Bathroom Supplies

A bath towel is the standard size, typically around 70 × 140 cm, suitable for everyday drying. A bath sheet is larger, generally around 90 × 150 cm or more, giving extra coverage and a more generous, wrap-around feel. Bath sheets are popular for a hotel-like experience and suit taller people particularly well. For a full breakdown of towel types and sizes, our guide to the different types of bath towels covers every format.

GSM (grams per square metre) measures a towel's density and weight. Most everyday cotton towels range from 400–500 GSM, lighter and quicker to dry. At 600–700 GSM, towels feel noticeably thicker and more absorbent, with a plush weight typical of hotel-style options. Above 700 GSM, drying time increases significantly. For most Australian bathrooms, 500–650 GSM strikes the best everyday balance. Our Greek Key 650 GSM towel range is a good example of that mid-premium weight.

Egyptian cotton's extra-long staple fibres produce a finer, stronger yarn that gets softer with each wash rather than wearing rough. This gives Egyptian cotton towels a noticeably smoother, more absorbent texture than standard cotton, and they tend to last longer. The premium reflects both the quality of the raw material and the more controlled growing conditions it requires. For a deeper look at what makes it different, our Egyptian cotton guide has the details.

A bath mat is a single piece placed in front of the shower or bath, typically around 50 × 80 cm. A bath runner is longer and narrower, designed to span an extended floor area, usually around 50 × 150 cm or longer. Runners suit elongated bathroom layouts or double-vanity setups where a single mat wouldn't cover the floor adequately. For guidance on choosing the right option for your space, our bath mat guide covers the options.

Zero twist cotton towels are made from yarn that isn't twisted during the spinning process, leaving the fibres looser and more open than in standard cotton. This creates more surface area for absorption, making zero twist towels softer and faster to absorb moisture than equivalently weighted regular cotton. The tradeoff is slightly reduced durability over many washes. Our guide to zero twist cotton towels covers how they compare in practice.

A few simple habits help. Avoid using too much detergent, excess residue stiffens towel fibres. Use half the recommended amount and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle occasionally to strip buildup and restore softness. Shake towels out before and after drying to revive the pile. Tumble drying on medium heat is the most effective way to keep them fluffy; line drying produces a crisper result. Our guide to washing towels covers the full care routine.