Purchasing Towels ... GSM Explained

• The standard measurement for weight and quality of fabrics is grams per square meter, usually abbreviated as GSM. Towels and bath robes typically vary from 300 to 800 GSM; other fabrics may have values as low as 100 GSM. The same units are used for tissues (18 to 22 GSM is typical) as well as paper towels (35 to 50 GSM is typical).
• A towel that weighs less than 400 GSM is likely to be a bit thin, but it depends what you are going to be using it for - if it's to go into your child's swimming bag or if you are purchasing tea towels, then a lightweight towel may be an advantage.
• If you are seeking to purchase hand towels or guest towels then you should go for those with a GSM of at least 400.
• For bath towels, a higher GSM of 650 is recommended, to provide you with the greater softness and absorbency.
  For enduring coziness, go for bath towels that are 100% combed cotton. Cotton fibers naturally attract water, and can hold almost 25 times its weight in the liquid. Combed cotton ensures that the shorter threads have been removed, keeping the towel strong and preventing pilling.
• The higher the GSM, the better use you will have from the towel. If you just want the towels for decorative use, to co-ordinate with other towels, then it is not necessary to go for the highest GSM.

At Home Linen we have a large range of high quality towels, most with a GSM between 500 and 650. Our bath robes range from a GSM of 450 to 575GSM.