We reach for it so many times a day. We use it in the morning to dry our face, after each hand wash we use it to wipe them, and after a shower or bath to dry our entire body. A towel (or its larger variant – a bath towel) is simply an item without which we can no longer imagine normal hygiene. But where did towels come from? How long have they been with us and what did they look like hundreds of years ago? The path to today's ones was quite long. But as we have already hinted, they have been used in some form ever since people began to address hygiene more consistently.
The history of towels dates back to ancient times. Although they were not the towels we know today, people were already aware of the need to dry their bodies at this time. At first, they used plants, leaves, fabrics or even furs. In ancient Greece and Rome, the need to have something to dry their bodies increased even more with the emergence of public baths. At this time, they were pieces of linen that served as towels. However, it took several long centuries before humanity developed the towels similar to today's.
The modern towel, as we know it today, has its roots in the 17th century in Turkey, the then Ottoman Empire. The first towels appeared there, which people used in Turkish baths called hammams, not only for drying, but also to cover their bodies while bathing. A century later, the Turks improved the towels even further and created the first version of the towel, which we today refer to as terry cloth. This new type of fabric had loops on its surface that were able to absorb water more effectively than smooth fabrics. And it was the loops that revolutionized the use of towels due to their better drying ability and more pleasant feel to the touch.
From cotton to modern materials
The terry towel quickly became popular not only for its ability to absorb water quickly, but also for its softness and comfort. The style of production therefore spread from Turkey to all of Europe. This was just a small step towards more mass production, which was also contributed to by the industrial revolution in the 19th century. With the development of the textile industry and the invention of mechanical looms, it was possible to produce towels in much larger quantities and at a lower price. The first factories for the production of cotton towels then began to be established in England and France.
In the 20th century, towels became a common part of everyday life in the Western world. They began to be produced in different colors, patterns and sizes to suit different purposes - from hand and face towels to large bath towels. Over time, different materials began to be used, such as microfiber, which is even lighter and dries faster.
Still on hand today
Towels are now a staple in every household and have become a part of hygiene, sports, beach and pool activities. They are made of different materials, in many sizes and shapes, and can even be custom-made.
