Bath Sheets vs. Bath Towels
When you’re choosing new towels, you’ll find options in variables from material, softness, and absorbency to color and pattern. But there’s one more to consider: Bath linens come in various sizes, from small hand towels to larger bath towels and bath sheets. So which is better, a bath sheet or bath towel? Use this guide to help you decide between standard-sized bath towels and oversized bath sheets for your bathroom.
What Is the Difference Between a Bath Sheet and a Bath Towel?
The main difference between a bath sheet and a bath towel is the size: A bath sheet is longer and wider than a bath towel, so it offers additional coverage. Some refer to a bath sheet as an “extra-large towel” or an “oversized towel.” Aside from the size difference, bath towels and bath sheets are comparable in terms of grams per square meter (or GSM)—a standard measurement that denotes thickness, weight, and overall quality—regardless of physical size.
Other differences include:
- Price: Bath sheets are often more expensive than bath towels.
- Use: Bath sheets offer great coverage for drying off after a shower and make a suitable alternative to a bath robe or wrap, but may be too large to effectively wrap your hair—which is easier with a bath towel.
- Weight: Because a bath towel is smaller than a bath sheet, it’s lighter weight—but only marginally.
- Laundering: Due to a bath sheet’s extra size, you may be able to wash only a few at a time—and drying may take longer compared to standard towels.
- Storage: Because bath sheets are larger, they take up more space in the linen closet.
How Big Is a Bath Sheet?
Our bath sheets measure a generous 39 inches by 68 inches, but bath sheet sizes may vary by manufacturer or brand.
How Big Is a Bath Towel?
Our standard bath towels measure 30 inches by 54 inches. Again, standard towel sizes may vary by brand.
Are Bath Sheets the Biggest Type of Towel?
While bath sheets are often the largest kind of bathroom towel, beach towels may sometimes be larger than bath sheets, as they’re meant for lounging on and drying off at the beach or by the pool. Our beach towels measure 39 inches by 70 inches, giving you an extra 2 inches of length compared to a bath sheet. If you’re looking for a jumbo towel rather than a standard-sized towel, a bath sheet or beach towel will suit nicely.
Is a Bath Sheet or Towel Better?
When you’re choosing bath linens, deciding between a bath towel or bath sheet is mostly a matter of personal preference. Both our standard towels and bath sheets offer incredible absorbency, dry quickly, wash easily, and feel great against the skin—but our oversized bath sheets are indulgent options for people who like their towels on the larger side.
Consider whether you prefer the largest towel, or if you need something a little more versatile, for example, to wrap your hair while you go about your morning routine, when you’re deciding whether to buy bath sheets or bath towels. For more tips and information about bath linens, explore our Guides.