When it comes to bath essentials, there’s only one choice really - a bath towel. Everything else, as much as it can make your life easier (and your bathroom prettier), is optional. You can live without it. But not without the towel.
But with so many types of towel - from fabrics to colours and price points - choosing the right towel can get really tricky.
Today’ we’ll try to make it a little easier by taking a closer look at one specific type that’s been getting increasingly popular - linen towels. Praised for their texture, quick-drying properties, and natural charm, they are often painted as the ultimate type of eco towels. But is that true?
What Exactly Is Linen?
Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world, woven from the fibres of the flax plant. The process is more labour-intensive than cotton production - flax requires careful harvesting, soaking, and spinning - but the result is a fabric that’s strong, breathable, and naturally beautiful.
Unlike many modern fibres, linen’s appeal lies in its imperfections. Its slightly coarse weave softens over time, developing a smooth, almost silky finish that reflects use and care.
Each wash enhances its absorbency and suppleness, making it one of the few fabrics that truly does improve with age.
The Natural Benefits of Linen Towels
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Superior absorbency
Despite being lighter than cotton, linen can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture before feeling damp. It wicks water away from the skin quickly, meaning you’ll feel dry faster without the heavy, soggy feeling that can come with thick cotton towels.
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Quick drying
Because of its looser weave and moisture-wicking properties, linen dries much faster than most other fabrics. This not only prevents that unpleasant damp smell but also reduces the chance of mildew which is ideal for humid bathrooms or anyone who prefers to wash towels less frequently.
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Naturally antibacterial
Linen fibres contain natural waxes and compounds that make the fabric resistant to bacteria and odour build-up. That’s one of the reasons it’s so popular in spa environments as it stays fresher for longer, even with daily use.
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Durability and longevity
If looked after properly, a good linen towel can last for years, even decades. Its fibres are naturally strong and less likely to break down with washing, unlike more delicate materials such as microfibre. The initial investment might be higher, but its lifespan more than makes up for it.
Linen vs. Other Popular Towels
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Linen vs. Cotton
Cotton towels are the go-to for most households, known for their softness and plush feel. Organic cotton towels have gained popularity as a more sustainable choice, especially when free from pesticides and harsh dyes. However, traditional cotton tends to take longer to dry and can feel heavy when wet. Linen, on the other hand, feels lighter and crisper. It’s less fluffy, but that doesn’t mean less comfort, just a different experience.
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Linen vs. Bamboo
Bamboo towels are another eco-friendly contender. They’re exceptionally soft, super absorbent, and boast antibacterial qualities, while linen offers a bit more robustness and durability. One is not necessarily better than the other - they just provide a difference experience altogether. If you're looking for a good towel for sensitive skin, then bamboo cotton towels are a lovely option.
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Linen vs. Microfibre
Microfibre towels have become popular for travel. They dry fast. They’re small. They’re affordable. However, they are also made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which shed microplastics into waterways and don’t feel as good on the skin. Linen offers a natural, biodegradable alternative with the same quick-dry benefits - and a far more luxurious feel.
The Eco-Friendly Choice
Linen’s sustainability credentials are among the best in the textile world. The flax plant grows with minimal water and pesticide use, and almost every part of the plant is utilised in production, from the fibres to the seeds.
For anyone who wants to build a more sustainable home, they’re an excellent investment. They combine style, performance, and a lower environmental footprint. Unlike synthetic or heavily processed fibres, linen requires less energy to produce and naturally decomposes at the end of its life cycle.
Pairing linen towels with other mindful choices like a stone bath mat instead of a synthetic one can make your bathroom feel both grounded and genuinely green.
When Are Linen Towels the Best Choice?
Linen isn’t for everyone, but it shines in particular situations:
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For quick-drying needs: Whether you live in a humid climate or prefer low-maintenance laundry, linen’s fast-drying quality is a game changer.
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For travel or gym bags: Lightweight, compact, and odour-resistant, linen towels are ideal for packing.
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For spa-like bathrooms: Their understated, natural texture adds an effortless luxury to any bathroom setting.
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For sustainable living: If reducing waste and choosing renewable materials matters to you, linen is one of the most planet-friendly options available.
Caring for Linen Towels
Linen is low-maintenance but benefits from a little care and attention.
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Wash gently: Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners as they can coat the fibres and reduce absorbency.
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Air dry when possible: While linen can handle the tumble dryer on low, air drying preserves its strength and reduces energy use.
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Skip the ironing: Linen’s natural creases are part of its charm. Embrace the relaxed look because it’s what makes linen feel so effortlessly elegant.
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Store loosely: Avoid cramming linen towels into small cupboards; they need a little air circulation to stay fresh.
Pros and Cons of Linen Towels
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Pros |
Cons |
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Highly absorbent yet fast-drying |
Can feel coarse at first |
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Naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant |
More expensive upfront |
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Exceptionally durable |
Requires proper care to maintain its best qualities |
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Eco-friendly and biodegradable |
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Develops softness over time |
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Verdict Time - Are Linen Towels Worth It?
If you’re looking for a towel that balances luxury, practicality, and sustainability, linen pretty much ticks every box. A great standalone option as a main towel, or a nice addition to the green towel collection. Linen towels may not have the plush feel of traditional cotton at first, but its crisp texture, quick-drying nature, and graceful ageing make it a real treat, and a serious contender in the natural towel realm.
