What makes Sabahar bath products different?
Sabahar bath textiles are the only ones made from hand-spun Ethiopian cotton. Each fiber is twisted by hand before being woven, giving the fabric a natural texture and softness that machines cannot reproduce. No two pieces are identical. The small variations in the yarn make every towel unique in look and feel.
How are they made?
All our products are created by hand in Addis Ababa. The cotton is dyed, spun, and woven by skilled artisans using traditional Ethiopian looms. Some are made on four-harness looms for added texture and absorbency; others feature intricate hand-picked patterns passed down through generations. A bath/beach towel usually involves about 6-7 artisans in the production process (not including growing the cotton). Spinning the weft thread will take 1 woman 1 full day, the dyeing and weaving will take about ½ day each, and the fringing, washing and finishing will take another ½ day. This means 1 towel provides 2.5 days of employment. Hand towels are smaller in size, and 1 piece will provide about 1.3 days of employment. The result is a fabric that lasts, feels softer with every use, and tells a beautiful story of craftsmanship.
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.
Why it matters?
Choosing Sabahar means supporting ancient crafts and the people who keep it alive. Our textiles are made from 100% Ethiopian cotton, naturally breathable and biodegradable. Each towel carries the story of the hands that made it and the tradition it helps sustain - a small choice that makes a real difference.
