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Copyright 2011. Indigo Traders, all rights reserved.
We know you likely don't think about towels every day, but we think you should. One of the signature products at Indigo Traders is the traditional Turkish bath towel known as the pestemal.
What is a pestemal?
A pestemal (pronounced pesh-te-mal) is the authentic Turkish bath towel. It is flat-woven with hand-tied fringe, typically made of Turkish cotton, linen or even silk. It is also known as a hamam towel as it is an essential element of the legendary Turkish bath experience.
How is it different from a typical terry cloth towel?
Pestemals are light weight, thin and extremely absorbent. They are big in size (typically 70 by 40 inches), but are very compact. Unlike a thick terry cloth towel, pestemals are flat-woven with a smooth, soft texture.
Are they earth-friendly?
Yes! Pestemals are so light weight, they are more energy-efficient than a typical terry cloth towel. They dry more quickly after use, so they don't take on a musty smell. The environmentally friendly result - they don't need laundering as often. And when it comes time to wash them, they take much less space in the washer and much less time in the dryer.
How can I use a pestemal towel?
Pestemals are perfectly-suited for everyday use out of the shower or bath. They also make a lovely travel companion as they are compact and dry very quickly. Use them as a sarong on the beach, a picnic blanket or a table cloth. The possibilities are endless!
Which pestemal should I try first?
Get your feet wet with the classic pestemal at Indigo Traders. Wash and dry it first to break it in. Pestemals get better with use, but please launder them gently (see below). Then branch out to the linen, herringbone or honeycomb pestemals.
How do I care for my pestemal?
Gentle laundering is best. Machine wash in warm or cold with like colors. Tumble dry on low or line dry. Please do not use bleach, harsh detergents, dryer sheets or high heat. Pestemals get better with use and some need to be "broken in" by washing and drying them in a dryer on medium heat a few times. This make them softer and more absorbent.
HGTV's Dear Genevieve talks about Turkish bath design and the incredible Turkish bath towels:
PESTEMAL - The Authentic Turkish Towel
