Peshtemal Towels: Why the Turkish Hammam Towel Belongs in Every Home

In the Turkish hammam, guests wrap themselves in a light, striped cotton cloth called a peshtemal (peştamal). Today these flat-woven towels have travelled far beyond the bathhouse: you’ll find them on beaches, in gyms, in nurseries and draped over sofas. Here’s why so many people switch from thick terry towels to peshtemals — and how to care for one.

What is a peshtemal?

A peshtemal is a thin, flat-woven towel, traditionally made from cotton on hand or shuttle looms. Classic designs have colourful stripes and twisted or knotted fringes at both ends. They are woven in many towns of western Türkiye, where textile weaving has a long history.

Why people love them

• Light and compact: a peshtemal takes a fraction of the space of a bath towel — ideal for travel and the beach.
• Quick-drying: the flat weave dries much faster than terry cloth, so it stays fresh.
• Gets softer with time: cotton peshtemals become softer and more absorbent with every wash.
• Multi-purpose: use it as a bath towel, beach towel, sarong, picnic blanket, scarf, table runner or throw.
• Beautiful: the colours and fringes make them as decorative as they are practical.

Cotton, bamboo or linen?

Cotton is the classic choice: soft, absorbent and easy to care for. Bamboo blends feel silky and very soft. Linen blends are cool, light and especially good for hot climates. Check each product page for the exact material.

How to care for your peshtemal

1. Wash before first use. New peshtemals become noticeably more absorbent after a few washes.
2. Wash at 30–40°C with similar colours. Avoid bleach.
3. Skip the fabric softener — it coats the fibres and reduces absorbency.
4. Line dry or tumble dry on low. They dry quickly in the open air.
5. Fringes: if a fringe loosens, simply twist it back gently.

Complete the hammam ritual at home

Pair a peshtemal with a kese (exfoliating mitt) and a natural olive-oil soap, and you have the essentials of a Turkish hammam experience in your own bathroom — a lovely gift idea, too.

Shop peshtemal towels, hammam sets and natural soaps in our Hammam & Bath collection.