Bath Sheet vs Bath Towel: What’s the Difference?

There is nothing quite like a hot shower and a fresh towel.

Cleaning your body, clearing your mind, this task may be routine to many, but it goes hand-in-hand with a luxurious feeling. How many times have you been to a hotel or spa and obsessed over the soft, absorbent, and cozy towels on offer?

This isn’t coincidence or happenstance. A lot that goes into that luxurious towel feel, from the make and material of the towel to the design of a bathroom itself. But the simplest element of the perfect towel is size. For most people, a bath towel is just that. But what if I told you there was another type of bath linen for drying off, something different from your standard bath towel? That’s right, today we’re talking about the bath towel’s often forgotten sibling: the bath sheet (also known as an extra large bath towel). Let’s review, compare, and contrast the bath sheet vs bath towel.

What Is A Bath Sheet?

Though there is no specific definition, a bath sheet is generally larger and more absorbent than a standard bath towel. Bath sheets are a good choice if you want or need more surface area coverage. Since bath sheets are bigger than bath towels, they’re usually more effective at drying than their counterparts. We’ll talk about the specific dimensions of bath towels and sheets next.

What is the Difference Between a Bath Sheet and a Bath Towel?

The difference between a bath sheet and a bath towel is actually very simple: a bath sheet is bigger. Much bigger, in some cases.

In the bath linen family, the bath sheet is the largest. Starting at 35” by 60” and going up from there, the bath sheet dwarfs smaller bath linens like the washcloth and hand towel, and thoroughly outsizes your standard bath towel, which usually measures 30” by 52”.

Let’s get even more specific. If you are interested in a bath sheet of your own, here are some things you need to know about bath towels vs bath sheets:

Bath sheets are larger (and heavier) than bath towels

Bath sheets start around the 35” by 60” mark and range up to a cloud-like 40” by 70”. The added length naturally means bath sheets are heavier than your standard bath towel.

Bath towels are considered “standard”

Bath towels start around 27” by 52”, ranging up to 30” by 56”. Your standard bath towel generally strikes a good balance between size, weight, price, and absorbency, meaning they are much more common than bath sheets. Wherever you shop, if you see the word “towel”, it’s likely referring to the bath towel.

Bath sheets are made just like bath towels

Are bath sheets thinner than bath towels? Bath sheets are made of the same materials as their bath towel counterparts. This means bath sheets typically have the same thickness as bath towels. While the marketing between the two items may differ slightly, where and how they are made remains the same.

Bath sheets are more absorbent than bath towels

Put simply: more towel means more absorbency. Bath sheets simply have more material, meaning more fabric to dry yourself off with.

Should I Use a Bath Sheet or Bath Towel?

The easiest way to find out is to try a bath sheet for yourself, and see if it leads to a positive change in your bathing routine. A bath sheet does offer some specific advantages over a standard bath towel.

Benefits of Bath Sheets

Bath sheets are helpful for anyone wanting more coverage from their towel. Some of us find bath towels lacking in length or width coverage, especially if you like to wear your towel for longer periods after bathing. If that sounds like you, a bath sheet can make a huge difference in your bathing routine.

Others that can benefit from a bath sheet over a bath towel are people with long or thick hair. If you find it takes forever to hand dry your hair, or you have to use more than one towel to do it, a bath sheet may help simplify your drying routine. Just be aware, because of the extra size and weight, a bath sheet may not be the best thing for wrapping and leaving your hair in post-shower.

Making the Switch to Bath Sheets: What to Consider

If you’re set on switching your bath towels out for some bath sheets, there are a couple of logistics you should keep in mind.

For one, since bath towels are so commonplace, some home towel racks do not support bath sheets. Make sure your towel rack is long enough, and strong enough, to support a bath sheet or two.

Second, since bath sheets are larger, they are going to take up more closet and hook space. If you’ve got a particularly tight fit in your linen closet, be sure to make some room before adding or switching to a bath sheet.

Third, make adjustments when washing and drying your bath sheets. As bath sheets are larger than bath towels, they take up more space and take longer to wash and dry than your standard bath towel. Adding some wool dryer balls to your drying routine can help offset this extra drying time!

Bath Linen Care Tips

Whichever bath linens you decide to use, it’s important to take good care of them, especially if you want a soft, luxury feel at home. By incorporating a few simple habits, you can actually keep your linens fresh and soft for much longer, saving you money and saving the planet from more waste.

Proper Storage Habits

While pretty basic-sounding, properly hanging and storing your bath linens can go a long way in preserving their freshness and quality. Dry bath linens can be folded and stored in closets, while recently used towels should be hung to help air out and prevent mildew.

Proper Cleaning Habits

How you wash and dry your bath linens is crucial to that soft, cozy feeling we all love in a towel. When washing, wash towels separate from your clothes, and avoid harsh detergents, bleaches, and temperatures. When drying, dry towels separate from your clothes, and on low heat. Too much heat can tighten, stiffen, and damage fibers.

The Perfect Bath Linen

With all that in mind, I hope you find the kind of towel that is right for you. While the bath sheet remains a mystery to many, it has many useful, luxurious qualities, and can make all the difference if given the chance!