The Wirecutter Show: You Deserve Better Towels – Episode Summary

Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host/Co-Hosts: Christine Cyr Clisset, Kyra Blackwell, Rosie Guerin
Guest Expert: Jackie Reeve, Senior Staff Writer at Wirecutter

Introduction: The Towel Dilemma

The episode kicks off with Rosie Guerin sharing a relatable household frustration: "I was doing some laundry last night, and I realized at a certain point that I had folded, like, eight towels. But the thing about these is none of them matched..." (00:36). This observation sets the stage for a comprehensive discussion on towel quality, types, and maintenance.

Understanding Towel Types

Jackie Reeve delves into the three main types of towels, explaining their distinct characteristics and suitable uses:

1. Terry Towels

   • Description: The most common in the U.S., terry towels feature loops of yarn on both sides, making them heavy and plush.
   • Pros: Extremely absorbent and soft, ideal for wrapping up post-shower (11:01).
   • Cons: They are bulky and take up more storage space.

   Jackie explains, “Think of it as like a classic sort of hotel towel. It’s really soft.” (12:01).

2. Waffle Towels

   • Description: Recognizable by their 3D, honeycomb-like texture, waffle towels are lightweight and have a spa-like feel.
   • Pros: Quick-drying and stretchier, accommodating various body shapes (13:10).
   • Cons: Prone to snagging and can feel scratchier to some users.

   Jackie notes, “Waffle towels have a very spa vibe... they feel scratchier than a terry towel.” (14:17).

3. Peshtamal (Turkish) Towels

   • Description: Flat and densely woven, peshtamal towels are ultra-thin and highly portable, making them popular for beach use.
   • Pros: Easy to store and quick to dry.
   • Cons: They can feel clammy and less effective at absorbing water.

   Christine shares her preference, “I like that I can wrap them around my body and I’m not like, with a terry cloth towel that’s really thick.” (16:14).

Absorbency: Beyond Human Senses

Jonathan Swan introduces a fascinating aspect of towel performance: humans lack a direct “wetness receptor.” Instead, we rely on temperature and texture to gauge moisture (07:11). This limitation means that the perceived absorbency of a towel varies individually.

Jonathan explains, “Everyone will kind of experience it differently... it's really subjective.” (09:00).

Testing Towels: Challenges and Insights

Jackie Reeve outlines the rigorous testing process Wirecutter employs to evaluate towels:

• Material Composition: Preference for 100% cotton or linen due to their natural absorbency (18:08).
• Durability: High-quality towels can last between 5 to 10 years with proper care (27:19).
• Wash Cycles: Emphasis on washing towels multiple times to remove manufacturing finishes that affect texture and performance (20:48).

Jonathan advises, “Wash your towels at least one time before you use them. It takes about five washes to get all traces of those new finishes out.” (21:52).

Cost Considerations

The hosts discuss the price ranges for different towel types:

• Terry Towels: $15 to $50+, with premium options like Frontgate's plush towel priced around $44 (25:44).
• Waffle Towels: Typically more expensive, often around $50 for quality options (26:12).
• Peshtamal Towels: Range from $30 to $50, balancing cost and functionality (27:00).

Christine mentions, “I have Amazon ones that are made out of cotton that I really like. They’re like six for $36.” (27:08).

Care and Maintenance Tips

Maintaining towel quality involves specific care practices to preserve softness and absorbency:

• Avoid Fabric Softeners: These can coat fibers, reducing absorbency. Instead, use a good detergent without excessive additives (27:46).
• Dry Thoroughly: Ensuring towels are bone dry prevents mildew and odors (29:02).

Jonathan strongly recommends, “Do not put fabric softeners or dryer sheets in with your towels.” (27:46).

Lightning Round: Quick Q&A with Jackie

In a rapid-fire segment, Jackie Reeve addresses common towel questions:

1. How often should you wash your bath towels?

   • Answer: Every three days. “You should change it every three days.” (28:43)

2. What to do if towels remain stinky after washing?

   • Answer: Use an appropriate amount of detergent, avoid overuse, and ensure towels are thoroughly dried. “Make sure you're using a good detergent. Don’t use too much of it.” (28:58)

3. How many towels per household member?

   • Answer: Two to four per person to maintain a rotation system. “Generally two to four towels per person.” (29:43)

4. Difference between bath towels and bath sheets?

   • Answer: Bath sheets are larger for more coverage. “Bath sheets are just bigger.” (30:09)

5. What defines a beach towel?

   • Answer: Larger size and shorter terry loops for portability and quick drying. “[Beach towels] are significantly bigger... and they dry faster.” (30:24)

6. When to replace towels?

   • Answer: When they start fraying, pilling, losing color, or feel less soft. “When they start fraying, if you notice that the edging is coming undone.” (30:44)

7. Disposal of old towels?

   • Answer: Donate to animal shelters or use for pet bedding if they're too worn for human use. “Call a vet’s office, call an animal shelter, see if they can use them.” (31:12)

Takeaways and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their personal takeaways:

• Christine: Astonished by the revelation about human sensory limitations regarding wetness. “The human body is wild.” (32:41)
• Rosie: Open to experimenting with different towel textures beyond her usual preference for terry. “I’m intrigued by waffle.” (32:59)
• Kyra: Recognizes the need for more and better-maintained towels, emphasizing the importance of regular washing. “I need to get more towels.” (33:31)

Jonathan wraps up with a personal anecdote, “I bought him a 120-piece bag of Japanese KitKats... he is living his candy dreams.” (31:37), highlighting the blend of practical advice with personal touches that The Wirecutter Show is known for.

Conclusion

"You Deserve Better Towels" provides listeners with an in-depth exploration of towel types, their functionalities, maintenance tips, and purchase advice. With expert insights from Jackie Reeve and engaging discussions among the hosts, the episode equips consumers with the knowledge to select and care for towels that best fit their lifestyles and preferences.

Timestamps

• 00:36 - Rosie discusses mismatched towels dilemma
• 11:01 - Introduction to terry towels
• 12:01 - Terry towels' plushness explained
• 13:10 - Overview of waffle towels
• 14:17 - Feedback on waffle towel texture
• 16:14 - Preference for peshtamal towels
• 18:08 - Importance of natural fibers in towels
• 20:48 - Importance of washing towels before use
• 21:52 - Washing towels to remove finishes
• 25:44 - Cost ranges for different towel types
• 27:46 - Advising against fabric softeners
• 28:43 - Frequency of washing towels
• 28:58 - Managing stinky towels
• 29:43 - Number of towels per household member
• 30:09 - Difference between bath towels and bath sheets
• 30:24 - Characteristics of beach towels
• 30:44 - Signs to replace old towels
• 31:12 - Disposal recommendations for old towels
• 32:41 - Hosts' personal takeaways

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