The peshtemal is a weave that has lived alongside Anatolia's hammam culture for centuries. In weaving centres such as Buldan in Denizli there are still craftspeople working with the same finesse. It is no coincidence that it has reappeared in recent years on beaches, in kitchens and even in nurseries.
Unlike a towel, a peshtemal is a flat-woven fabric with no loops. That is why it is light, folds down very small and dries incredibly fast. At first it cannot compete with a towel for absorbency, but with every wash the fibres open up, so it becomes both softer and more absorbent. It is one of those rare products that gets better with time.
It also has a quiet advantage in water and energy. Being light, it takes up less room in the machine and hardly ever needs a tumble dryer. In humid climates the risk of a musty smell is very low. It will not always replace a thick towel; but in summer, when travelling and in small bathrooms it offers a comfort you may not expect.