What is a Peshtemal? Everything You Want to Know

Peshtemal, fouta towel, kikoy towel... is there a difference between them? All these names unify a type of fine fabric, woven from 100% cotton, long and thin threads. The only difference is geographical. The peshtemal originates from Turkey and the Middle East. The fouta towel is widespread in North Africa and the Mediterranean, and the kikoy towel comes from East Africa.

History and Origin

The production of peshtemals can be traced back centuries, with the first records of their use dating back nearly 600 years. Originally, peshtemals were used as partitions in hammams (oriental baths). This type of bath combines the functionality and elements of preceding Greek-Roman baths with the Middle Eastern tradition of steam baths and ritual bathing.

Material and Use

The structure of the fabric, namely thin and long threads that absorb water well and dry quickly, soon transformed peshtemals from elements of privacy into practical towels used after bathing.

Modern Day Applications

Fast forward to today, and we at Zazu Naturals personally vouch for the many practical and aesthetic applications of peshtemals:

Peshtemals are much lighter than terry towels.
Peshtemals take up much less space in a beach bag or suitcase.
Peshtemals dry extremely fast and do not dampen other items in the beach bag or sports bag.
Peshtemals do not retain sand.
Peshtemals are multifunctional. They can be used at the beach, in fitness or spa centers, for bathing, at the pool, in yoga or Pilates studios.
Peshtemals are healthier. They dry quickly, which prevents the appearance of an unpleasant musty smell and the development of bacteria.
Peshtemals are cheaper compared to traditional towels of the same size.
Peshtemals are gentle on baby and children's skin, and their natural composition makes them a perfect choice for drying your baby or growing child.
Peshtemals can be used as a picnic blanket and save a lot of space in your bag.
Peshtemals remain soft and gentle on the skin after washing, unlike traditional terry towels.
Peshtemals are more beautiful, trendy, and will surely impress those around you.

Additional Uses

Peshtemals can be used as a shawl on cooler summer evenings. You will definitely look better than if draped in a towel.
Peshtemals can be used as a wrap (sarong, pareo, poncho) while cooling off at a beach establishment. Again, you will surely look better than if draped in a towel.
Peshtemals can be used in the interior of your home. Casually placed on a chair on the terrace or over a sofa, they will add charm and pleasant seaside nuances to your interior.
Peshtemals are the perfect gift for a loved one, due to their aesthetic beauty and many practical applications.
Peshtemals are an ideal and accessible gift for clients of hotels, spa complexes, beauty studios, fitness halls, yoga and Pilates studios.

Global Popularity

In recent years, peshtemals have quickly taken over world beaches like Saint Tropez, Cannes, Ipanema, Varadero, Santa Monica, and the internet is full of hundreds of pictures of famous personalities wrapped in a peshtemal (to mention just a few: Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hawkins, Kate Moss, Demi Moore, Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro).

Zazu Naturals' Collection

The peshtemals offered by Zazu Naturals are made from 100% natural Turkish cotton and hand-woven on looms constructed specifically for this purpose. Check out the full collection of peshtemals at Zazu Naturals here, prepare for your next vacation, and personally discover the advantages we listed.