#14 - BATH AND BEDDING PRODUCTS
Bath Products
There are multiple textile products that can be found within a bathroom. The most common is seen in towels. There are hand towels, bath towels, and washcloths. There are also other textile products, including bath mats, bath robes, shower curtains, and any window coverings needed. Towels need to be not only functional for drying, cleaning, etc., but they also need to be soft and comfortable. Some of the main fibers used for towels include cotton, microfiber, bamboo, and linen. Cotton is the most common fiber used for towels. It is known for its softness and high absorbency. There are also organic options that can be good for people with sensitive skin. Because of its high absorbency, it does not dry as quickly as other fibers. Microfiber towels are known for their quick-drying ability. It uses an ultra-fine fiber that is a blend of polyester and nylon. Usually, it uses an 80% polyester and 20% nylon blend. Microfiber towels are also known for softness and absorbency, but have less shedding and dry faster. These are also known for their durability and colorfast properties. The fibers used are often thinner than human hair. Bamboo towels are a more sustainable choice. It is a natural fiber that has antibacterial properties and is more breathable than cotton fibers. It still has a soft feel, but is often more expensive.
Bath robes are also usually made from similar fibers as towels, such as cotton, microfiber, bamboo, and silk. Silk robes are very popular because of their luxurious look and feel. It is not the best option for water absorption, but it offers a smooth feel. Most people prefer a cotton robe for functionality and comfort. Bath mats come in a variety of styles and materials. Many of them are cotton, microfiber, polyester, and chenille.
Bedding Products
Common natural fibers for bedding include cotton, silk, linen, and bamboo. Some synthetic fibers for bedding include microfiber, polyester, and nylon. Bamboo is more expensive but is a good choice because it is breathable, durable, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly. A more common choice is cotton because of its functionality and affordability. There are also specific types of cotton sheets that are common, such as regular, Egyptian, Supima, organic, etc. Linen sheets are known for comfort, especially the more they are used. Microfiber sheets are smooth, durable, and breathable. They can also be made from harsh chemicals and are not hypoallergenic. Silk sheets are also very common because of their smooth and luxurious feel. They also are helpful for keeping individuals cool at night and are hypoallergenic. The most common fibers for duvet covers are cotton and linen. Cotton is the most common choice because of its comfort and affordability. Linen is a beneficial option for hot sleepers or warmer seasons/climates.
One Step Further
For my One Step Further this week, I decided to look into the different kinds of bath mats the industry provides. There is a wide variety of options depending on the personal preference of the client. Bath mats are not just for decoration in a space, but also provide safety and comfort. The most popular fiber choices for bath mats are cotton, microfiber, and chenille. Cotton bath mats are highly absorbent and easy to clean. It is helpful to find a bath mat that is machine washable for easy cleaning. Shag bath mats are also very popular, especially in colder climates. Microfiber bath mats dry quickly and are good for high-traffic areas. Chenille mats are soft and absorbent combining both comfort and functionality. It is also important to have some sort of rubber backing to keep the mat in place for safety. Many bath mats have memory foam inside them to increase their comfort. There are also bath mats made from other materials, such as wood or stone.
References:
Amba Products. (2023, June 26). Unraveling the fabric: A comprehensive guide to towel types and their unique traits. https://ambaproducts.com/unraveling-the-fabric-a-comprehensive-guide-to-towel-types-and-their-unique-traits/
JingSourcing. (n.d.). Best towel fabrics: Cotton, microfiber, bamboo & more. https://jingsourcing.com/p/b-best-towel-fabrics/
Southshore Fine Linens. (n.d.). Bedding fabric types. https://southshorefinelinens.com/blogs/southshoreblog/bedding-fabric-types
Towel Supercenter. (n.d.). How to choose the best towels: Microfiber, cotton, or chamois. https://www.towelsupercenter.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-towels-microfiber-cotton-or-chamois/
Extra Credit Links:
Hi Cara, great job on your blog this week. I thought this topic on bath products and textiles. I especially liked your discussion on microfiber towels and their quick-drying ability with an ultra-fine fiber that is a blend of 80% polyester and 20% nylon. I also liked your ONE STEP FURHTER on bathmat and the differrent kinds available! Good job! Here are some more links about those topics: https://twogreenleaves.org/vetted/best-natural-fiber-bath-mats/#google_vignette
ReplyDeletehttps://www.homesandgardens.com/bathrooms/using-textiles-in-bathrooms
Hi Cara, I thought you did an excellent job discussing bath and bedding textile products. I really enjoyed the pictures you provided! I also enjoyed your one step further section. I never thought about all the different materials and fibers used for bath mat applications, thank you for sharing this information! With that being said, I did a little more research for you to find some information about bath mat slip-resistant properties. Objectives like these are important to look at when designing for people aging in place. I hope you enjoy this resource!
ReplyDeleteKorp, K. E., Taylor, J. M., & Nelson, D. L. (2012). Bathing area safety and lower extremity function in community-dwelling older adults. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 32(2), 22-29.