USEFUL TIPS
The Ultimate Guide on Bath Towel Sizes
5 min read
5 min read
Finding the right fit for bath towel sizes can feel like a Goldilocks and the Three Bears situation…One size will be too big, one will be too small, and one will be just right. Towel size may not be something you have ever considered, but getting the right size towel for your body can be a game changer!
For example, hotel towels may be fluffy, but they’re typically on the smaller side and can make for an awkward moment or two when trying to dry off. Other towels may be way too big and feel bulky and uncomfortable to drag around.
Pamper yourself by learning the differences between towel sizes and investing in a towel that will provide ultimate comfort.
Bath Towel Sizes
Being aware of your average bath towel dimensions is a useful piece of knowledge when it’s time to stock up on new towels. There are three main bath towel sizes. However, beyond that, there are many other towel-size choices.
We’ll cover the different sizes here in this size guide. Then, we’ll walk you through how to select the best bath towel. The three average towel sizes you’ll find easily are:
- Standard bath towel size (27 x 52 inches)
- Oversized bath towel size (30 x 58 inches)
- Jumbo bath towel size (35 x 70 inches)
Large bath towels like oversized and jumbo may also be known as bath sheets. These are more comfortable for people who like to have their whole body wrapped up in a towel with some extra to spare.
The standard bath towel size will work for most people, but many find a bath sheet more comfortable. It’s always nice to have a few different towel sizes for guests and people with other size preferences.
Small Bath Towels
Perfect for those on the petite side or for growing children, small bath towels are sized at 20 x 40 inches. They are great because they won’t drag on the floor when children use them. They’re also fantastic for saving storage space in the linen closet!
Hand Towel Size
The standard hand towel size is 16 x 30 inches, but they may vary slightly from towel to towel. The use of hand towels is fairly self-explanatory. You’ll put these towels in your bathroom for after washing your hands. They are also great for use in the kitchen while cooking or doing dishes.
Some people confuse hand towels with fingertip towels, but they do differ in size. Hand towels are slightly larger than fingertip towels and usually are hung on a hook or bar. Fingertip towels are more decorative and small and may be rolled by the sink or on a nice tray.
Washcloth Size
Washcloths are typically about 12” x 12” or 13” x 13”. They may be small, but their uses are many and mighty. Why should you use a washcloth? This type of towel is vastly underrated and highly debated.
The washcloth has so many great uses, including:
- Washing your face
- Scrubbing or exfoliating your body
- Creating a cold or warm compress
- Cleaning small messes
Their small size makes them fairly quick drying and so versatile. Some may call them face towels, but they are used for so much more than that.
You’ll want to have a few of these at home for yourself and for guest towels. Your guests will appreciate bathroom towels being fully stocked for them when they come to visit.
How To Pick the Right Towel
Now that you know the different types of towels, it’s time to choose the one that is right for you. There are a few different factors to consider when selecting the right towel. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what factors are the most important to you.
What Size Towel Is Right for You?
Are you more of a bath towel or bath sheet person? Do you enjoy an oversized towel, or is standard sizing good enough for you?
You may even avoid towels altogether and look into an absorbent bathrobe. Picking a towel that is the right size for your body is one of the most important parts of making yourself feel comfortable after you shower.
What Style of Towel Do You Like the Most?
There are multiple different towel options out there. Like shopping for any home good, from pots and pans to bedding, it all comes down to what kind you like the most.
Some of the most common include:
- Turkish Cotton
- Egyptian Cotton
- Quick Dry
- Terry Cloth
- Self-Cleaning Towels
Egyptian and Turkish towels are often considered top-of-the-line, but they aren’t for everyone. Quick dry towels are usually made with regular cotton and aren’t as fluffy, but they get the job done.
Terry cloth towels are simple and classic. Self-cleaning towels are great for people who want to invest in towels that will last a long time and reduce odors and bacteria growth.
What Is Your Budget?
As with any new purchase, cost is a factor when it comes to buying new towels. Towels can typically last between two and five years before they need to be replaced.
This means you may not want to buy the most expensive ones you can find, but you can splurge a little and get good quality towels that will last more towards that five-year mark. Investing in your towel is an investment in your own comfort, so don’t be afraid to spend some money to make this purchase worthwhile.
What Is the Durability of the Towel?
How durable is the towel you’re choosing? Does it feel strong and nicely woven? Or does it feel thin and like it's hanging on by its last thread?
Durability goes a long way when it comes to towels. There’s nothing worse than using a towel a few times and then seeing it slowly unravel before your eyes.
What Is the Comfort Level?
Comfort means something different to everyone, so this factor is very subjective to personal preference. You may like a big, fluffy towel that wraps around your entire body. Someone else in your household may appreciate a smaller-size bath towel.
This is a factor that can also be really difficult to judge when you’re buying towels online. Pro tip: check out the reviews for any towel you’re considering purchasing online. People are fairly honest when a product knocks it out of the park or falls short.
Once you’ve decided which of these factors is most important to you, all you have to do is a little research to find a set that ticks all the boxes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, may we suggest our Miracle Made Towel?
Larger than your standard-sized towel but not quite oversized, extremely comfortable, and it resists up to 99.7% of bacteria growth. Sounds like your search for the perfect towel is over.
How To Care for Towels
Properly caring for your towels will allow you to keep them for much longer. It also helps keep them cleaner and prevents gross bacteria and mildew from forming.
Here are a few easy tips that will help you care for your towels.
Avoid Towel Hooks
While towel hooks are extremely common, they’re also a common enemy to keeping your towel clean. When you put your wet towel on a towel hook, the folds will stay together to encourage mildew and bacteria growth.
To avoid this, invest in a towel bar instead. When you spread your towel out on a towel bar, you give it the proper airflow and separation it needs to dry well.
Wash Towels Together
We know it seems much easier to just throw everything in the washing machine at once. But this move can damage your towels and reduce their lifespan.
Try washing your towels only with other towels. This will help avoid snags, and it’s ultimately more sanitary. You can also focus more on getting any stains out and using any towel-specific products on these loads.
Avoid Fabric Softener
Fabric softener is truly the enemy of the wash. You definitely want to avoid putting fabric softener in with your towels.
The residue from the fabric softener can break your towel down over time. It will also leave a film on your towels that reduces absorbency and makes them less comfortable and effective.
Conclusion
When choosing the right towel size for you and your home, remember to consider what factors are most important for your personal preferences. Do you prefer comfort and luxury over a good deal?
Would you rather have an oversized towel or one that is just enough space to cover the important stuff? Once you answer these questions, you’re ready to start your buying journey. For a complete set of towels in a variety of sizes, check out our Miracle Made Towel Set.
This ultimate set is high-quality, comfortable, and useful all around your bathroom.
Sources:
How to Properly Wash Your Body, According to Experts | Self
5 Signs It's Time To Get New Towels | Southern Living
8 Really Gross Mistakes You Make in the Bathroom | Good Housekeeping
Should You Use Fabric Softener on Towels | Homes and Gardens
