Pyyhe

pyyhe is the Finnish word for a towel, a cloth used to dry the body, hands, or surfaces after washing or exposure to water. Common varieties include bath towels, hand towels, beach towels, and kitchen towels, as well as specialized forms such as sauna towels used in Nordic contexts.

Most pyyhkeet are made from cotton, terry cloth, or microfiber, though blends with synthetic fibers are also common. The textile’s absorbency and softness are influenced by weave, thickness, and GSM (grams per square meter). Typical sizes range from hand towels about 40 by 70 cm to bath towels around 70 by 140 cm, with larger beach towels or bath sheets available.

Care guidelines emphasize washing before use, cleaning at appropriate temperatures (often 40–60 C for cotton), and minimizing fabric softeners to preserve absorbency. Drying can be line dried or tumble dried on low heat. To maintain color, separately launder colored pyyhkeet and avoid excessive chlorine bleach on white fabrics.

In Finland and other Nordic countries, pyyhkeet play a practical role in sauna culture, with saunapyyhkeet used to sit on benches, wrap around the body, or dry off after a sauna session. Overall, pyyhe is an everyday household item with regional variations in material choice, size, and use, reflecting practicality and comfort in daily hygiene.