Best Towels for Sauna: Here’s What Actually Works in 2025

Picking the right towel for your sauna can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy the experience.

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A good sauna towel doesn’t just dry you off—it helps manage sweat, provides comfort, and keeps things clean. Let’s look at what makes certain towels perfect for the hot, steamy environment of a sauna.

In this guide, we’ll explore the science behind sauna towels, share practical advice for different sauna types, and reveal the best towels for sauna use in 2025 based on both scientific testing and real-world performance.

Why Your Sauna Towel Matters

Saunas push towels to their limits with high heat and moisture. Regular bathroom towels might not hold up well in temperatures that can reach 160-200°F.

According to the Finnish Sauna Society, a towel in the sauna primarily serves “to sit on, both for hygienic reasons and because the bench may feel rather hot”.

Good sauna towels need to:

• Keep a clean barrier between you and shared benches.
• Soak up sweat during your session.
• Feel soft against skin that’s more sensitive in the heat.
• Dry quickly between uses.
• Fight off bacteria that love warm, wet places.

The Best Materials for Sauna Towels

Bamboo: The Science-Backed Winner

Recent tests have shown bamboo towels have some impressive qualities:

• They can absorb nearly three times more moisture than regular cotton towels—19.69g compared to just 6.67g
• They naturally fight bacteria growth, which is perfect for warm, damp sauna rooms
• They scored an amazing 7.86 on scientific absorption tests, leaving cotton (0.84), hemp (1.40), and linen (1.57) far behind ¹

Bamboo seems to work so well because its fibers have a special structure that manages moisture better than other natural materials. If you’re worried about germs in public saunas, bamboo’s germ-fighting powers give you extra protection.

My Top Bamboo Towel Picks:

*All Towels are available in White also

Turkish Cotton: The Luxury Choice

Turkish cotton has earned its fancy reputation:

• Its long fibers create a light but super-absorbent towel that gets softer each time you wash it
• Tests show well-cared-for Turkish towels can last through 50+ washes without losing quality
• Its open weave lets air flow through, helping it dry about 40% faster than regular cotton

“Turkish towels become softer with each wash while keeping remarkable absorbency,” notes sauna experts. This quality makes them perfect for home saunas where comfort is key.

My Top Turkish Towel Picks:

*All Towels are available in White also

Linen (Peshtemal/Fouta): The Traditional Option

These flat-woven towels have been used in Turkish baths for centuries:

• They dry much faster than fluffy cotton because of their thin design
• They’re authentic to traditional bathhouses and steam rooms
• They fold up tiny, making them great for travel or small storage spaces

Testing shows linen can absorb 10.26g of water—more than regular cotton but less than bamboo. Their quick-drying nature makes them especially good for steam saunas where everything stays damp.

My Top Linen Picks:

*All Towels are available in White also

Microfiber: The Practical Choice

These modern synthetic towels have some practical advantages:

• They’re much lighter than cotton, usually weighing 300-400 GSM (grams per square meter) compared to premium cotton’s 500-600 GSM
• They dry in about 10 minutes versus cotton’s 25+ minutes under the same conditions
• Their thin design makes them easy to pack in gym bags or travel kits

While microfiber might not feel as luxurious as natural fibers, it “dries 50% faster than cotton,” making it great when you have back-to-back sauna sessions.

My Top Microfiber Towel Picks:

*All Towels are available in White also

Size, Weight and Practical Tips

Understanding GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

The weight of your towel affects how it performs:

• Light (300-400 GSM): Dries quickly but feels less plush
• Medium (400-600 GSM): Offers the best mix of absorbency and drying time for most sauna uses
• Heavy (600+ GSM): Feels luxurious but takes much longer to dry

My Top Picks for 400 / 500 / 600 GSM Sauna Towels:

*Also available in White

Industry experts say “balancing GSM with drying time is key” when choosing sauna towels. Medium-weight towels work best for most people’s sauna needs.

Different Sauna Cultures, Different Towel Rules

A study of 84 countries found big differences in how people use towels in saunas:

• In 24 countries like the UK and Canada, wearing a towel is expected
• In 23 countries, including Germany, people go nude but sit on a towel
• In 41 countries, people wear swimwear instead of using towels

These differences show that local customs matter when choosing a towel, especially in public places. When unsure, check with the sauna about what’s normal there.

Related: What to Wear in a Sauna

Best Towels for Different Sauna Types

For Traditional Finnish Saunas (Dry Heat)

The high heat (70-90°C) and low humidity of Finnish saunas need specific towel types:

• Best Pick: Medium-weight Turkish cotton (400-600 GSM)
• Why It Works: Research shows temperatures above 75°C kill most bacteria, making natural fibers with good absorption ideal ²
• Main Benefit: The dry heat helps even thicker cotton dry well between sessions while feeling great on your skin

For Steam Rooms/Hammams (High Humidity)

The heavy moisture in steam rooms creates different needs:

• Best Pick: Linen peshtemal or light bamboo blend
• Why It Works: Studies on fabric drying in humid places show that thinner, quick-drying materials prevent bacteria growth [Tano & Melhus (2014)]
• Main Benefit: Light towels won’t get too heavy with water in the steamy environment

For Infrared Saunas (Lower Heat, More Sweat)

Modern infrared saunas run cooler but often make you sweat more:

• Best Pick: Bamboo or bamboo-blend towels
• Why It Works: Bamboo absorbs 19.69g compared to cotton’s 6.67g, makes it perfect for handling extra sweat
• Main Benefit: Natural germ-fighting qualities help keep things clean with regular use

Taking Care of Your Sauna Towels

Good care keeps your sauna towels working well:

1. Wash at the Right Temperature: Science shows washing at 60°C (140°F) cuts bacteria by 99.9% [Tano & Melhus (2014)]
2. Skip the Fabric Softener: Studies prove fabric softeners coat fibers with a waxy layer that cuts absorption by up to 30%
3. Try a Vinegar Rinse: Adding ½ cup white vinegar during the rinse cycle helps remove mineral buildup from sweat without harsh chemicals
4. Dry Properly: Air-drying is best, but if you must use a dryer, use low heat (below 70°C) to avoid damaging the fibers

Other Helpful Sauna Accessories

Sauna Seat Covers

These specialized cloths have a waterproof bottom layer and an absorbent top layer. They protect both you and the wooden benches.

My Top Pick:

Sauna Kilts/Wraps

Popular in Nordic countries, these wrap around your waist and secure with velcro or buttons. They give you the freedom to move while staying covered.

My Top Sauna Wrap Picks:

Related:
Best Sauna Hats
Best Essential Oils for Sauna

Small Face/Hand Towels

Bringing an extra small towel lets you wipe sweat from your face during intense sessions, improving comfort without disrupting your relaxation.

For more ways to enhance your sauna experience, check out our complete guide to the best sauna accessories.

Final Thoughts

A quality sauna towel makes your wellness routine better. Scientific tests prove that choosing the right towel improves absorption, comfort, and cleanliness.

Bamboo stands out as the top performer for soaking up moisture, while Turkish cotton delivers the luxury experience many sauna fans love. If quick-drying is your priority, linen peshtemals and microfiber offer practical benefits, especially in humid settings or when traveling.

Look for medium GSM ratings (400-600 GSM for most uses) and think about what type of sauna you use most often. Matching your towel to your needs turns a basic accessory into an essential part of your sauna ritual.

As Finnish sauna tradition teaches us, the sauna is a place for “relieving stress and tension—unhurriedly”. The right towel helps create the comfortable, clean foundation for that timeless experience.

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Resources

1. Foster, J., & Montgomery, P. (2021, March 7). Absorbency of biodegradable materials for menstrual hygiene management products in low- and middle-income countries (Version 1). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-306469/v1 ↩︎
2. Tano, E., & Melhus, A. (2014). Level of decontamination after washing textiles at 60°C or 70°C followed by tumble drying. Infection ecology & epidemiology, 4, 24314. https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v4.24314 ↩︎

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