Turkish towels have seen a resurgence in popularity. They date back to the 18th century, where they were used in hammams or Turkish baths. Serena & Lily, a company known for higher-end home decor, offers a plusher and more decorative twist on the traditional fouta or Turkish towel. The towel is made from 100% Turkish Aegean cotton, which is highly praised for its softness, absorbency, and durability. Assessing components like design, texture, and absorbency, I determine if the Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Towel is worth buying. Read on to hear the final verdict. I was impressed by how soft Serena & Lily’s Fouta Bath Towel was when removed from its packaging. The design is minimal yet elegant, with a combination of wide and narrow stripes against a white background. It doesn’t have the typical fringed edges you’ll find on most Turkish towels. This towel features smooth cotton with a subtle herringbone pattern on one side and looped terry cotton on the other. The terry backing provides extra softness and absorbency. When compared with other fouta towels, Serena & Lily’s offering is plusher than lower-end competitors. These towels are on the plain side. They don’t come in any bright colors, and their striped design is relatively subtle. On the plus side, they are neutral enough to complement most bathrooms, adding a little style. Since the Serena & Lily Fouta Towel is more decorative than your average Turkish towel—and a bit more expensive at $48—it’s better suited to the bathroom rather than the beach. Usually, I prefer an overly thick towel that has more of a blanket-like feel. However, I currently live in Florida, where it is warm. I appreciate that this towel is lightweight and absorbent enough to dry me off efficiently. Less bulky than most standard bath towels, it’s perfect for summer use and warmer climates. If you live in a cold region or prefer an ultra-warm towel, you may want to consider another option. The Serena & Lily Fouta Towel offers a decent amount of absorbency, but it didn’t dry me off quite as fast as a traditional terry towel. It took a few passes before I was completely dry. It’s thicker than other Turkish towels, so it took a while to air dry. I was surprised it was still damp after 24 hours. However, I live in a humid climate, and that might account for the lengthy drying time.
What colors are available?
Serena & Lily’s Fouta Bath Towel is available in three color combinations: coastal blue/sky, smoke/fog, and navy/coastal blue. I ordered smoke/fog, a nice blend of muted grays against a solid white background.
How is the sizing?
This towel measures 56 by 30 inches, which is standard for a bath towel. When I wrapped it around me, it provided full coverage—with a little room to spare. I typically wear a women’s medium, so it might not suffice for a larger-sized adult.
What sizes are available?
If you like the look and feel of these towels, they’re sold separately in a variety of sizes: washcloths (12 by 12 inches), hand towels (30 by 20 inches), and a bath mat (24 x 36 inches). They can also be purchased as an essential or luxury bath set in a combination of sizes.
What are the care instructions?
Per the tag instructions, machine wash the towel on cold with like colors and tumble dry on low. Do not use bleach.
Is this towel durable?
When the towel arrived, I noticed a small pull on the striped side. It was hardly noticeable, but I hoped it wasn’t a sign of more to come. I was relieved that the towel held up well after several washes. It maintained its shape and smooth texture, and I didn’t find any more pulls. The towel seems very well-constructed. Unlike other Turkish towels that I own, it didn’t get too wrinkled in the wash and was noticeably softer after laundering.
The Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Towel vs. the Competition
If you’re looking for a hybrid Turkish towel with more pizazz, consider Brooklinen’s Hammam Towel. Generously sized at 40 x 70 inches, it works great as a beach towel, and it’s stylish enough to be worn as a sarong. Available in three vibrant shades and featuring fringed edges and a striped design, this towel has a bit more flair than Serena & Lily’s offering. The Brooklinen Hammam Towel comes with a much steeper price tag—$65 for a single bath towel, but its plush and versatile design justify the cost. Coyuchi’s Mediterranean Towels are another option on the more luxurious end of the spectrum. They don’t have looped terry backing, so they’re not quite as plush as the Serena & Lily towel. However, they are incredibly soft and feature an elegant design. Coyuchi towels are also on the pricey side—a single towel will set you back about $58. A six-piece set that includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths sells for about $150. Its soft and sophisticated design will make a fantastic linen closet addition. Thicker and a little more elegant than your standard Turkish towel, Serena & Lily’s Fouta Bath Towel is an excellent choice for in-home use. Pricewise, it is on the higher end, but it’s one of the more affordable options in this category. Its sophisticated design, plush texture, and durable weave are well worth the money.
