grown under highly controlled conditions without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and specially harvested to ensure sustainability and little environmental impact. Eco-friendly dyes are often used in conjunction with organic cotton to create a truly environmentally friendly towel.

Often grown in the warm, dry climate of the southwestern United States, Pima cotton is made from the same plant as Egyptian cotton. Known for producing rich, extra-long staple fibers prized for their strength and absorbency, Pima is considered to be a superior blends of cotton.

Grown exclusively in Turkey, Turkish cotton is a premium cotton featuring an extra-long staple. This long staple creates a towel with a high level of comfort, absorbency and durability.

Almost as important as a towel's fiber is the yarn's construction – how the yarn is actually made. The three common construction techniques below are used to produce diverse yarns with unique properties.

As the name implies, combed cotton has literally been "combed" to remove short, uneven fibers and debris resulting in longer, stronger and more lustrous cotton perfect for weaving.

Unlike low-twist cotton, ringspun cotton is constructed from a combination of long and short staple yarn. Ringspun fibers are tightly twisted together to create a stronger, smoother and finer yarn. This method produces a more refined feel than that of a basic combed cotton yarn.

Twist refers to the number of twists per inch of yarn. The lower the amount of twist in a yarn, the more plush the towel will be. A higher twist adds strength and uniformity to a yarn, resulting in a more durable, substantial feeling towel. Low- or zero-twist fabric can only be constructed from longer staple cotton yarn.

Let's face it – when you forget about the color choices, decorative details, technical terms and the varieties of cotton, the perfect towel is the one you think feels best. So before you buy, you should consider your "towel type": light and fluffy or substantial and dense. There's no right answer, but understanding the difference will help you make the right choice.

Typically woven with zero or low-twist yarn, these towels have longer loops, also called pile, that add a fluffiness you can run your fingers through and an almost airy feel. Absorbent without feeling "thirsty", they efficiently wick water away rather than soaking it up and feel light against the skin.

Most often crafted from high-twist or multi-ply yarn, these towels have a shorter, more densely woven pile and a substantial, weighty feel. Soft to the touch, the uniform surface of the towel is exceptionally dense and absorbent, soaking up water quickly.

Most bath towel collections offer a variety of sizes to fit your space, budget and personal preference. We recommend having three of each primary towel size – bath, hand and wash – per person in your household (and don't forget guests!) Check out the list below to see how each size stacks up:

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Following these simple towel-care tips will help you get years of use out of your new bath towels:

Now that you know a more about what goes into making a towel, why not think about what you want to get out of your towels? Many towels are available in an array of fresh, modern colors that can become a focal point of your décor, and with new colors being introduced all the time, you can refresh your bath as often as you'd like. Want to create a spa-like space? Try plush Turkish towels in simple, minimal white. Looking to add a cozy feel to your guest bath or powder room? Layer in hand towels embellished with appliqué accents or detailed embroidery. If you think about it, the right bath towels can give your bathroom a whole new look, no general contractor required.

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