What Is a Peshtemal? A Buyer’s Guide to Turkish Towels
A peshtemal is a flat-woven cotton towel from Turkey. For centuries it was the traditional towel of the Turkish hammam; today it is sold all over the world as a beach towel, bath towel, spa wrap and light throw. You may also see it called a hammam towel, a Turkish towel, a pestemal or — especially in France — a fouta.
This guide explains how peshtemals differ from regular towels, which weaves and sizes are common, how they are used and what to check when you buy them wholesale.
Peshtemal vs terry towel
| Peshtemal | Terry towel | |
|---|---|---|
| Weave | Flat weave, no loops | Looped pile |
| Weight | Light | Heavier |
| Drying time | Dries several times faster | Dries slowly |
| Folded size | Folds small, light to ship | Bulky |
| Absorbency | Good, improves with washing | Very high |
| Feel | Smooth, gets softer with every wash | Plush |
| Typical uses | Beach, pool, spa, hammam, travel, throw | Bathroom, changing rooms |
Peshtemals do not replace terry towels everywhere — a plush terry bath towel is still the standard in most hotel bathrooms. But wherever towels need to dry fast, pack small or double as a throw, the peshtemal wins.
Weaves, patterns and finishes
- Classic stripes. The best-known look: coloured stripes on a natural or white base, sometimes called Marine.
- Herringbone, diamond and other patterns. Woven into the fabric, giving a textured surface and a more premium look.
- Fringes. Most peshtemals end in twisted or knotted fringes. Well-made fringes are evenly twisted and secured so they do not unravel in the wash.
All peshtemals in our range are 100% cotton.
Common sizes
- Standard peshtemal: about 90×170 to 100×180 cm — the usual size for beach, bath and spa use.
- Hand peshtemal: around 50×90 cm, for guest bathrooms and gyms.
- Large peshtemal / bedspread: up to about 200×240 cm, used as a bedspread or a large throw.
Because peshtemals are woven from natural cotton, the finished size can vary slightly from piece to piece.
How peshtemals are used
- Beach clubs and pools: light to carry, quick to dry, easy to stack.
- Spas, saunas and hammams: as body wraps and treatment bed covers — see spa & hammam towels.
- Hotels: for pool areas and as a stylish extra in guest rooms.
- Retail: as beach and bath towels, travel towels, light throws, tablecloths or even scarves and sarongs. Compact and colourful, they are easy to display — see wholesale for retailers.
How to care for peshtemals
- Wash at 30–40 °C with similar colours before first use; this also starts the softening process.
- Skip fabric softener — it coats the fibres and reduces absorbency.
- Tumble dry on low heat or line dry; cotton can shrink slightly at high temperatures.
- If a fringe loosens, simply twist it again by hand.
A peshtemal becomes softer and more absorbent with every wash.
What to check when buying peshtemals wholesale
- Material: 100% cotton for absorbency and softness.
- Size and tolerance: agree the size and accept a small natural variation.
- Fringe finish: evenly twisted and secured.
- Colour range and minimum per colour: mixing colours helps retail displays and hotel branding.
- Lead time: stock for fast delivery, custom colours or logos for your own line.
Ordering peshtemals from ZARTEKS
Our peshtemals are in stock in several colours, from 20 pieces per colour, with a minimum order of €1,000. For custom colours, sizes or your logo, see private label. See all wholesale terms.
