From Royal Courts to Quiet Bathrooms: The Untold Story of Towels, & the Rise of Linen.
Before the spa-like comfort of soft towels became commonplace, the simple act of drying off was a privilege—reserved for the elite, performed with woven cloths of precious material, and steeped in ritual. The humble towel, as we know it today, carries a surprisingly rich past. And now, it’s making a quiet revolution—led by linen.
The First Towels: A Regal Beginning
The earliest record of towels dates back to the 17th century in Bursa, Turkey, where artisans created handwoven “pestemals.” These thin, absorbent cloths weren’t just used to dry the body—they were symbols of luxury, often embroidered and gifted in ceremonial settings. The Ottoman Empire considered them essential during hammam (Turkish bath) rituals, where cleanliness merged with cultural tradition.
From the Ottoman courts, the idea of a personal drying cloth slowly spread across Europe. But towels didn’t truly become household staples until the Industrial Revolution made cotton spinning faster and cheaper. Cotton towels were mass-produced, soft, thick, and—for the first time—affordable. Comfort won over craftsmanship. Or so it seemed.
What We Lost in the Cotton Boom
As cotton towels took over, the textile world traded longevity for fluff. Cotton is undeniably soft, but it has its quirks: it holds on to moisture longer, is prone to mildew, and gradually loses absorbency with each wash. Not to mention the environmental toll of cotton farming—an often-overlooked reality beneath the plush surface.
The Linen Towel: A Revival Rooted in Wisdom
Enter linen—a textile with a 36,000-year history. Made from the flax plant, linen predates cotton by millennia and was the fabric of choice in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was lightweight, breathable, naturally antibacterial, and—most importantly—long-lasting.
Linen towels are not new. They are rediscovered.
Unlike cotton, linen fibers are hollow, which means they absorb moisture faster and dry more quickly. This makes them naturally resistant to mold and bacteria. They also get softer with time, rather than breaking down. Linen towels are lighter, more compact, and perfectly suited for modern minimalism—without sacrificing luxury.
Why the Shift to Linen Towels Is Happening Now
In the era of slow living, thoughtful consumption, and sustainable choices, linen towels are having their moment. People are beginning to question the cost of “softness” that disappears after a few months. They want textiles that age well, breathe naturally, and feel grounding—just like the rituals they accompany.
Switching to linen towels is not just a choice of fabric. It’s a quiet rebellion. A return to craftsmanship over convenience. A small, daily ritual infused with ancient wisdom.
The Future Is Ancient
The towel’s journey from palace halls to modern bathrooms tells a story of evolution—and return. As we search for meaning in the mundane, the textures we touch daily become more than functional. They are intimate, expressive, even sacred.
Linen towels don’t shout luxury. They whisper it. And in that whisper is a legacy thousands of years old, finally finding its place again.
