DEMMEX Certified Organic Cotton Turkish Bath & Beach Towel, 71x36 in, Beige

The towel is what turns a pour into an Aufguss. After the water hits the stones, the host swings a towel to lift the steam off the heater and send the warm, scented air around the room. That takes cloth big enough to catch air and light enough to swing for a few minutes. A flat-woven Turkish towel – a peshtemal – fits the description: this DEMMEX one measures 71 × 36 in (180 × 91 cm) and weighs 15.2 oz (431 g).

It is sold as a bath and beach towel, not as sauna equipment, and the listing says nothing about waving it. The fabric is 100% organic Turkish cotton in a diamond weave, machine washable, and the maker describes it as quick drying. The short ends finish in a knotted fringe, which looks good and flicks a little when the towel moves – one more reason to give faces and the heater a wide berth.

Tip: Practice in the cold sauna first. Fold the towel in half lengthwise, hold one short end in both hands and make slow figure-eights – once you can do it without touching the walls, the bench or the heater, you are ready for guests.