The Bathroom Edit: A Guide to Designer Towels, Robes & Towel Care
Think about the last time you stayed somewhere that felt genuinely restful. Chances are the bathroom played a part: thick towels folded just so, a robe hanging on the back of the door, nothing that felt like an afterthought.
That feeling is easier to recreate at home than you might expect, and it starts with textiles. In this guide we look at the new Linen House bathroom arrivals (Payton, Plush and Sanremo) and go a little deeper: how to style each Payton colourway, how to choose between robes, what to look for in a quality towel, and the care habits that make the biggest difference over time.
Payton: Styling a Designer Towel, Colour by Colour
Payton's point of difference is its multi-coloured stripe. Because the yarn is dyed before weaving, the stripe runs right through the towel, and each one is fully reversible. The result is a towel that works as a design element rather than just a practical one.
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Each colourway suits a slightly different bathroom. Here's how we'd use them.
Vanilla: for light, airy spaces
The softest of the four. Vanilla sits beautifully with white tiles, travertine, pale timber and brushed nickel. It's the easiest way to add a touch of pattern without changing the mood of a calm, neutral bathroom.
Olive: for natural, earthy bathrooms
Olive works with terracotta, warm oak, rattan and indoor plants. If your bathroom leans organic or Mediterranean, this is the one that will feel most at home.
Navy: for classic, crisp schemes
Navy brings a tailored, slightly coastal feel. Pair it with white walls, chrome tapware and dark-stained timber for a look that feels polished but relaxed.
Plum: for bathrooms with personality
The boldest of the range. Plum looks rich against sage green, aged brass and deeper-toned tiles. It's ideal if you want the towels to be the talking point.
Display ideas
- On open shelving, roll hand towels rather than folding them so the stripe shows as a neat spiral.
- On a ladder rail, drape bath towels with alternating faces showing to make the most of the reversible design.
- In a guest bathroom, set out one bath towel and one hand towel folded in thirds lengthways, the way a hotel would. It's a small gesture that guests notice.
Good to know: each Payton pack includes two bath towels (approx. 139 x 69cm) and two hand towels (approx. 71 x 40cm).
Choosing a Robe: A Side-by-Side Look
Robes are one of those purchases people often get slightly wrong, usually by choosing on looks alone. The fabric decides how a robe actually performs, so it's worth matching it to how you'll use it.
| Β | Payton | Plush | Sanremo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Cotton terry | Polyester plush | Cotton sateen |
| Feel | Textured, absorbent | Soft, warm, cosy | Smooth, light, cool |
| Best for | Straight out of the shower | Lounging on cooler days | Warm nights & summer mornings |
| Style | Classic, belt & two pockets | Belt & hand pockets | Kimono-style with tie |
Three questions to help you choose
- Will you put it on wet? If yes, choose cotton terry. Payton absorbs water like a towel. Plush is designed for warmth, so it's best worn once you're dry.
- Do you run hot or cold? Warm sleepers and summer dressers will appreciate Sanremo's lighter cotton sateen. If you feel the cold, Plush is the cosiest of the three.
- Is it for everyday or for unwinding? Many people find two robes work best: a terry robe for the bathroom and a softer robe for evenings on the couch.
Thinking of a gift?
A Payton towel pack paired with a Payton robe in the same colourway makes an easy, considered present. It's practical, it looks beautiful wrapped, and it suits almost anyone.
How to Spot a Quality Towel
Towel labels can be confusing, and price alone doesn't tell you much. Here's what's worth paying attention to.
- GSM isn't "the higher the better." GSM (grams per square metre) measures density. Very heavy towels feel luxurious but take longer to dry, which can be a problem in humid weather or bathrooms without much airflow. A mid-weight towel is often the most practical choice for everyday use in Australia.
- Look at the yarn. Payton uses a double-twisted yarn, where the fibres are twisted twice for strength. It helps a towel hold its shape, absorb well and wear evenly over time.
- Check how the colour is made. Yarn-dyed towels, like Payton, have colour woven through the fibre rather than printed on the surface, so the pattern stays crisp wash after wash.
- Feel the edges. A neat, firmly stitched hem is a good sign a towel has been made to last.
Towel Care: The Habits That Matter Most
Most towel problems, such as stiffness, fading and musty smells, come down to washing habits rather than the towel itself. Here's how to keep yours soft and absorbent for years.
The first few washes
New towels often shed a little lint at first. This is normal and settles after a few washes. Wash them on their own in warm water before first use, keep the temperature to a maximum of 40Β°C, and keep darker colours like Navy and Plum apart from lighter loads for the first few cycles.
Everyday washing
- Leave out the fabric softener. It coats the fibres and gradually reduces absorbency. The same goes for chlorine bleach and detergents with optical brighteners, which can affect colour.
- Use a little less detergent than you think. Excess detergent that isn't rinsed out is one of the most common causes of stiff, scratchy towels.
- Give them room. An overfilled machine can't rinse properly, so wash towels in a half to two-thirds full load.
- Tumble dry warm, but don't iron. Shake each towel before it goes in the dryer to lift the loops, and skip the iron, which flattens the pile.
Between washes
Hang towels spread out on a rail rather than bunched on a hook, so they dry fully between uses. A towel that dries quickly stays fresher for longer.
Caring for robes
Payton robes follow the same care as the towels. Plush robes should be washed separately before first use, with no bleach, then tumble dried warm. They shouldn't be dry cleaned.
Quick Answers
Is Payton the same on both sides?
Payton is fully reversible, so either side can face out. That makes it easy to vary the look on a rail or shelf.
Why is my new towel shedding?
Some lint in the first few washes is completely normal for cotton terry. Washing new towels separately helps keep it off the rest of your laundry.
Can I wear a plush robe straight out of the shower?
It's not ideal. Plush is designed for warmth rather than absorbency, so dry off with a towel first. For post-shower wear, a cotton terry robe like Payton is the better choice.
Which Payton colour is the most versatile?
Vanilla is the easiest to place in almost any bathroom. Navy is a close second if you prefer a little more contrast.
The Last Word
Building a bathroom you love isn't about buying more. It's about choosing pieces that suit the way you live, and looking after them well. A towel with some personality, a robe matched to the moment and a few simple washing habits go a long way.
That's Linenology.
