Pima cotton and Turkish cotton are two of the most common choices when you are buying towels, and they suit different priorities. Pima cotton is somewhat more absorbent than Turkish cotton. Turkish cotton is far faster-drying than Pima cotton. Pima cotton is somewhat more hard-wearing than Turkish cotton. Here is how they compare across the things that actually matter.
Pima cotton vs Turkish cotton at a glance
| Attribute | Pima cotton | Turkish cotton |
|---|---|---|
| Absorbency | ||
| Softness | ||
| Drying speed | ||
| Durability | ||
| Eco profile | ||
| Typical price | £££ | ££ |
What are Pima cotton towels?
An extra-long-staple cotton (supima is the trademarked us version) that is soft, strong and resists pilling. They are best for a durable, very soft premium towel.
What are Turkish cotton towels?
Long-staple cotton that grows more absorbent with washing and dries faster than egyptian cotton. They are best for a balance of softness and quicker drying.
How they differ
Pima cotton is somewhat more absorbent than Turkish cotton. Turkish cotton is far faster-drying than Pima cotton. Pima cotton is somewhat more hard-wearing than Turkish cotton. For most bathrooms the deciding factors are how absorbent and soft the towel feels against how quickly it dries and how long it lasts.
Which should you choose?
Choose Pima cotton if you want a durable, very soft premium towel. Choose Turkish cotton if you want a balance of softness and quicker drying. If you are unsure, our Towel Finder weighs these trade-offs for you, and our GSM guide explains how towel weight changes the feel of either material.
The bottom line
Neither material is simply "better"; they are optimised for different things. Pima cotton wins on absorbency, while Turkish cotton wins on drying speed. Match the material to how you will actually use the towel.