Riviera Sheet Towel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sheet towel and how does it differ from a bath towel?
A sheet towel is a larger-format towel, measuring 35 x 69 inches (89 x 175 cm), compared to the Riviera Bath Towel at 30 x 63 inches (76 x 160 cm). The extra surface area makes it well-suited for poolside use, beach days, or anyone who prefers more coverage after a bath or shower. Both sizes share the same 645 GSM Brazilian cotton construction.
What cotton is used in the Riviera Sheet Towel, and why does it matter?
The Riviera Sheet Towel is woven in Brazil using 100% Brazilian cotton, a fiber known for its long staple length and natural luster. The construction uses a 2-ply yarn in the pile, which increases both absorbency and durability compared to single-ply alternatives. At 645 GSM, the towel is dense enough to absorb well without being too heavy to carry or dry quickly.
What does 645 GSM mean for a towel, and is that considered high quality?
GSM stands for grams per square meter and measures the weight and density of the towel fabric. At 645 GSM, the Riviera Sheet Towel sits in the upper range for cotton terry, which correlates with higher absorbency and a thicker hand feel. It is heavy enough to feel substantial but still light enough for easy transport to a pool or spa.
Is the Riviera Sheet Towel garment-washed, and how does that affect the finish?
Yes, each Riviera Sheet Towel is garment-washed and dyed using non-toxic dyes after weaving. This process gives the towel a broken-in, lived-in softness from the first use rather than requiring multiple wash cycles to reach peak feel. Because garment-dyeing is done in finished form, slight shade variation of +/- 10% between dye lots is a natural characteristic of the process.
How should I care for the Riviera Sheet Towel to preserve the color and fabric?
Wash separately by light and dark colors in a lukewarm cycle with gentle detergent and a cool rinse. Do not overload the machine, as this puts stress on the long cotton fibers. For garment-dyed colors, avoid products containing chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide, as these will strip the reactive dyes. Tumble dry on low heat or line dry for best results.
Are the dyes used in the Riviera Sheet Towel safe for sensitive skin?
The Riviera Sheet Towel is dyed using non-toxic dyes, which are free from the harsh chemical agents found in many mass-market dyeing processes. MATTEO uses reactive dyes applied through garment-dyeing, a method that bonds color directly to the fiber without requiring heavy fixatives. For those with sensitive skin, it is still a good practice to wash the towel once before first use.
Does the Riviera Sheet Towel work as a luxury resort-style towel at home?
The Riviera collection was designed with Italian Riviera resort towels as the reference point, and the 645 GSM weight, 2-ply pile construction, and garment-washed finish all reflect that standard. A hanging loop on the short edge allows it to be displayed on a hook or towel bar the same way you would see in a high-end hotel bathroom. The sheet size (35 x 69 inches) also gives it the generous coverage typical of resort bath sheets.
What other sizes are available in the Riviera collection?
The Riviera collection includes five sizes: Sheet (35 x 69 in), Bath (30 x 63 in), Hand (39 x 19 in), Wash (12 x 13 in), and Mat (18 x 31 in). All sizes share the same 100% Brazilian cotton, 645 GSM construction, garment-washing process, and color options. You can shop the full Riviera Fabric Collection to mix and match sizes.