The Fouta Towel: Its History, And Why We Love It So Much
In 2010 alone, almost 60 million Americans visited beaches. There are plenty of things that we associate with the beach — a cold drink, tracking a lot of sand into the car, and trying to find the perfect swimsuit. But of course, we can’t forget one of the few things that really can’t be skipped when you take a trip to the beach: a great beach towel. While some people can’t be bothered to bring a nice towel to the beach, many of us would rather not go at all than bring a towel that is unkempt, or for that matter uncomfortable. In general, whether they’re for the beach or the home or both, towels are the types of miscellaneous items that people can find themselves getting into silly arguments over at home. But then again, if an argument is about finding the perfect towel, is it really that silly? For centuries, one specific type of towel has reigned supreme over all others — and that is the Fouta towel.
What Is A Fouta Towel?
One of the reasons why a Fouta towel functions so well both as a beach towel or a spa towel is that it is defined in part by its multi-purpose nature. Dating back to the 17th century in Bursa, Turkey the Fouta towel was once used by both men and women as a sarong wrapped around the body at public baths. This towel is therefore fairly thin, and will either be made of linen or 100% cotton. You may recognize a Fouta towel by its delicate, fringed detail. In general, these towels tend to have a specifically Turkish look to them, which is one of the reasons why they are favorites among would-be interior decorators. In this day and age, Fouta towels can be found in almost every color or pattern, from the simple to the gaudy. Usually, if you’re buying this type of towel, you can also buy accompanying Fouta accessors, which will be of similar materials and styles, while carrying out different functions.
What Makes A Fouta Towel So Special?
One of the reasons why Fouta towels have so many devotees is that they often simply feel better than other types of towels. They’re perfect for the beach or the pool, as they aren’t too fluffy and heavy, while remaining comfortable in the heat. They’re also easy to wash, and simple to fold, while remaining durable. Usually featuring woven cotton on one side and terry on the other, a Fouta towel is both absorbent and lightweight, and can be used everywhere from the beach to the kitchen. The fact is that these towels are simply attractive, while remaining practical to use.
What Can I Use A Fouta Towel For?
If we’re going to keep waxing on about the multi-purpose nature of the Fouta towel, we might as well give you some ideas of how to use it! Try it out in the traditional sense, as a sarong; use it as you would any other towel in the home, to dry yourself off after a shower or bath. These towels can also be used to clean, though we recommend choosing a pattern you aren’t so enamored with if that’s the case. They can be decorative, placed around the house to please the eye. However, don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to towels alone. You can also purchase Fouta robes, if you really love the feeling of these particular styles.
Ultimately, the Fouta towel has been around so long that it’s not going out of fashion anytime soon — nor are its many accessories. If you’re looking to add a bit of style to your bathroom or simply your beach trip, think about trying a Fouta towel. You would be amazed by what a difference real quality makes!