The Difference Between A Bath Sheet And A Bath Towel, According To An Expert

Whether you're registering for wedding gifts or simply looking to update your bathroom linens, you may just find yourself deep in thought about the humble bath towel. Most of us are closely acquainted with the standard bath towel. They're a fine choice for your post-shower needs, but they're not your only option. Enter, the bath sheet.

The main distinction between bath towels and bath sheets is size, but with the size difference comes several other considerations. Read on to learn the difference between bath sheets and bath towels, the pros and cons of each, and tips for deciding which one is right for you.

What's The Difference Between A Bath Sheet And Bath Towel?

With these two bathroom staples, the difference comes down to size. A bath sheet is simply a larger version of a bath towel. Most standard bath towels will fall in the range of 25–30 inches by 55–58 inches, which means they're great for a head wrap, a lower-body wrap, or even a top-half wrap. By contrast, bath sheets will offer you a far greater abundance of material to ensure full-body coverage at around 35 by 60 inches (or much larger).

"The main difference between a bath sheet and a bath towel is the size and preference of the user," says Katie Elks, Design Director at Brooklinen. "Brooklinen bath sheets are on the larger end of the spectrum at 40 by 65 inches, whereas our standard bath towels are 30 by 58 inches."

Pros And Cons of Bath Towels Vs. Bath Sheets

Between bath towels and bath sheets, bath towels are the more common and readily available option. Because they come in a variety of materials and textures and use less material, bath towels are also typically the more affordable choice. In general, a high-quality bath towel will set you back less than a similar-quality bath sheet.

Bath sheets, on the other hand, are commonly associated with luxury—and with good reason. Their significantly larger size means that even taller and larger bodies can get full-body coverage and the potential for that cozy bundled feeling. The larger size also provides more surface area for absorbency and may be a good option for people who use more than one towel when bathing.

"Bath sheets are ideal for individuals that a standard towel does not provide enough coverage or surface area for drying, or for those who prefer a lightweight towel, but need more area for absorbency," says Elks. "Bath sheets can also be chosen as a luxurious addition to your linen closet."

Though not designed for this purpose (and not necessarily recommended), a bath sheet can also serve as a substitute for a beach towel in a pinch.

While its size may feel less luxurious and provide significantly less body coverage, the smaller dimensions of a bath towel can be preferable at times. Whether hanging or folded, bath towels take up less space, and most standard bathroom fixtures are sized with bath towels in mind.

If you towel-dry your hair, a bath towel's size and weight will also be easier to manage. When it comes to dry time, bath towels typically win over bath sheets both when hung to dry and when using the dryer. Speaking of the dryer, if you're not a fan of laundry, consider that the bath towel's smaller size may mean fewer loads.

Questions To Consider Before You Buy

When deciding between bath towels and bath sheets, there are more factors than their size difference to consider. There are many questions to ask yourself when purchasing bath towels or bath sheets.

Are Your Towel Racks Big Enough?

Depending on your bathroom set-up, your current towel rack might need to be bigger or stronger to support the additional weight of a large bath sheet. If these larger bathroom accessories don't fit in your space, the extra coverage of a bath sheet might not be worthwhile. Think about the height of your towel rack, the number of people who will be using the towel rack, and how frequently you launder your towels.

Do You Have Enough Storage Space?

Like the towel rack, bath sheets need more space on linen closet shelves and require sturdy shelves to support the extra weight. If your linen closet shelves are overflowing, there might not be enough space for the thicker bath sheets. Additionally, the added weight can be an issue for shelves not designed to carry the load.

Is The Extra Cost Worthwhile?

If you've never experienced an issue with your current bath towel, the extra cost associated with a bath sheet might not be worthwhile. If you have always wanted a little extra space and absorbency, however, a bath sheet might be the solution you've been searching for, but it will come with a price. 

Will The Longer Drying Time Be An Issue?

Drying bath sheets takes longer than drying bath towels, and bath sheets take up more space in your dryer. You might have to dry the bath sheets several times or use a clothesline to prevent mildew and musty smells. If many people in your household will be using the bath sheets, they might not be time- or cost-effective. 

Do You Enjoy Some Air After Showering, Or Do You Prefer A Warm Blanket?

Using a bath sheet can swaddle your entire body after bathing, so this might not be the best solution for people who get overheated or enjoy some air circulation. Drying off with a bath towel can provide a happy medium between absorbancy and air-drying, while bath sheets can provide an enveloping warmth.

How To Care For Bath Sheets and Towels

"Our bath sheets only differ from our towels in size, so you can care for them in the same ways you might care for a standard bath towel," says Elks. For both bath sheets and towels, Brooklinen recommends washing on a cold cycle every three uses. "Bath sheets are especially large, so make sure they are air drying fully between uses to avoid any smells," added Elks.