Bath towels come in many different sizes. This article explains the most popular towel sizes to help you choose the towels that work best for you.

Bath towel sizes can be a little confusing to consumers. When you’re shopping for new towels, you may not immediately understand the various options available. Read on to learn more about the most popular bath towel sizes and learn the best use and purposes of each. With this information, you’ll be able to evaluate bath towels and purchase the ones that suit your budget, taste, and lifestyle.

Bath Towel Sizes: A General Guide

In simple terms, bath towel sizes are generally measure as follows:

  • Wash cloth 12″ x 12″
  • Hand towels 17 x 30″
  • Bath towels 28″ x 54″
  • Bath Sheets 40″ x 72″
  • Beach Towels: varies, can be up to 40” x 80”

*Note: these sizes may vary after towels have been pre-shrunk, as the measurements are taken at the manufacturing table.

A Closer Look at Bath Towel Sizes

Your preferences in bathroom décor are unique to you! Whether you’re shopping for Egyptian cotton towels or lightweight microfiber towels, you’re going to select the towel weight, feel, style, and color that suits you best. Similarly, you’ll want to choose the best bath towel size for your needs. 

Towels for Bathing and Showering

Bath Towels Sizes

A bath towel is the “standard” size. It is large enough to wrap around your waist or chest. Many people use more than one bath towel: one for body and one for hair. This is the towel size you will likely build your bath towel purchase around. Bath towels are meant to hang attractively on a towel rack and/or be folded and stacked for an appealing display. Even heavy bath towels can usually be laundered with several in a load, because they are not oversized.

Bath Sheets Sizes

A bath sheet is an oversized towel that typically can be wrapped around your chest and hang below your knees. It gives a spa-like feeling to your bath experience. You will often see bath sheets included as part of a luxury towel collection; indeed, many European manufacturers offer two sizes of bath sheet, the standard 40″ x 72″ size and a smaller Euro bath sheet measuring around 39” x 59.” Using a bath sheet is truly a matter of individual taste, but it absolutely levels up your bathing experience in terms of luxury and indulgent feel. At the same time, bear in mind that bath sheets are bulkier and heavier, and may need to be washed either alone or in smaller loads. 

Washcloth Sizes and Wash Mitts Sizes

Washcloths are kept in or near the shower. You may also see the option of a wash mitt, which is a glove made of the terry cloth or towel material. This is an alternative to a washcloth and can be very useful when bathing babies or children who tend to be a bit “slippery” in the bath.

Bath Mat Sizes

Bath mats are placed outside the tub or shower to absorb water and prevent slipping. They coordinate in fabric and style with your bath towel design. 

Towels for Drying Hands and Other Uses

Hand Towels Sizes

Hand towels are a very versatile towel. These towels can be used to dry your hands or face. Some manufacturers offer both a regular sized and oversized hand towel option. These larger hand towels are great for drying hair as they can wrap around the head, or even for using as a child-size bath towel.  Hand towels are often layered on top of bath towels on a towel rack for visual interest. This type of display definitely adds a “finished” look to a bathroom.

Guest Towel Sizes and Fingertip Towel Sizes

A guest towel and fingertip towel are essentially the same thing. These towels are smaller than hand towels and are generally found next to the sink. They can be laid out on the vanity or hung from small hooks on the wall.  You may even find a freestanding towel stand on a vanity with the dedicated purpose of holding a guest/fingertip towel. The purpose is convenience and allowing for easy access to dry hands after washing.

Do You Need a Towel Set?

In general, a towel set will include a bath towel, a hand towel, and a washcloth. It is fine to purchase a towel set if those sizes meet your needs. However, purchasing towels a la carte (or purchasing sets and adding to them) will give you more flexibility to outfit your bath with the sizes that work best for you. For example, many people insist on using only a bath sheet for drying off, and build their towel purchase around that. 

Understanding the various size options and thinking carefully about your personal preferences is essential to picking the best bath towel sizes for you.

Tip – Bath Towel Size Chart