Turkish beach towels shrink a little on their first wash, usually a small amount, because they are woven from natural cotton and natural fibers tighten the first time they are washed and dried. After that first cycle the size settles, and with normal care your towel stays close to the same dimensions for years.
The reason is simple. Cotton yarn is stretched during weaving, and the first wash lets those fibers relax back to their natural length. Most of any shrinkage happens once, up front, and it is modest. High heat is what pushes it further, so how you wash and dry the towel matters more than the towel itself.
To keep shrinkage to a minimum, wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle and skip the hot wash. Dry on low heat or, better, hang it to air dry. Air drying is easy with a Turkish towel because the flat weave dries fast anyway. Skipping fabric softener also helps, since softener coats the fibers and, over time, reduces the absorbency that makes these towels worth owning.
There is an upside to how these towels age. As the fibers relax and open up with each wash, a Turkish towel like the NIXY Nebula Turkish Beach Towel ($39) gets softer and more absorbent over time, not stiffer. A slight settling in size on day one is the trade for a towel that feels better the longer you own it. Wash it cool, dry it low, and it holds its shape season after season.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Turkish beach towels shrink?
Expect a small amount on the first wash, and very little after that. Natural cotton relaxes once when it is first washed and dried, then the size settles. Washing cool and drying low keeps that first-wash change to a minimum.
Do Turkish towels shrink in the dryer?
High heat is the main cause of extra shrinkage, so a hot dryer can shrink a Turkish towel more than a cool wash would. Tumble dry on low or hang it to air dry. The flat weave dries quickly, so air drying is rarely a hassle.
How do you keep a Turkish towel from shrinking?
Wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle, avoid hot washes, and dry on low heat or air dry. Skip fabric softener, which coats the fibers and cuts absorbency. These same habits also help the towel last longer.
Should you wash a Turkish towel before first use?
Yes, a first wash is a good idea. It removes any manufacturing residue, sets the size after that initial settle, and starts the process that makes the towel softer and more absorbent with use.
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