Turkish towels, or “fouta” in Turkish, date back to the 18th century and have experienced a recent surge in popularity. Though thinner than standard bath towels, they’ve made a comeback because of their softness, absorbency, and fast drying time. They’re a stylist’s dream; their fringed edges and striped design make them fancy enough to be worn as cover-ups or used as decorative throws. Brooklinen, a company well-known for its luxurious textiles, offers a plusher spin on the traditional fouta. I tested the Brooklinen Hammam Towel to see how it compared to similar products in our roundup. Read on to see what I learned about this towel. As soon as I removed the Brooklinen Hammam Towel from its packaging, I was wowed by its nice texture. The towel is incredibly soft to the touch. I love that one side of the towel features smooth cotton, while the back is lined with looped terry cotton for extra softness and absorbency. Other brands of Turkish towels that I’ve used have been very thin. Brooklinen’s offering is thicker and more plush—a major bonus in my book. It’s also very absorbent. One pass with the towel, and I was almost completely dry. My only complaint is that the material wrinkles very easily. Even after a spin in the dryer, the towel was still wrinkled. The cotton front separates from the terry cloth weave on the back, causing the material to pucker. If you plan to hang the towel decoratively in a bathroom, you might want to touch it up with an iron. I like that the Brooklinen Hammam Towel is versatile. It’s large enough to tie around my body after a shower or wear as a sarong on the beach. Since it folds up easily and dries fairly quickly, I can take it on the go. Also, you don’t have to keep it hidden away in a bathroom: It’s nice enough to use as a decorative element in a room.
What colors are available?
The Brooklinen Hammam Towel features a classic striped design and fringed edges. It’s available in three colors: rainbow sherbert, cool mint, and berry. I ordered mine in grape (not currently available), a nice blend of muted purples.
How is the sizing?
Measuring 40 x 70 inches, this towel is generously sized. It’s a great feeling to step out of the shower and wrap myself up in a super-soft, blanket-like towel. The terry cloth weave on the underside makes it extra snuggly. Since the towel is so large, I have difficulty wrapping my hair up in it. It tends to come loose and fall off.
What are the care instructions?
As per the tag instructions, machine wash on warm with like colors and tumble dry on low. Since the towel has tassels on two sides, I opted to wash it on delicate, away from garments with zippers, hooks, or anything else it could snag on. You can use a warm iron to remove wrinkles.
Is this towel durable?
Not only did this towel maintain its shape and smooth texture after several washes, but it also got softer the more I washed it. After repeated use, I never saw any loose threads, lint, or shedding.
Is this towel worth buying?
A single Brooklinen Hammam Towel costs $65, which is definitely on the pricey side. You can find cheaper versions, but they will likely be thinner and less absorbent. Typically, the higher the price, the heavier the weight and plushness of the towel. I appreciated this towel’s generous size, stylish design, incredible softness, and absorbency. I think the Brooklinen Hammam Towel is worth the splurge.
Brooklinen Hammam Towel vs. the Competition
Cacala Cotton Pestemal Turkish Towel: This towel isn’t as plush as Brooklinen’s—conversely, it’s one of the thinnest on the market. Regardless, the Cacala towel earns rave reviews for its softness and absorbency. If price is a limiting factor, the Cacala is a much more affordable option; a single bath towel costs about $18. It comes in an impressive selection of three dozen colors to choose from, ranging from subdued neutrals to vibrant hues. Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel: If you’re looking for a luxurious Turkish towel strictly for bathroom use, the Coyuchi towel is a great option. At $58, it’s slightly less expensive than the Brooklinen Hammam Towel. Its soft, luxuriant feel makes it an ideal bath towel. Although it’s thinner and less absorbent than Brooklinen’s offering, it’s equally soft and looks more sophisticated.
If you’re looking for a Turkish towel that’s thicker, plusher, and more absorbent, the Brooklinen Hammam Towel is worthy of its steep price tag. It’s as perfect for the bath as it is for the beach.
