7 Reasons Why - A Guide to the Flat-weave Towel
Have you heard the buzz? Why are these new towels so popular? In recent years, the fouta, or flat-weave towel, has become a beloved home and lifestyle essential. But why are so many people leaving terry cloth behind? Let's talk about it.
1. 100% Cotton
Our artisans source high quality local Ethiopian cotton which absorbs much like any other towel. After carefully choosing the cotton they hand spin, wash, dye, weave, and finish each piece to perfection. As the fibers loosen with each wash, the material becomes softer and more absorbent.
2. Lightweight yet durable
Ethiopia has a long and beautiful weaving tradition. They have perfected the art of simplicity, durability, and luxury. Their bath towels are both incredibly absorbent and fast drying, which makes them a lovely choice to line dry and extremely quick to machine dry (without the leftover fuzz). Let's all pause to say thanks for that lower electricity bill!
3. Healthy Alternative
Hand loomed using an interlocking warp and weft technique, the towel's flat-weave traps less allergens than a classic knotted style. While hang drying, it also remains damp for significantly less time, keeping it bacteria free for longer than your average towel.
4. Machine Wash + Dry
Due to its durable weave and 100% cotton material, the towel can be machine washed and dried. Pull it from the dryer and fold, no need to iron!
5. Compact
Though a generous size of 30" x 62", our towel is the perfect addition to your packing list. We could never travel with a towel before, but its compact rolling size means that it joins us on all our adventures!
6. Versatile
Shawl, sarong, table cloth, small throw, our towel's multiple uses are seemingly endless. Tuck it away for your next picnic, wear it as a sarong, or wrap up and cozy next to a fire. We promise, it will become your new go-to.
7. Artisan Made
Our favorite aspect of each one of our textiles is the process through which they come to being.
Handcrafted with skillful hands and careful attention, each piece has unique qualities in natural texture, softness, and color.
Creative Women has established a long-term partnership with a talented group of artisans in Ethiopia who work in a woman-led small business. By creating a sustainable and fair niche for our artisans, we help to ensure their craft supports the health, education, and economic stability of their families. We believe that conscious consumerism — in which the act of buying is also one of giving — is a powerful way to effect change. [Learn more about our story and process here]
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We'll admit, once upon a time we couldn't put down our terry cloth towel either, but years of time tested use and artisanal tradition cannot be mistaken.
