Comparing Luxury Midweight Bath Towels: Matouk Milagro and SFERRA Cielo

This article compares two midweight luxury towels -- Matouk Milagro and SFERRA Cielo -- both of which are made with zero-twist cotton. It examines multiple variables including size and color options; construction; companion products; and more.

Zero-Twist Cotton: Soft, Airy, and Absorbent

Some manufacturers use zero-twist cotton to create midweight towels that are both soft and absorbent. Most cotton towels are made with yarn that is twisted during spinning to enhance strength and durability of the material. Zero-twist cotton takes a different approach. Since long-staple cotton is naturally strong, no twisting is needed for durability. The long, untwisted cotton fibers also have more space among them which captures more air; the result is a towel that is soft, light, and absorbent.

Today, we're talking about two of our most popular zero-twist towel collections: Matouk Milagro and SFERRA Cielo.

Milagro: The "Miracle" Towel from Matouk

The Matouk Milagro Bath Towel is 550 GSM and woven in Portugal from 100% zero-twist long-staple-cotton yarn. This towel lives up to its name, which is Spanish for "miracle." The specialized construction allows the long cotton fibers to capture more air for a plush towel that is absorbent, soft and quick to dry. Milagro towels are a solid terry weave; they are finished with a textured binding on two sides and durable banded trim on the other two sides. Certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. Available in 23 shades.

The Milagro collection includes a 24" x 36" tub or shower mat that is 700 GSM and available in every color. There are also Milagro bath rugs in small (21" x 34") and large (24" x 40") sizes. Milagro rugs are 1" plush thickness and come with non-slip backing and come in eight popular shades.

The collection also includes Milagro robes in four sizes (XS, Small, M/L and XL) in 420 GSM cotton. These unisex robes are solid terry with a shawl color and come in six shades.

Why We Love Matouk Milagro Towels

"Matouk Milagro towels deliver the kind of performance we typically see in a much heavier towel. Thanks to the zero-twist cotton, Milagro towels are plush, soft, and lighter weight but also highly absorbent. They are perennial best sellers," said Fine Linen and Bath Associate Brand Manager, Helena Hendricks. "Our clients also appreciate the wide range of color options and the availability of companion items like the bath rug and bath robe."

SFERRA Cielo: Unparalleled Comfort

The SFERRA Cielo towel is 550 GSM. The SFERRA Cielo bath towel collection is crafted from 100% long-staple zero-twist cotton. Cielo towels are lightweight, supremely absorbent, and beautiful; the zero-twist terry weave allows the natural fibers to catch the light for a lustrous and inviting look. Cielo solid color towels are a tailored terry weave for a classic look. They are detailed with a stylish honeycomb woven border and finished ends. Made in Portugal; piece dyed for consistency. Available in 10 shades.

The SFERRA Cielo collection includes 20"x 30" bath mats in a plush 900 GSM in every shade.

The collection also features the Cielo white robe in 450 GSM cotton in S, M, L, and XL and spa-style Cielo white slippers.

Why We Love SFERRA Cielo Towels

"Cielo perfectly embodies so much of what SFERRA is known for: the finest fabrics, classic, tailored lines, and eye-catching colors," said Helena Hendricks. "The Cielo weave is a clean, classic terry that really does catch the light. The slightly more formal look of Cielo towels makes them perfect for any bathroom."

Comparing Matouk Milagro Towels and SFERRA Cielo Towels

Choosing Between Milagro and Cielo

Truly, there are no bad options when choosing between Matouk Milagro and SFERRA Cielo. Both styles are made in Portugal, a country known for luxury towel craftsmanship, out of zero-twist long-staple cotton. The price points of these towels are generally identical, with the caveat that all Milagro towels are sold in sets of two. Matouk Milagro offers more color choices, which is good if you are looking to match a specific element of décor; however, the SFERRA Cielo color offerings are also robust and should suit most bathrooms. In our view, the significant difference between these styles is that Matouk Milagro is on the fluffier side, while SFERRA Cielo terry towels have a closer, more tailored texture. This comes down to a matter of personal preference.

If you're still wondering which of these midweight is best for you, feel free to call or email the Fine Linen and Bath design team. We are happy to offer personalized recommendations and suggestions. If you're just beginning your towel shopping journey, take our quiz to find your perfect towel.

How to Care for Your Luxury Midweight Towels

Milagro and Cielo towels are made to last and perform well for years. Follow these guidelines for washing your towels:

Sort by Color and Weight: Wash towels with similar weight and color towels to avoid load imbalances and color bleeding.

Choose the Best Detergent: We recommend a gentle, pH-neutral detergent made for luxury linens like Heritage Park All-Purpose Detergent which is plant-based and powered with enzymes (choose the fragrance-free hypoallergenic if you have sensitive skin).

Wash and Dry Gently: Use a regular cycle and warm water. Never use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets. Bleach will cause white towels to yellow and colored towels to fade. Fabric softener and dryer sheets leave a waxy buildup on towels that diminished absorbency and are not good for your machines. To naturally soften towels and speed drying time, use natural wool dryer balls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a medium weight towel?

A towel that is 400 - 600 GSM is considered medium weight.

How to tell if a towel is good quality?

Look carefully at the quality and origin of the cotton or other materials and where the towel is made. Assess the GSM, or weight. Most importantly, look for a reputable and well-known manufacturer, whose name is a hallmark of quality.

What is included in a typical bath towel set?

A standard bath towel set includes a washcloth, hand towel, and a bath towel. Many luxury towel manufacturers offer multiple sizes of hand towels as well as bath sheets in one or more sizes.

Where should I store a good towel set?

Your towels should either go back on the rack in your bathroom or folded and stacked inside a cool, dry linen closet.

What is the difference between a bat mat and a bath rug?

A bath mat sits directly outside the shower or bathtub and is designed to catch water from wet feet and prevent slips; it is lighter in weight, highly absorbent, and most often made of cotton terry, similar to a thick towel. A bath rug is a decorative accessory that is meant to go anywhere on the bathroom floor. A bathroom rug is heavier in weight, typically made of combed cotton, and often has a canvas or non-slip backing.

How many washcloths do I need per person?

Within a single style, we recommend purchasing at minimum two washcloths per person.