Bath Towel vs. Hand Towel: Key Differences You Need to Know

Have you ever noticed that the bath towel seems bigger than it should be when you stand up to dry your hands? Or did you step out of the shower and find that the towel barely covered you when you wrapped it around yourself? That’s the difference between a bath towel and a hand towel—and they may seem interchangeable, but they are not.

Are you still unsure which towel you use? Or how about do we need both? Well, let’s dissect it so you know precisely what you need the next time you shop for bathroom towels.

Size Matters: The Biggest Difference

The striking difference between a bath towel and a hand towel is immediately identifiable: the size.

● Bath Towels: In most cases, their standard size is 27 by 52 inches, and they go higher than that. They are so big that when you bathe, they can be readily wrapped around your entire body and give you comfort and a good cover without discomfort.

● Hand Towels: These are usually much smaller than bath towel and typically range from 15 by 25 inches to 18 by 30 inches. By design, these towels help a person dry their hands and face; hence, they can be placed near a sink for easy accessibility.

For those who want even larger sizes, bath sheets add warmth at approximately 35x70 inches, but that is a tale for another time!

Purpose: When to Use Which Towel?

A bath towel and hand towel are also specialized towels, but they can be further subdivided based on the point where they are mainly applied.

● After you shower, best bath towels become handy as they can be used to wrap you up. They are also superb at the beach or pool during your set break.

● Hand towels work best to dry your hands in the kitchen or bathroom. They can even be harvested as a towel for your hair after a shower.

Now think about it like this: If you're trying to dry your whole body, a bath towel suits you best. For just your hands or face, we recommend a hand towel.

Absorbency: Which One Soaks Up More?

● Cotton Bath Towels: These towels are made out of 100% premium cotton. The classic tulip tranquil blooms bath towel will be great as it has high absorbent capabilities, especially after a shower or a bath. It is fluffy, while its thickness is around 550-600 grams per square meter, making it great for soaking water.

● Hand Towels: These towels are dried very quickly as these smaller-sized hand towels also use cotton; however, lesser water retention makes them perfect for everyday use. Our Indulgence By The Fireplace Hand Towels perfectly balances absorbency and softness.

So, if you need a towel to dry off completely, go for a bath towel. But if you want something for a quick wipe, hand towels are your go-to.

Softness & Comfort: Which Feels Better?

Regarding softness, the material with which the garment is woven, in addition to the weave, is most important irrespective of its size.

● Cotton bath towels were made to enclose the body fully. You will feel as if you have visited a spa after every use because these high-quality cotton fibres are also ultra-soft and plush.

● Hand towels are made from the same soft materials as bath towels, but the construction is different: the threads are woven a little tighter. Although not as fluffy as bath towels, they feel great on the hands and face.

If you want that extra fluff, look for our best bath towels, which are 100% cotton!

Drying Time & Maintenance

Aside from absorbency, the time it takes a towel to dry is important, and we love that these soft towels dry just as quickly.

● Bath towels take much longer to dry because they are larger than hand towels. They must also be hung up properly after use to avoid that musty towel smell.

● Since hand towels are smaller, they dry much quicker. This makes them ideal for constant use in both the bathroom and kitchen.

Do You Need Both? Absolutely!

Now that you know the differences, you might wonder: Do I need a bath and hand towels? The answer is YES!

● For post-shower comfort, having the best bath towel around is essential.

● Hand towels are essential for maintaining hygiene, giving you a clean and dry instrument.

A coordinated towel set might be the right choice if you want to achieve an elegant and polished appearance for your towels.

Upgrade Your Towel Game with MyTrident

Searching for a set of bath and hand towels? We are glad to inform you that we have them!

● Classic Tranquil Blossoms Bath Towel – Premium absorbent 550 GSM bath towel made from 100% cotton. Ultra soft and luxurious.

● Indulgence By The Fireplace Hand Towels (2pc Set) – Everyday luxurious, softer 600 GSM hand towels.

Enhance your daily life by investing in high-quality cotton bath and hand towels. Are you ready for the upgrade? Browse our collection and experience the myTrident difference!