Towel weight (gsm) explained

Short answer
The fabric weight (g/m²) of a towel is the weight of one square metre of fabric. The higher it is, the thicker and softer the towel, but also the longer it takes to dry. Hammam towels are around 190 g/m², microfibre around 250 g/m², affordable terry around 360 g/m², sturdy towels 400 to 450 g/m², and hotel and luxury quality 500 to 550 g/m².

Towel weight at a glance

Weight Feature Example Price at 100 pcs
190 g/m² flat woven, light Cotton hammam towel € 8,49
250 g/m² microfibre, quick-drying rPET microfibre towel 140 x 70 cm € 7,95
360 g/m² affordable terry Guest towel 50 x 30 cm € 4,49
400–420 g/m² sturdy, for daily use Chlorine-resistant bath towel 70 x 140 cm € 12,95
450 g/m² thick and soft Beach towel 180 x 100 cm € 15,95
500–550 g/m² heavy, hotel and luxury quality Bath towel 500 g/m² 70 x 140 cm € 15,95

Prices per piece including printing, excluding VAT.

What does g/m² mean for a towel?

The number tells you how many grams one square metre of the fabric weighs. A 500 g/m² towel therefore contains more cotton than a 360 g/m² towel of the same size: it feels thicker and softer and costs more.

How heavy should a towel be?

For a giveaway or event 360 g/m² is often enough. For everyday use choose 400 to 450 g/m². For hotels, spas or a luxurious business gift 500 to 550 g/m². Light microfibre and hammam towels dry faster and take up less space, handy for sport and travel. See also sports towels.

Chlorine-resistant and washable at 95 °C

For hotels, gyms and hospitality weight is not the only thing: choose a chlorine-resistant towel that can be washed at up to 95 °C. These range from 400 g/m² to 500 g/m². See bath towels with logo.

Ring-spun and combed cotton

With ring-spun and combed cotton the fibres are processed further before weaving. The towel description tells you which cotton is used.

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Frequently asked questions about towel weight

What is a good weight for a towel?

For everyday use 400 to 450 g/m². For hotel and luxury quality 500 to 550 g/m². For an affordable giveaway 360 g/m² is often enough.

Does a heavy towel dry more slowly?

Yes, a thicker towel contains more fabric and therefore dries more slowly. Microfibre and hammam towels dry faster.

Which towels suit hotels?

Chlorine-resistant towels that can be washed at up to 95 °C, from 400 to 500 g/m².

What does a heavier towel cost?

More cotton means a higher price. A 360 g/m² guest towel costs € 4,49 at 100 pieces, a 500 g/m² bath towel € 15,95, printing included and excluding VAT.

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