Jump to Questions:
- 1. What does GSM mean for towels?
- 2. What’s the best GSM for everyday towels?
- 3. Why do towels go rough after washing?
- 4. Do towels get softer over time?
- 5. How do I stop towels from fading?
- 6. What’s the difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet?
- 7. Which towels are good for sensitive skin?
- 8. Are thicker towels always better?
- 9. What’s better: Egyptian cotton or combed cotton?
- 10. How long should good towels last?
🧺 10 Most Asked Towel Questions – Real Answers from Bentley Priory Linens
Wondering what GSM means or how to keep towels soft? Get clear answers to the top 10 most asked towel questions from Bentley Priory Linens — practical, helpful, and UK-focused.
Looking for towels that feel soft, last longer, and don’t cost the earth? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re upgrading your bathroom, replacing worn-out towels, or just want to know what “GSM” actually means — here are the answers to the 10 questions we get asked most often by our customers.
From choosing the right thickness to keeping towels soft wash after wash, we’re here to help you shop smarter.
Jump to Questions
- 1. What does GSM mean for towels?
- 2. What’s the best GSM for everyday towels?
- 3. Why do towels go rough after washing?
- 4. Do towels get softer over time?
- 5. How do I stop towels from fading?
- 6. What’s the difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet?
- 7. Which towels are good for sensitive skin?
- 8. Are thicker towels always better?
- 9. What’s better: Egyptian cotton or combed cotton?
- 10. How long should good towels last?
1. What does GSM mean for towels?
GSM stands for grams per square metre, and it’s a way of measuring how thick and absorbent a towel is. The higher the GSM, the plusher and denser the towel.
At Bentley Priory Linens, our best-selling Supreme towels are 500 GSM (perfect for everyday use), and our Luxor towels are 600 GSM for that ultra-soft, spa-style comfort.
2. What’s the best GSM for everyday towels?
We recommend 500–600 GSM for regular, family-friendly use. It’s thick enough to feel luxurious, but still dries quickly on the line or in the tumble dryer — practical and comfortable.
3. Why do towels go rough after washing?
Towels often feel stiff when there’s a build-up of detergent or fabric softener. Ironically, fabric softener can actually make towels less soft over time by coating the fibres.
To keep your towels feeling fluffy:
- Use less detergent than you think
- Skip the fabric softener
- Tumble dry on low or hang in a well-ventilated space
Our combed cotton towels are designed to stay soft without special treatment.
4. Do towels get softer over time?
Yes! Quality cotton towels tend to soften and fluff up after the first few washes. That’s especially true with our Luxor and Supreme towels — they’re designed to feel better with age, not worse.
5. How do I stop towels from fading?
To keep your towels looking vibrant:
- Wash similar colours together
- Use a colour-safe detergent
- Stick to 30–40°C cycles
All Bentley Priory Linens towels are colour-tested to help reduce fading — even after regular washing.
6. What’s the difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet?
A bath towel is a standard size — around 70 x 125 cm — great for everyday use.
A bath sheet is larger — usually around 90 x 150 cm — offering extra coverage and that wraparound feeling.
Bath sheets are especially popular for taller adults, guest bathrooms, or as a winter luxury.
7. Which towels are good for sensitive skin?
Choose 100% cotton towels with no synthetic blends or heavy dyes.
Our towels are made from soft, breathable combed cotton — ideal for sensitive skin, children, or anyone prone to irritation.
8. Are thicker towels always better?
Not necessarily. While thicker towels can feel plush, they also take longer to dry and can be harder to manage in small bathrooms or during winter.
We find 500–600 GSM towels are the sweet spot — luxurious feel without the wait.
9. What’s better: Egyptian cotton or combed cotton?
Both are high quality, but combed cotton (which we use in our Luxor towels) goes through an extra process where short fibres are removed. This makes it:
- Softer
- More durable
- Less prone to fraying or shedding
And it delivers great value without the luxury price tag.
10. How long should good towels last?
With regular use and proper care, quality towels should last 2–5 years.
Our towels are designed for everyday life — built to handle the laundry load without losing softness or shape.
👩‍👧‍👦 Bonus Tips for Busy Homes
- Colour-code towels for each family member — easier to keep track and avoids mix-ups.
- Stock up on hand towels — ideal for spills, guests, or last-minute bathroom refreshes.
- Want fast-drying towels in winter? Go for 500 GSM over bulkier styles.
- Our Supreme Stripes are a trend set to last into 2026
đź›’ Ready to Upgrade Your Towels?
Whether you’re after that “just-stepped-out-of-a-spa” feel or need something soft and practical for the whole family, our Supreme and Luxor ranges strike the perfect balance between comfort, quality, and value.
