Abay Handwoven Eco-Friendly Ethiopian Cotton Beach Towel
Abay Handwoven Eco-Friendly Ethiopian Cotton Beach Towel
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The handmade, fair trade, and eco-friendly Abay towel is a versatile and colorful addition to your home or beach bag. Crafted from buttery soft, hand-spun Ethiopian cotton and finished with Sabahar's signature twisted fringes, it’s lightweight, durable, and fast-drying. Woven on traditional Ethiopian looms, its flat weave makes it perfect as a towel for the bathroom, beach, pool, or sauna. It also doubles as a shawl, throw, or even a nursing blanket. Named after Ethiopia’s Abay River (the Nile), this towel beautifully blends tradition and function.
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Behind the Weave: How it's Made?
Behind the Weave: How it's Made?
What makes Sabahar resort products different?
Most beachwear and towels are made from synthetic materials that trap heat, shed microplastics, and wear out quickly. Sabahar’s resort collection is woven from locally grown Ethiopian cotton, offering a lightweight, breathable, and plastic-free alternative that feels cool and soft against the skin, even in the hottest sun!
How are they made?
Every step from dyeing to spinning to weaving is done entirely by hand. Our towels and kaftans are woven using traditional Ethiopian techniques. Towels are made with hand-spun cotton, often on four-harness looms for added texture and absorbency. Kaftans are made with fine machine-spun cotton, chosen for its soft drape and breathable feel. All are machine washable, quick-drying, and designed for effortless, everyday wear.
Who makes them?
Sabahar is a fair trade, women-owned business that has been operating for over 20 years. We provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term employment to over 100 artisans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
What truly sets them apart?
Sabahar offers the only towels on the market made with hand-spun cotton, a rare and labour-intensive technique that gives each towel its unique softness, texture, and durability. Our beach kaftans are woven with extra-fine machine-spun cotton, making them light, airy, and ideal for warm weather. Every piece is designed for comfort, longevity, and beauty on and off the beach!
Why does it matter?
By choosing Sabahar, you're investing in a product that supports livelihoods, preserves craft heritage, and reduces environmental harm - a small choice that makes a real difference.
Made with 100% Natural Fibers
Made with 100% Natural Fibers
100% Ethiopian cotton, weft is hand spun cotton
Dimensions
Dimensions
95cm x 180cm (37 x 70inches)
Easy to Care For
Easy to Care For
Machine wash cold water. Tumble dry. Iron.
Shipping
Shipping
USA
Shipping is free on all U.S. orders over $158.00. Orders ship from our fulfillment center in Pennsylvania and are processed within 3 business days.
Global
International orders ship from Pennsylvania, USA, and are fulfilled within 3 business days. Delivery typically takes up to 2 weeks, depending on location. Duties, taxes, and shipping fees are prepaid at checkout—so there are no surprise charges on delivery.
Love it or Return it!
Love it or Return it!
We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Items must be unused and in their original condition. Return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility.
Please contact us at hello@sabahar.com with your order number to start a return and receive return instructions.

Love the color - so sunny :)
These towels are so beautiful!! Very long lasting and have a beautiful story.
I am visiting in Addis Ababa this week and heard about the local Sabinar shop. From the moment I stepped in the door, I was in love with these textiles. I purchased several sets of beach towels to give as wedding gifts and also various table runners and hand towels. A friend of mine said she purchased several hand towels a few years back (before Covid) and they still serve her well. Now after listening to the video about the company, I may go back again tomorrow.