Bath sheet vs. bath towel: What's the difference?
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- Towels are smaller, cheaper, dry faster, and have more design choices.
- Bath sheets are larger and more absorbent, but take longer to dry.
- Depending on your needs, you may opt for an even larger specialty towel.
Bath linens can make or break a post-shower experience. While the best bath towels can be an excellent addition to your bathroom, don't overlook the bath sheet. If you are thinking about upgrading your linens, here is what you need to know about bath towels versus bath sheets.
Bath towels vs. bath sheets: main differences
Size
The biggest difference between bath towels and bath sheets is their size. Bath towels are usually around 25 by 50 inches, while bath sheets are about 35 by 60 inches. Bath sheets give you about 50% more material to work with, which can make a big difference in the amount of coverage and absorbency.
Cost
Since bath sheets have more material than traditional bath towels, they are usually a bit more expensive. You can expect to spend $10-$20 more on a bath sheet than you would on a bath towel.
Absorbency
Bath sheets are much more absorbent than bath towels. Their larger size and extra material mean that they can mop up more water. The added absorbency also means that bath sheets have a longer average drying time than bath towels. When hung up to dry, bath towels can dry in a few hours, while bath sheets may take up to a full day.
Storage
Bath sheets also take up more storage space than bath towels. You'll be able to fit more bath towels under your sink or in your linen closet than bath sheets. Bath sheets also take up more room in the laundry, meaning that you may need to run a couple more loads on laundry day.
In-store availability
Since bath towels are more common than bath sheets, it can be tricky to find a bath sheet that fits your needs in-store. While there are plenty of bath sheet options online, shopping in a store for a bath towel is typically much easier. Bath towels generally come in a larger array of styles, designs, and colors. There is less variety in bath sheets.
Should you buy a bath towel or a bath sheet?
A bath towel might be for you if you are looking for an option that is budget-friendly, easy to store and wash, and dries quickly. Bath towels are also the go-to option for drying your hair, as a bath sheet's size can be awkward when drying smaller areas. Bath towels are an excellent option for your standard bathing experience.
For a product that has higher absorbency and offers added comfort, consider adding a bath sheet to your shower routine. While a bit more expensive, bath sheets are a fabulous option if you are looking for a spa-like shower experience. Bath sheets are also a great choice if you tend to use more than one bath towel after showering or bathing. Lastly, bath sheets are the best option for people with larger bodies, since they offer much more coverage than bath towels. As a plus-size person myself, bath sheets have been a game changer. Their larger size means that they fit more comfortably around my body, while bath towels often come up short.
Our top picks for bath sheets and bath towels
Regardless if a bath towel or a bath sheet is right for you, finding the right product is important for the best after-shower experience. For bath towels, we recommend the Kassatex Atelier Bath Towel, the best overall pick from our best bath towels guide. Kassatex's towels offer high absorbency and lasting softness for a deluxe experience. If you are on a budget, the Threshold Antimicrobial Towel is an excellent selection For $7, you can get a high-quality piece in a variety of stylish colors — perfect to match your bathroom decor.
If bath sheets are more your style, we recommend Pottery Barn's Hydrocotton Organic Quick Dry Bath Sheet. It's known for its drying speed, meaning that your bath sheet will dry quickly— even if it is a bit bigger than your traditional bath towel. For a cheaper option that is easy to pick up in-store, we recommend the Casaluna Organic Bath Sheet. This is a great first option if you are looking to give bath sheets a try.
Towels bigger than a bath sheet
If you are looking for even more room in your bath linens, you might want to take a look at products specifically made for larger bodies. Snag's Big Softee Towel boasts 86.5 by 39 inches of 100% cotton — a great option if you are looking for a large, comfortable towel. Or, you could consider TOWEL's Everyday Collection, which offers linens specifically for sizes 3X to 7X, all for the same price.
The bottom line
Bath towels are the way to go if you are looking for a budget-friendly, simple product that stores easily and dries quickly. On the other hand, if you are willing to spend a bit more for a bath linen that absorbs more, feels luxurious, and fits larger bodies, then a bath sheet is for you.