First, What Makes The Best Gym Towel?

Here are a few things to consider when selecting gym towels.

• Material: Cotton is the most common material for gym towels. It’s highly absorbent, easy to clean, and you can purchase it nearly anywhere. Cotton has a high absorption rate but also dries quickly, preventing the build-up of mildew or bacteria.

  Microfiber has tiny fibers which make for a softer quick-drying towel. Microfiber towels are also not as bulky as cotton or terry cotton towels, making them easy to store.

  For a more organic approach, bamboo gym towels are ultra-absorbent and some brands are hypoallergenic for members with sensitive skin. They do trend more premium and will come with a bigger price tag.

• Size & Density: Fabric density will vary across materials and brands, just like any towel. Thinner towels are softer and easier to store, but they don’t absorb as much moisture. While thicker towels have stronger absorbency, they can also trap more bacteria.

  Thin towels that see high levels of use may not last as long as thick, durable towels. Bulky, heavy-duty towels can have a much longer shelf life but could become rougher over time and become less enjoyable to use.

  Depending on the needs of your gym, you may consider offering more than one size. A hand towel for equipment and something larger for member use. If you have a full locker room with showers, larger towels would be essential.

• Feel: Nobody wants to dry off with a towel that doesn’t absorb water or feels like sandpaper. If you cater to a pricier clientele, you may want to opt for soft bamboo towels that are gentle on the skin and highly absorbent.

  Cleaning and care play a significant role in the life and softness of your towels. Avoid any harsh detergents when washing to extend the life and effectiveness of gym towels. If you prefer, hand them over to a wash and return service like The Folde to get the most out of your investment.

• Absorbancy Capabilities and Function: If your towels don’t absorb water, they wouldn’t be very effective. Towels that are both highly absorbent but not too thick so as to harbor bacteria or germs are where the best results lie. To keep your towels functioning at their best, avoid any fabric softeners and always wash in hot water.
• Color: Believe it or not, white gym towels are relatively easy to keep clean. If you use a professional gym towel laundry service, the bleach that is used on your towels is a 15% chlorine bleach. This is the same solvents used on hotel sheets! If it is good enough for the Marriot, it should work fine on your gym towels…

  However, this bleach can’t be used on gym towels with colors. So, if you are picking gym towels, get either 1) pure white in color or 2) dark colors. Pure white in color can be bleached while dark colors hide stains well. Stay away from lights and brights.

• Towel Care: Gym towels should be single-use towels and washed right away. This process can add wear and tear to your towels but a durable and soft terry cotton towel should stand up to rigorous washing for a long period of time.

  If your members appreciate a more luxurious feel, you may opt for premium towels. However, make sure to read all care labels and avoid purchasing anything that requires complex or specialized cleaning and drying.