We stock a wide range of microfibre towels, each designed with different blends, GSM ratings, weaves and edge types. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can confidently choose the right towel for every job.
Blends
Microfibre towels are typically made from a blend of polyester and polyamide.
Polyester forms the structure of the towel, while polyamide adds softness, absorbency and flexibility.
Blends are shown as ratios such as 70/30 or 80/20. The first number represents polyester content, and the second represents polyamide content.
Cheaper alternatives, often labelled 90/10 or even 100% polyester, are produced at a lower cost but come with compromises in performance. While they may be fine for very dirty, non-delicate tasks, they are not suitable for paintwork or sensitive surfaces.
Higher polyester content generally means a rougher feel, which increases the risk of marring or fine scratches - especially on gloss black trim and soft paint finishes. Always check the label before use.
70/30 Blend
A premium mix of 70% polyester and 30% polyamide. These are the softest and most absorbent towels available and are considered the gold standard. Ideal for drying, buffing waxes, sealants and quick detailers, as well as a wide range of general detailing tasks depending on construction.
80/20 Blend
A slightly more performance-focused blend, best suited to more specific tasks such as coating removal, glass cleaning and general wipe-downs where precision and control are more important than plushness.
GSM (Towel Weight)
GSM stands for 'Grams per Square Metre' and refers to the density and thickness of the towel.
- Lower GSM towels feel thinner and lighter.
- Higher GSM towels are thicker, plusher and more absorbent.
For example, a 245GSM towel will feel much lighter and more direct than a 500GSM plush buffing towel.
Preference plays a big role here. Some detailers prefer the control of a lower GSM towel, while others prefer the cushioning feel of a heavier towel. The variety allows you to choose what feels right in your hand for each task.
Weaves
Different weaves are designed for different jobs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Terry Weave
The most traditional and widely recognised microfibre style. Versatile, effective and available in many GSM and edge combinations.
Pearl Weave
A tighter weave that is lint-free and ideal for coating removal, glass cleaning and paint protection film (PPF) work.
Waffle Weave
Recognisable honeycomb texture with high absorbency “pockets”. Excellent for drying and glass cleaning.
Diamond Weave
A smooth, structured weave that glides easily over surfaces. Great for glass.
Twisted Loop Weave
Made from twisted fibres that dramatically increase surface area and absorbency. One of the best choices for drying vehicles safely and efficiently.
Circular / Plush Weave
Constructed using ultra-soft, dense fibres designed for maximum plushness and paint safety.
Hybrid Loop Weave
A combination of waffle and plush characteristics, offering a balance of absorbency and softness. Ideal for versatile drying tasks.
Coral Fleece Weave
Extremely soft and deep-piled. Perfect for waterless washes and delicate finishing work where safety is key.
Edges
The edge of a towel is just as important as the fibres themselves. There are four main finishing types:
Overlock Stitched Edge
A durable stitched border commonly used on all-purpose towels. Designed to improve longevity and prevent fraying through repeated use.
Knife-Cut Edgeless
Cut using precision blades along the fibre direction to eliminate seams. This reduces the risk of scratching and linting.
Ultrasonic Cut Edgeless
A heat-sealed cutting process that creates an ultra-clean, soft edge with minimal risk of fibre shedding.
Suede Edge (70/30 Buffersoft)
A soft microsuede border used on premium towels, designed for maximum safety and absorbency during use. Found on many of The Rag Company towels.
Recommended Uses
Glass
Diamond and Waffle weave towels perform exceptionally well thanks to their balanced texture.
Drying
Choice depends on preference. Twisted loop towels like Liquid8R-style designs offer safe, high-capacity drying, while waffle weave towels use structured pockets for fast water absorption.
Anthony from The Rag Company walks us through your drying towel options!
Polishing
Lower GSM towels work best for residue removal as they prevent clogging. Medium-weight 80/20 or 70/30 towels such as 245GSM to 365GSM options are ideal for controlled buffing.
Wax, Sealants & Detail Sprays
Start with a lower GSM towel to remove product, then finish with a plush 70/30 towel for final buffing. Dual-pile towels offer both steps in one.
Ceramic Coatings
Short pile 80/20 towels are preferred for levelling due to their precision and reduced grab. Plush towels are best reserved for final buffing stages.
Wheels & Tyres
Use lower GSM, durable towels for general cleaning. Softer 70/30 blends are recommended for sensitive wheel finishes.
Dirty Jobs
General-purpose towels are suitable here. These can include interior work or heavy exterior contamination.
Rinseless Wash
A soft, high-absorbency towel is essential. Twisted loop towels excel here due to their sponge-like behaviour.
Caring for Your Microfibre Towels
- Wash before first use to remove any manufacturing residues
- Wash similar towel types together to avoid fibre contamination (“velcro effect”)
- Separate by colour to prevent dye transfer
- Use a non-bio, liquid detergent for best results (do not use powder)
Towels used for ceramic coating removal should be treated as consumables, as cured residue will permanently affect performance.
Final Thoughts
No matter the task - whether it’s drying, polishing, coating or general maintenance - there’s a specific microfibre towel designed for the job.
Understanding blends, GSM, weaves and edges ensures better results, safer washing, and a higher-quality finish every time.
If you need help choosing the right towel for your setup, we’re always here to help.
The Clean And Shiny Team.