Everything You Need to Know about your towels

Since we started Homebird in 2020, our mission has always been to create home linens that are thoughtfully designed, sustainably made, and crafted with care. From our very first collection to today, we’ve remained committed to using the finest raw materials, promoting transparency in our processes, and minimizing our environmental impact.

As we expanded into the bath space, we noticed a gap in quality and sustainability. Many towels on the market lacked attention to detail. There was little focus on where materials were sourced or how they were made. We knew we could do better. With every shipment we sent out and every piece of customer feedback we received, we refined our approach, ensuring that our towels met the same high standards as our bedding.

We have curated this guide answering the most popular questions about towels—helping you understand what makes a great towel, how to care for them, and how to choose the perfect ones for your home.

Choosing the Right Towels: Luxury vs. Everyday Use

The first step in upgrading your towels is to grasp towel weight. Towel quality is assessed in GSM (grams per square meter), which determines thickness and absorbency.

Lightweight (300-400 GSM): Quick-drying, ideal for the gym or travel.

Medium-weight (400-600 GSM): Perfect for everyday use—soft and quick to dry.

Heavyweight (600-800 GSM): Luxuriously plush and ultra-absorbent, though it may take a bit longer to dry.

If you’re looking for a towel that’s soft but still practical for everyday use, a mid-weight option (500–600 GSM) is a great choice. On the other hand if you want a spa like experience everyday, go for a heavyweight towel—it’s thick, absorbent, and feels extra luxurious.

Why Do Hotels Have the Best Towels?

Ever wondered why hotel towels seem so much softer and more opulent than those used at home? It’s all about quality and care. Hotels often use 100% cotton towels with a high GSM, often between 500 and 700. This makes them thick, fluffy, and extremely absorbent.

Hotels follow a pretty consistent towel care routine — and it’s a good one to borrow. They typically skip fabric softeners (which coat the fibers and reduce absorbency), use gentle, high-quality detergents, and dry towels on low heat to help maintain their softness and fluff. We recommend the same for home: simple, thoughtful care can go a long way in keeping your towels feeling fresh, absorbent, and long-lasting.

Tip: Wash towels separately from the rest of your laundry — they tend to shed lint, and since they absorb more dirt and residue, they need a deeper clean (and longer dry time) than your everyday clothes.

Why Do Towels Smell Even After Washing?

If your towels still smell funky after a wash, you're not alone. That musty odor usually comes from leftover detergent, moisture, and bacteria trapped in the fibers.

• Here’s how to fix it:

  • First, run a wash with just cold water and white vinegar — no detergent. This helps break down any build-up.

  • Then, wash them again with a mild detergent.

  • Always dry them completely — we recommend low heat or, even better, drying them out in the sun if you can. (High heat can damage the fibers and reduce softness over time.)
    Tip: Don’t let wet towels sit in a pile (or worse, forgotten in the washer). That’s a fast track to the musty smell returning. Instead, hang them up right after use so they can dry fully between washes.
    
    Use the hanging loop:
    All Homebird towels come with a built-in hanging loop to hang dry between uses. One of our customer favorites!

Absorbency Matters: Which Towels Work Best?

The best towels aren’t just soft—they should also be highly absorbent. Here’s what to look for:

• Cotton towels (especially Organic cotton or Egyptian cotton) are super absorbent and soft.

• Bamboo towels are naturally moisture-wicking and great for sensitive skin.

• Microfiber towels dry quickly but don’t have the same plushness as cotton.

If absorbency is your top priority, go for organic cotton towels—these have more loops, meaning they soak up more water! Homebird’s towels are crafted with premium-quality cotton and a plush weave to ensure superior absorbency and softness, making them perfect for everyday use or a spa-like experience at home.

Light vs. Dark Towels: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between light and dark towels isn’t just about style—it’s also about function.

Light Towels:
White and light-colored towels create a clean, spa-like aesthetic, but they tend to show stains, fraying, and discoloration more easily over time. Flaws are more noticeable, which may mean replacing them more often to maintain that crisp, fresh look. They're best for low-mess uses like post-shower drying or guest bathrooms.

Dark Towels:
Dark towels are more forgiving. They hide stains better, making them ideal for removing makeup, drying freshly dyed hair, or general everyday use. For frequent makeup users, dedicated dark makeup towels—like Homebird’s ultra-soft makeup towels—can prevent your everyday bath towels from getting stained or worn.

Tip:
Keep a mix: use light towels for a clean, minimal vibe and dark towels for messier tasks. It’s a practical and aesthetic win.

Wrapping It Up

Towels are more than just bathroom necessities; they're small luxuries that improve your everyday routine. Knowing what to look for makes all the difference, whether you want hotel-level plushness, fast-drying alternatives, or the best makeup remover towels. If you take proper care of your towels, they will remain soft, fresh, and absorbent for many years.

Looking for better towels? Check out Homebird's collection of high-quality towels created for your ultimate comfort!