Towels for Travel: An Unexpected History of the Humble Microfiber Towel

In the list of under-appreciated household and on-the-road items, the humble microfiber towel certainly takes the top spot.

Ask anyone who's exited the shower, hopped out of the surf or finished a particularly sweaty yoga sesh, only to find themselves towel-less, and they'll tell you the same thing: having a compact, lightweight, ultra-absorbent towel is an absolute game changer.

But have you ever stopped to wonder about the origins of this modern day essential? How did we go from bulky, cotton towels that take forever to dry to these magical microfiber ones?

Well, strap yourself in. 

We're about to blast off into the unexpected history of the humble microfiber towel.

The ancient origins of towels

If you thought towels were a modern invention, think again.

The earliest evidence of towels dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. These early towels were far from the quick-drying, sweat-wicking, compact versions we know and love today.

Made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen, these towels were bulky and heavy, making them impractical for travel. 

In fact, they were primarily used for communal bathing in public bathhouses or by wealthy individuals who owned large homes with private baths.

Not much changed during the medieval ages. Yes, more and more commoners had access to towels, but they were still made from rugged natural fibers and therefore not ideal for travel.

Keep in mind that they weren't exactly hygienic, either. Without washing machines or proper sanitation practices, towels were often reused and shared among multiple people.

Sharing a towel isn't a bad thing, mind you, but hopefully we've come a long way in terms of cleanliness since then.

The age of exploration and towels

The OG towels for travel may just be the towels used by sailors and merchants during the age of exploration.

Turkish/Persian towels, known for their lightweight and fast-drying qualities, were popular among seafarers as they could be easily rolled up and stored on ships without taking up too much space.

These towels were made of cotton or linen and featured a flat weave rather than the looped terry cloth we see in modern quick dry towels.

Cross-exposure with other civilizations also introduced different types of towels, such as the Japanese tenugui and the Indian gamcha, which were both thin and absorbent but also lightweight and easy to pack.

Towels and the industrial revolution

The 18th century was a big century for towels.

The industrial revolution brought about major advancements in textiles, including the production of cotton and linen towels on a larger scale.

Looms that could produce larger and thicker towels were invented, making them more accessible to the general population.

Improved sanitation practices also made towels more hygienic, encouraging individuals to have their own personal towel rather than sharing with others.

Enter the first big leap towards the modern-day microfiber towel - the invention of terry cloth in the 1840s.

This looped fabric was more absorbent and quicker drying than traditional flat weave towels, making it a popular choice for everyday use.

The rise of microfiber towels

Fast forward to the late 20th century when textile engineers discovered how to create synthetic fibers with a diameter 1/100th the width of a human hair. And just like that, microfiber was born.

Initially used for cleaning purposes due to its superior absorbency and ability to trap dirt and bacteria, it wasn't long before someone had the bright idea to turn these tiny fibers into towels.

The result?

A compact, lightweight, super-absorbent towel that could dry in half the time of cotton or terry cloth towels.

Microfiber towels quickly gained popularity among travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who were looking for an alternative to bulky and heavy traditional towels. They are perfect for a Strike Mission to Bali to snag a barrel in the infamous Uluwatu break and stay at Kala Surf Camp.

These new breeds of towels were more eco-friendly as they required less water and energy during washing and drying, with a hanging loop, moisture-wicking properties and a soft texture.

Happy Faced outdoor towels also have an antibacterial coating that not only keeps them fresh and clean, but reduces the need for frequent washing. Oh... and no funky odor.

Most people can use one towel for an entire week long trip without washing, whether as a beach towel, car camping towel, towel for climbing or a mountain biking towel.

The future of travel towels 

If there's two things we're good at it's being humble and selling the best damn travel towels in the galaxy. Durable. Easy on skin. Light as air. Cool to look at (thanks to our talented artists).

Hopefully, Happy Faced represents the future of towels for travel while still holding onto the values and ideas of products past.

With new technology and materials constantly emerging, who knows what other towel innovations await us in the future?

Self-cleaning towels? Towels with built in solar panels? Towels that can fold themselves? Certainly, towels with less weight that are primed for wiping, sopping, shaking and sunning will become more and more popular.

The possibilities are endless, and we can't wait to see where the humble microfiber towel will take us next.

Wrapping up

The lightest towel in the galaxy has come a long way from its ancient origins.

From bulky and unsanitary to compact and eco-friendly, the microfiber towel is truly a marvel of modern engineering. Sand-resistant, soft on your skin and available in a variety of fun designs... what's not to love?

Stuff Happy Faced towels for travel in your backpack, suitcase or beach bag and get ready to experience the ultimate travel essential. Because let's face it: no one likes an Unhappy Faced towel.

Shop our towels now