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Lightweight, stylish, and incredibly versatile, the Hammam towel is more than just a piece of fabric — it’s a centuries-old tradition woven into everyday life. Known in different regions as a fouta, peshtemal, or hammam towel, these beautifully woven cloths were once essential in Turkish baths and Mediterranean households. Today, they’re experiencing a global revival as people look for eco-friendly, multi-purpose textiles that fit modern lifestyles.
We’re delighted to launch this collection of Luxury Large Organic Cotton Hammam Towels from Tadé— timeless, sustainable, and perfect for both home and travel.
But where do they come from, and why are they so loved today? Let’s take a closer look.
The word hammam comes from the Arabic for “spreader of warmth,” and refers to the historic public bathhouses of the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, and the Middle East. Visiting the hammam was not only about cleansing but also about ritual, relaxation, and community.
In these steaming baths, the peshtemal towel was used to wrap the body. Flat-woven and lightweight, it absorbed moisture quickly while remaining breathable in humid spaces. Its generous size offered modesty and comfort, while the cotton fabric stood up to daily use.
These towels became synonymous with wellness rituals, and their craftsmanship was passed down through generations of weavers.
The hammam towel’s story stretches beyond the Turkish bathhouse. Across the Mediterranean — including in Provence — similar woven textiles were used in households and local bath traditions. Known as fouta in French, they became part of daily life for bathing, market days, and summer outings to rivers and the sea.
Today, Provence embraces hammam towels for their Mediterranean spirit: lightweight, sun-friendly, practical, and chic. They are as much a lifestyle accessory as they are a towel.
Hammam towels stand out because they are:
Flat-woven, not looped – unlike terry towels, they have no loops, which makes them thinner and quicker to dry.
Highly absorbent – despite their slim profile, organic cotton fibres soak up water beautifully.
Quick-drying – ideal for travel, gyms, or humid bathrooms where towels need to dry fast.
Lightweight & compact – easy to fold and pack, taking up a fraction of the space of regular towels.
Durable & softening with age – organic cotton becomes softer and more absorbent with every wash.
Versatile & elegant – serving as towels, shawls, wraps, throws, or picnic blankets.
The beauty of hammam towels lies in their authentic weaving traditions. Most are hand-loomed on traditional wooden looms, creating fine, breathable cloth with signature fringes.
By choosing organic cotton hammam towels, you’re also supporting a sustainable textile choice. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or harsh chemicals, making it better for your skin, the farmers, and the planet. Each towel is biodegradable, long-lasting, and ethically crafted — a far cry from fast fashion or disposable homeware.
What makes hammam towels so popular today is their sheer versatility. They easily adapt to modern living:
Soft and absorbent, hammam towels make perfect daily towels. They dry quickly in small bathrooms and are less bulky in the laundry.
Their lightweight design makes them the ultimate beach companion. They don’t trap sand like terry towels and can double as a sunbed cover, sarong, or picnic blanket.
Compact and multi-purpose, hammam towels are ideal for travellers. Use as a towel, shawl, blanket on planes, or even a makeshift pillow cover.
Use it as a yoga mat cover, sweat towel, or lightweight wrap for after exercise.
Drape a hammam towel over a sofa, use as a tablecloth, or layer it as a lightweight throw in summer. Its stylish stripes and colours bring Provençal charm to interiors.
Fold into a chic scarf, shawl, or beach wrap. With timeless patterns, hammam towels transition effortlessly from bathroom to wardrobe.
In an era where people are looking for eco-conscious, space-saving, and multi-purpose products, hammam towels tick every box. They’re plastic-free, sustainable, compact, and versatile — proving that a centuries-old tradition has just as much relevance today as it did in the hammam bathhouses of the past.
For those who love Provençal living, hammam towels embody the same values as Marseille soap: practical, natural, timeless, and sustainable.
Q: Do hammam towels get softer with use?
Yes — the more you wash and use them, the softer and more absorbent they become.
Q: Are they machine washable?
Absolutely. Wash at 30–40°C with similar colours, and avoid fabric softeners to preserve absorbency.
Q: How long do hammam towels last?
With proper care, they can last for years — becoming a trusted essential in your bathroom and beyond.
combine authentic weaving traditions, organic cotton, and timeless Provençal style.
Whether you use yours at home, on the beach, or as a travel essential, these towels offer:
Organic cotton softness
Lightweight versatility
Durability & sustainability
🇫Mediterranean charm
Bring a touch of Provençal elegance into your daily rituals with a towel that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
©️ French Soaps UK 2025
If you would like help shopping this article, or have further product or ingredient questions then please contact us and we will be happy to help. E. bonjour@frenchsoaps.co.uk T. 01423 803080
Telephone or Whats App: 01423 803080
Email: bonjour@frenchsoaps.co.uk
Social: @FrenchsoapsUK
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Gifting couldn't be easier
Add a gift message to be emailed to when their parcel arrives, or at a time of your choice.