Towel Talk

Q: I love WestPoint Home's great "bleach friendly" towels! Can you tell me more about them?

A: Aren't they fabulous! Did you know that even after laundering more than twenty-five times they'll still come out looking bright and fresh? I find that amazing myself.

The advances we've made when it comes to fiber technology are just astonishing. And it's not just the ease of washing and  bleaching and seeing colors stay as bright as ever. Or quick dry - another advance and advantage of improved home textiles: toss these towels in the dryer and they're ready for the linen closet in seemingly no time flat. When it comes right down to it, the softness and lushness of the towels you wrap up in is what you really love, right?

So what do you want to look for in a truly great towel like the Stay Bright? To begin with, cotton. It dries quickly. It's super absorbent. And the Egyptian and Pima cottons with their longer, stronger fibers are top of the line - soooo silky soft.

Construction counts, too. Looped, and particularly combed, is what makes a quality cotton towel extra absorbent. And there is a weight to any top-of-the-line towel that you can feel. Ultra thick pile that you can tell, just from touching, equals long-lasting durability and quality. 

It's worth investing in the best towels you can. And when you do so, I recommend you:

• Make the set complete. Bath towel, hand towel, face cloth.
• Purchase a second face cloth while you're at it - they wear out much more quickly than your towels will, plus it's always helpful to have a spare on hand.
• Purchase three sets: one for use, one in the laundry, on available in the linen closet

And here's another surprising tip. When laundering, skip the fabric softener. It may make your towels softer and fluffier, but you'll also be left with a "residue" on your towels that will result in them being less absorbent.

Quality towels should last 3-5 years, depending on use. However, with so many gorgeous towels to choose from and dress your bath with, it's hard not to treat yourself with each change of the season!