Not all Japanese body towels are the same. The fibre changes how a towel feels, lathers and exfoliates. Here is a quick guide to choosing the right one.
Nylon — the everyday exfoliator
The classic Japanese body towel. Nylon weaves are long, quick-drying and produce a rich lather with very little soap. They range from soft to firm: choose soft for daily, full-body use and hard for targeted areas like the back, elbows and heels.
Konjac — the gentlest option
Woven or blended with natural konjac fibre, these towels are soft, springy and kind to sensitive or mature skin. They exfoliate lightly and feel cushioned rather than scrubby.
Sericin (silk protein) — for a smoother finish
Sericin is the protein that coats silk fibres. Towels finished with sericin glide smoothly and are prized for leaving skin feeling soft and moisturised — a more pampering wash.
Which should you choose?
- Sensitive skin: konjac or a soft nylon weave.
- Rough spots (heels, elbows): a firm nylon weave.
- A luxurious, smoothing wash: sericin.
Aisen weaves all three in Wakayama, Japan. Compare the body-towel collection.
