TURKISH TOWELS:
The Secret Sauce in our Towel Ponchos
A good chef will tell you to always start with the best ingredients. We searched long and hard and made plenty of failed prototypes with high tech fabrics before settling on the perfect materials that have been made by hand the same way for centuries.
So what makes Turkish towels so extraordinary?
Unveiling the Turkish Towel Magic
Turkish towels, also known as peshtemals, have a rich heritage dating back to their traditional use in Turkish baths or hammams during the 17th century of the Ottoman Empire. These remarkable traditionally woven textiles are renowned for their exceptional qualities. For a start, they are incredibly absorbent, quick-drying, and surprisingly lightweight. Beyond their utility, traditional Turkish towels are incredibly sturdy and versatile. (Think of granny's favourite tea towel rather than the loopy terry bath towels we're used to using.)
And let's not forget their distinctive fringe, which is knotted by hand when the fabric is cut from the loom. If tassels aren't your thing, the Haast ponchos from the West Coast collection and all the ponchos from the Curio Bay collection are reversible so you can wear them on the inside. Or you have the option to remove them when ordering your Starfish & Moss poncho without tassels.
What is a Turkish Towel?
Turkish towels, also referred to as Fouta, Peshtemal, or Hammam towels, are crafted from high-quality, long-fiber cotton exclusively grown in the Aegean Region. This unique cotton variety is celebrated for its lightweight feel, exceptional absorbency, and rapid drying qualities.
What are Starfish & Moss Turkish towels made of?
Our towel ponchos are meticulously crafted from 100% Turkish cotton, handwoven by small, family-run textile artisans based in Turkey, recognised globally for producing some of the finest cotton products available.
Are Turkish towels
eco-friendly?
Yes! Turkish towels are eco-friendly as a fast drying all natural fabric, reducing laundry frequency. Starfish & Moss towel ponchos are durable and ethically made from organic cotton.
Where are our Turkish towels made?
Our towels are made by an artisan family we work with in Turkey, in Izmir on Turkey's West coast chosen for their intricate designs and plush "blanket" weight. Our ponchos are then made to order in New Zealand using this specially sourced fabric.
How is a Turkish towel different from other towels?
Aside from the luxe look, Turkish towels stand out due to their smooth, flat weave. Both could be cotton, but this flat weave makes Turkish towels more absorbent, compact, and dry faster than traditional bulky terrycloth with a loop weave.
What makes a quality Turkish towel?
The type of loom and the cotton used as well as the skills of the artisan all affect the quality of these towels. Starfish & Moss Turkish towels are hand-loomed using 100% organic Turkish cotton to support this precious and disappearing traditional craft in Turkey.
Top 3 Advantages of Choosing Premium Turkish Towels
1
Luxe Looks with
Exceptional Durability
Don't let the softness fool you. Quality Turkish towels have remarkable durability due to super long fibers that need fewer joins during weaving. This improves wear by reducing weak points.
2
They Just Get Better with Every (Cold) Wash
Like the designer T-shirt you splurged on, if you treat them with care, premium Turkish towels get fluffier and softer with each wash while maintaining consistent absorbency over time.
3
Highly Absorbent and Quick-Drying
Turkish towels excel in both absorbency and rapid drying. They strike the perfect balance by efficiently whisking away moisture from the body to keep you comfortable and warm, not soggy.