What type of towel is used in a sauna?

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There are different types of saunas: the high-temperature and dry Finnish sauna, the high-humidity hammam (Turkish bath), the Russian banya combining intense heat and cold baths, and the bio sauna, a milder variant of the Finnish sauna.

The towel plays a crucial role in these different saunas, not only for comfort but also for hygiene. Here is a comprehensive guide to the different types of towels you might encounter in a sauna.

• What type of towel is used in a sauna?

1/ Cotton Towels
Absorbency and Softness Cotton towels are the most common in saunas. They are highly appreciated for their high absorbency and softness. Cotton is a natural fiber that is both breathable and pleasant to the touch, making it ideal for the hot and humid environments of saunas.
Durability and Heat Resistance Cotton withstands high temperatures and humidity well, making it a durable and reliable choice. Additionally, cotton towels are easy to maintain and can be washed frequently without losing quality.

2/ Microfiber Towels
Lightweight and Quick-Drying Microfiber towels are another popular option. They are very lightweight and dry much faster than cotton towels, which can be particularly convenient in a high-humidity sauna environment.
Absorbency and Softness While microfiber is extremely absorbent, it may not offer the same drying sensation as cotton. However, modern microfiber towels have made significant strides in terms of comfort.

3/ Specific Considerations for Libertine Saunas

In a libertine sauna, where hygiene and personal comfort are even more important, establishments often take additional measures:

Towels Provided by the Establishment Libertine saunas usually provide clean and disinfected towels for each visitor, ensuring a high level of hygiene and allowing users to feel safe and comfortable. Additionally, the towel should be able to wrap around the user, so it needs to be long without being heavy. Here is an example of a typical towel in a libertine sauna.

Disposable Towels For maximum hygiene, some libertine saunas also offer disposable towels. These single-use towels can provide extra peace of mind.

Robes and Large Towels It is not uncommon to find robes and large towels in these establishments, providing additional coverage and comfort. Robes suitable for hammam, sauna, and spa are often made of waffle fabric, offering lightness and longevity, two essential points for use in hospitality and wellness. Here is an example of a waffle robe suitable for use in hammam, sauna, and spa.

Is there a difference between the towels used in a sauna and in a hammam?

Yes, there are differences between the towels used in a sauna and those used in a hammam. These differences are mainly related to the environment and specific conditions of each type of bath.

Towels in a Hammam

Absorbency and Humidity Resistance
- Materials: In a hammam, towels are often made of light cotton or peshtemal (fouta), a type of finely woven cotton towel, either without terry loops or with a single terry side. The peshtemal (fouta) is highly absorbent but also light and less bulky.
- Quick-Drying: The peshtemal dries quickly, which is an advantage in the humid environment of a hammam.
Size and Use
- Less Bulky: Towels used in hammams are generally less bulky than those in saunas. The peshtemal (fouta) is thin and light, making it easy to use, transport, and maintain, which is essential for professional use.
- Versatility: The peshtemal (fouta) can be used both as a towel and as a wrap, offering some flexibility.

Environment and Function

Sauna: A dry environment with high temperatures, requiring absorbent and heat-resistant towels. Users often rest directly on the towels to protect the wooden benches.
Hammam: A humid environment with more moderate heat, requiring light towels that dry quickly. The peshtemal (fouta) is ideal for this use due to its lightness and absorbency.

In summary, towels used in a sauna are generally made of terry cotton and are absorbent, designed to withstand dry heat. In contrast, towels in a hammam are often flat cotton, called peshtemal in Turkey or fouta in Tunisia, lightweight, absorbent, and quick-drying, suited to the humid environment. The choice of towel type is thus dictated by the specific conditions of each type of bath, ensuring optimal comfort and hygiene for users.

Conclusion

The choice of towel in a sauna largely depends on the preferences of the sauna's clientele and the type of sauna you frequent.

Whether you opt for cotton or microfiber, the important thing is to choose a towel that offers both comfort and hygiene.

Sauna establishments, whether traditional or libertine, strive to provide towels adapted to their clients, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience.