7 Reasons Japanese Exfoliating Towels Are Replacing Loofahs in 2026
Summary: Seven calm, practical reasons to take a look at a long, quick-drying Japanese-style shower towel, from the bathing ritual that inspired it to how often to use it and when to replace it.
1. It's inspired by a bathing tradition that makes washing a ritual
Per a Japanese government interview, bathing in Japan has long been more than getting clean, rooted in Shinto, Buddhism and the idea of misogi, or purification. Our towel borrows the spirit rather than the history: slow down, wash with care, no tub required.
2. Silver-infused, and quick to dry
Sima's own product description says the towel is made with antibacterial silver that "prevents 99.9% of bacteria growth," and is infused with silver ions. The listing names Ag+ ions as an antibacterial agent, and, in Sima's words, silver-infused fibers help resist odor buildup. It's quick-drying: rinse, wring, hang to dry, and replace every 90 days.
3. It's reusable, with greener packaging and fewer replacements
Per Cleveland Clinic, a natural loofah is replaced every three to four weeks; the Sima towel is replaced every 90 days. Sima describes its products as "eco-conscious, and kind to both skin and planet," lists "Eco-friendly" among the reasons to choose its towels, its Face Care Kit listing calls its exfoliating towel "reusable," and Sima's blog says its towels are "now packed in sleek, home-compostable bags."
4. It's a long towel you can steer with a light hand
Hold a long towel by both ends, or fold it into a pad, to reach your arms, legs and back without twisting or pressing. The American Academy of Dermatology advises short, light strokes. Here's our guide to using the towel.
5. It comes with a simple replacement schedule
We won't tell you the towel lasts forever, because it doesn't. Replace your Sima towel every 90 days. After each use, rinse, wring it out, and hang it to dry; it's quick-drying and no machine washing is needed. Loofahs, per Cleveland Clinic, often don't dry out completely.
6. The cost per use is easy to work out for yourself
One towel is replaced every 90 days; per Cleveland Clinic, a natural loofah is replaced every three to four weeks. Over a quarter, that's one towel or three to four loofahs. Multiply what you usually pay for a loofah, set it next to the towel, and divide by your showers.
7. Glowing skin, shower after shower
Make the routine yours and your skin shows it: a fresh, radiant glow and a silky-soft feel. A gentle towel wash a few times a week is plenty; if you're new, start with once or twice a week and use the lightest pressure. Skip cuts, sunburn, or freshly shaved skin. Read our towel-versus-loofah guide.
That's seven. If a long, quick-drying towel sounds like a calmer way to wash, remember:
- Warm water, light lather.
- Long strokes, lightest pressure.
- Rinse, wring, and hang to dry.
- Replace it every 90 days.
- Moisturize while your skin is damp.
That's the whole ritual.
Meet the Sima Japanese Exfoliating Shower Towel
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