Bath Sheet vs. Bath Towel: Which Is Better?

Bath towels are smaller and cheaper, while bath sheets are larger

By
Tessa Cooper
Photo of Tessa Cooper by Stained Glass Window
Tessa Cooper
Tessa Cooper is a lifestyle writer and photographer with more than 6 years of experience writing for publications like Apartment Therapy, 417 Magazine, and Feast. She lives in an 1886 Victorian home in Springfield, MO, that she restored with her husband.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 01/29/25
Bath Towels vs Bath Sheets

The Spruce / Bailey Mariner

In This Article

Bath sheets and bath towels perform the same function, but the choice between the two may determine if you feel fresh and dry or sticky and damp. The distinction comes down to size, as bath towels are typically 8 inches smaller in length and width than larger bath sheets.

Here's what to consider when deciding to purchase a bath sheet vs. a bath towel.

What Is a Bath Sheet?

A standard bath sheet measures 35 inches by 70 inches. Because bath sheets require more material to manufacture than bath towels, they often cost more. Enveloping yourself in a bath sheet is usually a luxurious experience worth the price tag. 

Bath sheets come in various materials and textures, from plush to waffle weave. The extra fabric means extra drying time, so selecting a bath sheet made from natural, lightweight fabric can help you avoid mildew issues.

Natural fibers like cotton and linen have antimicrobial properties, and thin versions dry fast while still absorbing water from your body. Synthetic or not, it's still important to hang your bath sheet to dry and make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated during the process.

What Is a Bath Towel?

A standard bath towel measures 27 inches by 52 inches. Depending on the material, texture (including plush and waffle weave), and brand, they're usually the more budget-friendly option compared to bath sheets. 

Sometimes, less is more, so there are a few reasons you might still prefer buying a bath towel to a bath sheet. For example, if material type matters the most to you, bath towels will help you take a quality-over-quantity approach.

If you're okay with sacrificing a bit on the size, you might be able to afford a quality natural fiber version versus a low-quality synthetic fiber option.

Bath towels are also ideal for drying hair since they feel less heavy when wrapped around your head. If you already have issues with mildew forming on your bath towels, you may want to avoid upgrading to a bath sheet, since it contains more fabric and may dry slowly. 

How to Maintain

To maintain soft, fluffy towels, consider using simple ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, or both in a laundry load to remove any remaining detergent from past washes. This will help them feel and look brand new again.

What’s the Difference Between a Bath Towel and Bath Sheet?

The difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet lies in the size. Since bath sheets are larger than bath towels, consider these pros and cons.

Bath Towel Pros

  • Generally more affordable

  • Easier to hang and store

  • Comfortable for towel-drying hair

  • Takes up less washer/dryer space

Bath Sheet Pros

  • More absorbent

  • Takes the place of two bath towels

  • Feels luxurious

  • Good for wrapping around the body

Bath Sheet vs. Beach Towel

Beach towels are about 30 inches by 60 inches in size, so they have a similar length as bath sheets but are a little less wide. The long and skinny size makes them ideal for laying on top of when you're at the beach.

Manufacturers design beach towels for on-the-go purposes, meaning they're usually thinner and dry out faster. Beach towels are generally less absorbent than bath sheets since you get help from the air and sun when drying off after a dip in the water.  

Should You Get a Bath Sheet?

You may prefer a bath sheet if you have a taller, larger body type or want to elevate your daily shower ritual with a spa-like touch. However, bath towels dry faster, are more affordable, and are especially great for drying your hair. If you want to reap both benefits, you could keep a pair of each version on hand.

Best Towel Roundups

1 of 6
FAQ
  • Is it better to use a bath sheet or a bath towel?

    Bath sheets are ideal for people with larger body types. They cover the body best, contain more fabric, and absorb more water. However, they cost more. Another disadvantage is that they're not easy to wrap around long hair.

  • Do nice hotels prefer using bath towels or bath sheets?

    Luxury and boutique hotels will likely provide a larger drying option than a standard bath towel. They typically offer bigger-than-average bath towels or standard-sized bath sheets to accommodate various body sizes. Providing a larger towel size is a simple way to add a slight touch of opulence to your stay.

  • What's the difference between a spa towel and a bath sheet?

    Spa towels are usually bath sheets. The extra fabric makes a perfect coverup during a massage, facial, or sauna trip. Opt for a bath sheet or towel wrap for a spa-like feeling at home.

  • How often do you need to wash bath sheets or towels?

    Aim to change and wash your bath towels after every three uses.

  • Is it sanitary to reuse bath towels?

    Reusing a bath towel a couple of times is usually sanitary, as long as your body is clean before using the towel and you allow the towel to dry out between uses. If you're sharing a towel, consider that you are also sharing germs. The same goes for bath sheets. A good rule of thumb is to wash towels after three uses.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Zamora-Mendoza, Lizbeth et al. Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Fibers. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 27,22 7999. 18 Nov. 2022, doi:10.3390/molecules27227999