Traditionally striped peştemal have been offered at Turkish bathhouses since before the Ottoman Empire. Whether for beach, spa or everyday use, the beautiful towels have a couple of practical features too. Absorbent woven cotton or linen gets softer the more you use it, doesn’t pick up unwanted sand, minimizes frizzy hair, rolls into a small bundle for easy packing, and doubles as a wrap, blanket or tablecloth. For those who missed the French label A.P.C.’s
recent limited-run version of the chic staple, see eight modern equivalents in a range of styles, blends and prices that all stand out for their quality and good looks below.
Toast: Hammam Towel; indigo or aubergine, £19
Brook Farm General Store: Hammam Towel; grey, ivory, black and striped colorways, $68
No. Four Eleven: Large Fouta Towel; gray and ivory striped, gray with ivory border, $69
Scents & Feel: Fouta Bayadere; various striped options, $85-95
ABC Carpet & Home; Mabrad Towel; natural, mocha, turquoise and grey with white or blue, $50-60
Pip-Squeak Chapeau: Linen Bath Towel; white, $65
Turkish Bath Towel; various colors and patterns, $20-26
Turkish Hammam Towels: L’aviva Home; Oatmeal Linen, Nile Green, Sage Green or Dark Rose and Ivory Stripe, White Pique, Dark Rose or Navy Jacquard and Chocolate Linen, $55
Fantastic Man recently pointed our attention to the linen Deck Towels; nine brilliant colors and stripes, $55