The Alya Peshtemal Towel is the one you’ll grab for the beach, the pool and every trip in between. We flat-weave it from 100% organic Turkish cotton in a bold multicolor pattern. Then women in rural Turkiye finish each end with hand-tied tassels. It’s full size at 35″ × 70″, yet it weighs about 11 oz and dries far faster than terry.

100% organic cotton
Long, soft Turkish cotton grown without synthetic pesticides. As a result, it feels natural on skin and breathes in the heat.
Hand-tied tassels
Women in rural Turkiye knot every tassel by hand, the same way peshtemals have been finished for generations.
Full size: 35″ × 70″
It’s big enough to lie on. Also, you can wrap it as a sarong or use it as a bath sheet at home.
Light and quick-drying
It weighs about 300 g (11 oz). Because of the flat weave, it dries in a fraction of the time thick terry needs.



Why people switch to a peshtemal — and stay
- It dries fast. Hang it up after a swim and it’s usually dry again before you pack up.
- Sand shakes right off. The flat weave doesn’t trap sand the way loops do, so less of the beach comes home.
- It packs small. Once folded, it takes about the space of a T-shirt in a tote or carry-on.
- It does more than dry you. For example, use it as a sarong, a scarf, a picnic throw or a light blanket.
- It gets softer. The cotton relaxes and grows more absorbent with each of the first few washes.
- It’s made the traditional way. Above all, it’s woven in Turkiye and finished by hand, not mass-printed.
How you’ll use your Alya Peshtemal Towel
Beach and pool
Spread it on a lounger or the sand. Then wrap it around you as a sarong on the walk to lunch.
Travel
Because it adds almost no weight to a suitcase, it’s an easy extra for hotels, cruises and weekend trips.
Bath and spa
First, it’s a lighter alternative to heavy bath towels. It’s also a favorite after the sauna or on a yoga mat.
Picnics and cool evenings
Lay it on the grass as a throw. Later, drape it over your shoulders when the sun goes down.
Size and details
| Detail | Alya Peshtemal Towel |
|---|---|
| Size | 35″ × 70″ (89 × 178 cm) |
| Weight | About 300 g (11 oz) |
| Material | 100% organic Turkish cotton |
| Weave | Flat-woven, yarn-dyed multicolor pattern |
| Finish | Hand-tied tassels on both short ends |
| Origin | Made in Turkiye |
Want another color or pattern? Browse the full Beach Collection.



Why Turkish cotton?
Peshtemals began in the Turkish hammam, where bathers needed a cloth that was light, absorbent and quick to dry. Turkish cotton suits that job because its long fibers make a smooth, strong yarn. As a result, a flat-woven peshtemal stays soft and holds up well to years of use. Our Alya is woven in Turkiye from organic cotton and finished by hand. To learn more, read our Peshtemal Towels guide.
Care
- Machine wash warm with similar colors.
- Then tumble dry low, or line dry in the shade.
- Skip bleach and fabric softener; softener coats the fibers and makes them less absorbent.
- Finally, if a tassel loosens, simply retie the knot by hand.
Questions we get asked
Does a peshtemal absorb as well as a terry towel?
It absorbs well, just differently. A terry towel holds a lot of water, while a peshtemal wicks it and lets it go fast. Therefore, for the beach, travel and the gym, most people find it more practical.
Will it feel stiff at first?
New flat-woven cotton can feel crisp. However, it softens noticeably after the first few washes and keeps getting better with use.
Is it big enough to lie on?
Yes. In fact, at 35″ × 70″ it’s the size of a large bath sheet, so it covers a standard sun lounger.
Will the colors fade?
The yarn is dyed before weaving, so the color runs through the fiber. Still, wash it with similar colors and avoid bleach to keep it bright.
































Tara (verified owner) –
I love the colors, soft feel and light weight. I use for exercise though place atop a thick rug. Item is thin but works well in warm climate. It would not be supportive enough for me on a hard surface but works well for me as noted. I love the uniqueness and fine craftwork of these lovely towels. I also appreciate items are made by local crafters and that such is acknowledged in delivery items. As I recall, items are made in Turkey. They are soft to touch, cool in warm weather, well made and beautiful.
Jessica (verified owner) –
This is one of the most useful things I have ever bought. It’s pretty, dries quickly and the size makes it useful for other things besides a towel. I’ve given 5 people Turkish towels as gifts and they all love them. I take mine when I travel. I’ve used it as a blanket, and a wrap also. I even bring it when staying with friends. I don’t need to use their towels so there is no towel laundry. I throw this in with the sheets and pack it in my tote for the way home. Will definitely buy again.
sherri (verified owner) –
These are the best towels. I originally bought them for the camper because they fold too very small. Now I use them at the house too.
Mary (verified owner) –
I love the style, color and size of this towel. Seller fulfilled order quickly. I will be purchasing more.
Simone (verified owner) –
“I can honestly say the Alya Peshtemal Towel is one of the most useful things I have ever bought!The ‘Rainbow’ variation colors are absolutely stunning, and the fine craftsmanship—featuring beautiful hand-tied tassels made by local artisans—gives it such a unique and beautiful look.
Lisa (verified owner) –
“I originally bought this Turkish towel for our camper because it folds down so incredibly small, but I ended up loving it so much that I use it around the house all the time now! The 100% premium organic Turkish cotton is tightly woven yet remarkably thin, making it perfect for warm climates. I even place it right over my exercise rug for workouts, and it feels wonderful against the skin.
richard (verified owner) –
I can honestly say the Alya Peshtemal Towel is an absolute game-changer! The ‘Rainbow’ variation colors are stunningly bright, and the fine craftsmanship with hand-tied tassels gives it a unique look.Originally bought for a camper due to its compact size, it is now used constantly around the house. Made of 100% organic Turkish cotton, it is thin, lightweight, and ideal for warm climates. It dries quickly, feels wonderful, gets softer with each wash, and serves multiple purposes like a beach wrap, light blanket, or workout mat cover.