Beach towel or hammam towel? This is the difference in size, GSM and material

 

Beach towel, bath sheet, bath towel, or hammam towel. The terms are often used interchangeably but do not mean the same thing.

The difference between a beach towel and a hammam towel lies mainly in size, weight (GSM), and weave of the fabric.

Which one suits you? At a glance:

• Beach towel. Thicker and fuller, usually 400 - 450 GSM, maximum absorption.
• Hammam towel. Lighter and quicker drying, often 300 - 350 GSM, more compact to carry.
• Bath sheet. Larger than a bath towel and intended for drying after a shower or bath.

Those looking for a beach towel or hammam towel usually want to know: what is the difference, what size do I need, and what does GSM mean? Below, we provide an overview of size, weight, and material.

 

What is the difference between a beach towel, bath sheet, and hammam towel?

A beach towel is larger than a bath towel and is designed for comfortable lounging at the beach, pool, or sauna. A bath towel is mainly used to dry yourself at home. A bath sheet offers more space than a standard towel and is often used after a shower or bath.

A hammam towel serves the same purpose as a beach towel but differs in weave and weight. The difference is therefore less about size and more about structure.

Within the SummerGear collection, both the beach towel and the hammam towel are available in a size of 100 x 200 cm. The hammam towel measures 216 cm including fringes.

A 100 x 200 cm beach towel is considered a large beach towel. It offers full lying space without becoming impractical. In Europe, this is a popular size for beach towels and bath sheets.

The beach towel is made of 450 GSM terry cloth. This structure feels fuller and absorbs more moisture. The hammam towel has a 340 GSM double-sided finish with one side terry cloth and one side smooth woven cotton. This makes it lighter and quicker drying.

Both variants are made from 100 percent organic cotton and are suitable for the beach, pool, and sauna.

 

Traditional hammam towel versus double-sided hammam towel

A traditional hammam towel is completely smooth woven cotton without a terry cloth structure. This makes it thin, light, and compact to fold.

A double-sided hammam towel combines two structures: one side terry for absorption and one side smooth woven cotton for a lighter feel and faster drying time.

This provides more moisture absorption than a completely smooth woven hammam towel, while keeping the weight lower than a classic 450 GSM beach towel.

Within the SummerGear collection, a 340 GSM double-sided hammam towel has been chosen. You retain the lightness of a hammam towel, with extra comfort on the terry side.

In short: traditional is completely smooth woven and light, double-sided offers a balance between absorption and fast drying time.

 

What does GSM mean for a beach towel?

GSM stands for grams per square meter and indicates the weight of the fabric.

The higher the GSM:

• the denser the fabric is woven
• the heavier the beach towel feels
• the more moisture it absorbs
• the longer the drying time

Common weights:

300 - 350 GSM
Light, faster drying, and more compact to carry.

400 - 450 GSM
Sturdier, fuller, and more absorbent.

500 GSM and higher
Extra thick and heavy, comparable to hotel quality.

Within the SummerGear collection, the beach towel is 450 GSM and the hammam towel is 340 GSM. This means more volume for the beach towel and a lighter, faster-drying hammam towel.

A higher GSM is not automatically better. It indicates weight, feel, and drying time.

 

Why choose an organic cotton beach towel?

In addition to size and weight, material plays an important role.

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and with attention to soil and water use. This makes it a conscious choice.

Advantages of organic cotton beach towels:

• natural fiber that feels soft
• less chemical burden during cultivation
• sustainable choice within bath and beach textiles

When comparing beach towels or hammam towels, it is therefore wise to look not only at price or weight, but also at material and finish.

At SummerGear, we work exclusively with 100 percent organic cotton. No cotton blends or synthetic additives, but one clear raw material with predictable quality and comfort.

This choice directly influences the softness, absorbency, and longevity of our beach towels and hammam towels.

 

Which beach towel suits your use?

If you are looking for maximum absorbency and a firm surface to lie on, a 450 GSM terry beach towel is a logical choice.

If you want a lighter beach towel or hammam towel that dries faster and takes up less space in your bag, a 340 GSM variant is suitable.

Since both versions are 100 x 200 cm, the choice primarily revolves around weight and structure.

A 100 x 200 cm beach towel fits easily into a spacious beach bag, along with flip-flops and a stainless steel water bottle.

 

What does an organic cotton beach towel cost?

The price depends on several factors:

• the size, such as 100 x 200 cm
• the weight in GSM
• the finish
• the quality of the cotton

A 400 - 450 GSM organic cotton beach towel is generally higher priced than a lighter variant. Therefore, when comparing, do not only look at the price, but also at size, GSM, and material.

 

Frequently asked questions about beach towels and hammam towels

What is the difference between a bath sheet and a beach towel?

A bath sheet is usually used after showering or bathing. A beach towel is intended for lounging at the beach or pool and typically has a larger size.

What is a good GSM for a beach towel?

400 - 450 GSM offers more absorbency and volume. 300 - 350 GSM is lighter and dries faster.

Is 100 x 200 cm a large beach towel?

Yes. This size offers full lying space and is a popular choice for a large beach towel in Europe.

What are the benefits of organic cotton?

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and with attention to soil and water use. It feels soft and is a conscious material choice.

 

View the collection

Do you want to experience the differences yourself? View our beach towels and hammam towels in 100 x 200 cm made of 100 percent organic cotton.