Faqs
Quick answers for Indian homes: towels, humidity, drying, and care.
Welcome to Zaruva FAQs
Here you’ll find clear answers to common questions about cotton towels—including bath towel choices, non-terry towels, Kerala thorthu, drying time in humid Indian weather, towel care, GSM, and choosing the right towel for your home, gym, and travel.
Popular searches: bath towels (also called a bathroom towel), cotton bath towels, towels for bathroom, gym towel, bamboo bath towels, 600 GSM towels (or 600gsm towels), and luxury bathroom towels. If you landed here searching “towel bath” or “towel bathroom”, you’re in the right place—those are common ways people search for bath towels online.
Tip: For deeper guides, visit our Zaruva Journal.
Cotton towels & bath towels
Bath towel vs bathroom towel: what’s the difference?
There’s usually no difference. “bath towel” and “bathroom towel” are commonly used interchangeably. What matters is the size, GSM, and weave (which affects drying speed in Indian humidity).
Which cotton towel is best for Indian bathrooms?
For most Indian bathrooms—especially in humid or low-ventilation homes—a 100% cotton towel that dries fast is the safest choice. Lightweight cotton (including non-terry styles) usually dries quicker and stays fresher, while thick terry feels plush but can remain damp longer indoors.
What GSM is best for a bath towel?
Choose a GSM that balances comfort + drying speed. If your towel often stays damp (common in Indian humidity/monsoon), a mid or lighter GSM typically dries faster; very high GSM can feel luxurious but may take longer to fully dry indoors.
Do lightweight cotton bath towels absorb well?
Yes. Lightweight cotton bath towels can absorb very well, especially after a few washes. They may feel less “fluffy” than heavy terry, but they often dry faster—helping reduce damp smell in humid Indian weather.
How many towels should a family have?
A practical rule is 2 bath towels per person (one in use, one in wash) plus 1–2 extras for guests. In humid climates, spares help because towels can take longer to dry between uses.
How often should towels be washed in India?
Wash bath towels every 3–4 uses, or sooner if they start smelling damp. In humidity/monsoon conditions, washing more frequently and drying fully between uses helps prevent odour and buildup.
Non-terry towels & Kerala thorthu
What is a non-terry cotton towel?
A non-terry towel is made without fluffy terry loops. Instead, it uses a flat or textured weave, which can feel lighter and often dries faster—especially useful in humid Indian weather.
Is Kerala thorthu a non-terry towel?
In most cases, yes. Traditional Kerala thorthu is typically a lightweight, flat-woven cotton towel, which is why many people like it for quick drying and everyday use.
Are non-terry towels absorbent enough for bath use?
Yes. Good-quality non-terry cotton towels can be absorbent for daily bathing, especially after a few washes. They may feel less plush than terry, but they often dry quicker and stay fresher. For the full breakdown, see our non-terry towel guide.
Non-terry vs terry towel: which is better?
If you want plush softness, terry is great. If you want faster drying and less damp smell in humidity, non-terry often performs better. The best choice depends on your bathroom ventilation and how quickly you need towels to dry.
Does Kerala thorthu work for gym and travel?
Yes. Because it’s lightweight and packs small, thorthu-style towels are popular for gym bags and travel. They’re also easier to dry on the go compared to thick terry towels.
How can I tell if a towel is truly 100% cotton?
Check the product description and label for “100% cotton.” Avoid blends if you specifically want cotton feel and breathability. Cotton typically feels breathable and becomes more absorbent after a few washes.
Quick-dry, humidity & odour (India)
Why do towels smell even after washing?
In humid weather, towels can stay damp for long periods and develop odour from trapped moisture and buildup. Use the right detergent amount, rinse thoroughly, and dry fully between uses to prevent the smell from returning.
What makes a towel dry faster?
Drying speed depends on thickness, weave, and airflow. Lighter towels and non-terry weaves usually release water faster than thick terry, especially indoors. Hanging the towel fully open also speeds drying.
Are non-terry towels better for humidity?
Often, yes. In many Indian homes, non-terry cotton towels dry faster and stay fresher because they hold less water and allow better airflow compared to thick terry.
How can I prevent towel odour in monsoon season?
Don’t leave wet towels in a heap, and avoid reusing a towel that hasn’t dried completely. Wash more frequently during monsoon, and dry in sunlight or near strong airflow when possible.
Is sunlight necessary to dry towels properly?
Sunlight helps, but it’s not required. What matters most is complete drying. If sunlight isn’t available, use strong indoor airflow (fan/window), and avoid thick folds that trap moisture.
What should I do if my towel stays damp for hours?
Switch to a faster-drying towel style (lighter GSM or non-terry), increase airflow where you hang it, and spread it flat instead of folding. In very humid bathrooms, drying in a better-ventilated room helps.
GSM, size & choosing the right towel
What is GSM in towels?
GSM means “grams per square metre” and it indicates towel thickness and weight. Higher GSM usually feels plusher, while lower GSM typically dries faster and packs lighter.
What is the best GSM for Indian weather?
In many Indian homes, a mid or lighter GSM towel is easier to live with because it dries faster in humidity. If your bathroom has strong sunlight or ventilation, you can also use heavier GSM for a plush feel.
Is a 600 GSM towel good for daily use?
A 600 GSM towel (often searched as a 600gsm towel) is a popular “plush but still practical” range for many homes. In very humid bathrooms, it can take longer to dry than lighter towels—so consider ventilation or pairing with a faster-drying weave.
Which is better: low GSM or high GSM towels?
Low GSM towels usually dry faster and are great for travel and humid bathrooms. High GSM towels feel thicker and more luxurious, but can take longer to dry indoors. Choose based on your drying conditions.
What is the best bath towel size for adults?
A standard bath towel works for most adults, while larger bath sheets offer more coverage. If you want quicker drying and easy daily use, a regular bath towel size is usually more practical.
Is a bigger towel always better?
Not always. Bigger towels give more coverage but can stay damp longer and take more space to dry. In humid conditions, a practical size that dries well can be more comfortable day to day.
How do I choose a gym towel?
A good gym towel should be lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to wash frequently. Many people prefer a lower or mid GSM cotton towel or a non-terry style because it packs small and dries faster between workouts.
Towels for men & women
Which towels for men are best for daily use?
For most towels for men needs (often searched as towel for men or men towel), choose a standard bath towel size with a GSM that dries well in your home. If your bathroom is humid, a faster-drying weave is usually more comfortable day to day.
What is a soft towel for men?
A soft towel for men is usually defined by a comfortable feel on skin plus good absorbency. Look for quality cotton, clean finishing, and a GSM/weave combo that doesn’t stay damp. If you’re buying multiples, soft towels for men should still be easy to dry and maintain.
What’s a good bathing towel for women?
A good bathing towel for women is one that feels comfortable, covers well, and dries reliably. Many people prefer a standard bath towel for everyday use; if you want extra wrap, choose a larger size but make sure it can fully dry between uses.
Is there a different bath towel for men vs women?
Not really. A bath towel for men is usually the same as any bath towel—what changes is preferred size and feel. Pick based on body coverage, drying speed, and fabric comfort.
Washing, care & softness (no fabric softener)
How do I keep cotton towels soft without fabric softener?
Skip fabric softener (it can reduce absorbency). Use the right detergent amount, rinse well, and dry thoroughly. If towels feel stiff, an occasional deep-clean wash helps remove detergent and mineral buildup.
Why do cotton towels become hard or scratchy?
Most often it’s detergent residue plus hard-water minerals. Overloading the washer, using too much detergent, and not rinsing fully can make towels feel rough over time.
How do I remove towel smell in humid Indian weather?
Musty smell usually happens when towels stay damp too long. Wash promptly, avoid leaving wet towels in a pile, and dry fully in sun/airflow when possible. In monsoon months, frequent washing and full drying is key.
Can I use vinegar or baking soda on cotton towels?
Occasionally, yes—many people use them to help break down buildup. Don’t overuse, and avoid mixing different cleaning agents together in the same cycle. Always rinse well after a deep-clean wash.
Should I wash towels separately from clothes?
Yes when possible. Towels shed lint and need more water to rinse properly. Washing towels together improves cleaning and helps keep them absorbent and fresh.
How should I dry towels to prevent odour?
Dry towels completely between uses. In humid conditions, choose better airflow (near a window/fan) or sunlight. Avoid hanging thick folds that trap moisture—spread the towel open so it dries faster.
Luxury, bamboo & pricing (India)
What makes a towel “luxury”?
Luxury bath towels (also searched as luxury bathroom towels or luxurious bathroom towels) usually combine quality fibre, dense/consistent construction, and a premium finish. Just remember: in Indian humidity, “luxury” should still mean it can dry fully between uses—otherwise it may feel great but smell damp.
Are bamboo bath towels good in Indian humidity?
Bamboo bath towels can feel very smooth and are often chosen for a gentle touch. Many products are bamboo blends rather than pure bamboo. If you’re choosing bamboo towels bath styles (or bamboo towels men options) for daily use, focus on how fast they dry in your bathroom and how easy they are to maintain.
Why does bath towel price vary so much in India?
Bath towel price typically varies based on size, GSM, fibre/material (cotton vs bamboo blends), weave type, and finishing quality (hemming, stitching, durability). If you want a simple breakdown, read our GSM & bath towel price guide.
What does “bath and towel set” usually mean?
“bath and towel” is often how people search for a simple bathroom bundle. It can mean a mix of bath towels and smaller towels (like hand towels). The best set depends on how many people use the bathroom and how quickly towels can dry in your home.
Related guides (quick picks)
- Bath towel size & GSM guide (India) — choose the right bath towel / bath towels for daily use.
- 600 GSM towels + bath towel price guide (India) — explains 600 GSM towels / 600gsm towels, value, and what you’re paying for.
- Quick-dry bathroom towel guide (India) — the best towels for bathroom humidity (weave comparison).