A hammam towel is a flatwoven towel with a lighter feel than a classic looped terry towel. It is a useful option when you want a generous piece of fabric that folds into a compact bag. The weave feels different against the skin, so the best choice depends on your preferences and where you plan to use it.
This guide explains what to check before choosing from Loom Copenhagen’s cotton hammam towels.
What does a hammam towel feel like?
Look closely at the surface: a flat weave does not have the raised loops of terry. That makes the towel more like a woven textile to wrap around yourself than a thick bathroom towel. Fringes and woven stripes are common design details, but neither the name nor the pattern guarantees a particular size or weight.
If you enjoy a substantial, plush surface after bathing, compare it with our terry towel sets. Neither construction is the right answer for everyone. Read our hammam and terry comparison for the differences.
Which size should you choose?
Start with the actual dimensions, rather than a label such as “beach towel” or “sauna towel”. Lay out a towel you already use and measure it. Consider whether the next one should cover a bench, wrap around your body or leave more room when lying down.
For example, Ipanema in turquoise and white measures 100 × 200 cm. It is made from 100% cotton, with a stated fabric weight of 200 GSM and an approximate total weight of 400 g. GSM means grams per square metre; it describes fabric weight, not every aspect of quality or absorbency.
Using a hammam towel in the sauna
Check your sauna’s rules and choose dimensions that cover the bench beneath your body and feet. A towel that works as a wrap may not cover the full area you need while lying down. Keep a dry towel available if you want something separate for drying after a shower.
Fold the towel before packing and open it out after use rather than leaving it bundled in a closed bag. Think of sauna use as one practical option, not a special property that makes every hammam towel suitable for every venue.
For the beach and your travel bag
A flatwoven towel is worth considering when packing space matters. It can serve as a towel or a light wrap after swimming. Compare its folded size with the space in your bag and check that the width suits the way you want to use it.
Colour can help each person recognise their own towel on a family trip. Ipanema in lemon yellow offers the same stated 100 × 200 cm dimensions as the turquoise-and-white model, in a different colour.
Does a hammam towel absorb water?
A cotton hammam towel is intended for drying, but it will not feel like a thick terry towel. Absorbency and drying time depend on the finished fabric, care and conditions of use. We have not published a comparative absorbency test for Loom’s models, so there is no basis for promising that one absorbs more water or dries a fixed number of times faster.
Care: follow the individual label
Check the care label for washing temperature and drying method. Do not assume every cotton towel has the same instructions. If a label is unclear, ask about your particular model before washing. Product pages include the material and available care information.
Questions before buying
Are all hammam towels made in Turkey?
No. The name is not a guarantee of origin. Loom’s Ipanema models described here are made in Tunisia; check the individual product information.
Can it replace my everyday bath towel?
It can be an option if you prefer a lighter, flatter weave. If you like thick loops and a fuller texture, a terry towel may suit you better.
Do I need a separate towel for each use?
That depends on your routine. For a sauna visit, for example, separate towels for the bench and shower can be useful. Follow the venue’s hygiene rules.
Choose by size, texture and use
Compare dimensions first, then consider the feel and colour. Explore all hammam towels or find more ideas in seven ways to use a hammam towel throughout the year.
