Turkish towels – sometimes called Peshtemal, Pestemal, Hamam or Fouta towels – originated in the 14th century alongside Turkish public baths, called Hamams. The towel was designed to be thin, soft, quick-to-dry, and versatile enough to be wrapped around the body as clothing while in the baths. In the 17th century royal women and courtiers desired peshtemals that were increasingly ornate. These peshtemals were woven from cotton on a loom, with threads hand-twisted together into a fringe around the edge, just as Hello Poolside Turkish towels are made today.
TURKISH TOWEL BENEFITS
Peshtemals are made from Turkish Cotton, a premium cotton that has extra-long fibers, which produce stronger and smoother cotton threads. Because of this unique material and the signature flat-weave, Turkish towels absorb water as fast a traditional cotton terry towel but take up less space, dry more quickly, are easier to carry, and become softer with each wash.
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS MODERN DESIGN
Hello Poolside towels are loomed in southwestern Turkey by a second generation family-owned business of artisan weavers. Tassels are tied by hand, and each peshtemal is woven using a centuries-old technique.
By contrast, our designs are anything but traditional. We start with the highest quality OEKO TEX certified yarns and then custom develop the weight and weave to deliver a softer, more absorbent experience than the traditional Turkish towel. With the help of designers from around the world, we aim to capture Hawaii's natural beauty in our color palettes and hand-painted patterns. We hope you enjoy using our towels as much as we enjoy making them.
