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

One of the little luxuries we enjoy these days is being able to hop into a hot shower whenever we like. Whether you're someone who loves the soothing warmth of a long shower or someone who kickstarts their morning with a blast of cold water, there's one thing we all need afterwards, a good towel to dry off with.

But what kind of towel should you reach for? This is a question we often get asked at My Linen. With so many sizes, colours and styles to choose from, picking the right towel can feel a little overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions people face is whether to go for a bath towel or a bath sheet. So, let’s take a closer look at the difference between the two and help you decide which one suits your bathroom and lifestyle best.

Main Difference Between a Bath Towel and a Bath Sheet

The easiest way to tell the difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet is by looking at their size. A standard bath towel measures around 70cm x 140cm, while a bath sheet is a bit of a step up, coming in at around 90cm x 165cm. That extra bit of length and width might not seem like much at first, but it can make a big difference – especially if you're taller, have a broader build, or simply like to wrap yourself up after a shower.

Many people love the extra fabric that a bath sheet offers. It gives you more coverage and makes it easier to dry off comfortably without worrying about running out of dry towels. On the other hand, a bath towel is more compact, which makes it easier to handle and ideal for everyday use, particularly if you have limited space.

If you're shopping for size options or want to make sure you're choosing correctly, our sizing guide breaks down all the measurements you need.

Which One Should You Choose for Daily Use?

Choose a bath towel if you:

• Prefer lightweight, easy-to-handle towels
  

• Have limited space on your towel rack
  

• Want quicker drying times and easier storage
  

Choose a bath sheet if you:

• Love the spa-like experience
  

• Prefer more fabric for warmth and coverage
  

• Have the storage space to accommodate larger towels

Both are available in our 7-piece towel sets, perfect for refreshing your whole bathroom at once.

Do Bath Sheets Dry Better Than Bath Towels?

Generally speaking, yes. Bath sheets tend to be more absorbent than bath towels purely because they’re made with more fabric. This means they can soak up more water, which is a big plus if you’ve had a long shower or bath and want to get dry quickly. However, the extra material also means they can feel a bit heavier when wet, and they’ll take a little longer to dry once you’ve hung them up.

Bath towels, being smaller, are easier to wring out and tend to dry faster both on your towel rack and in the washing machine. So it really depends on what you prioritise, quick drying and easy handling, or a little extra comfort and luxury.

If you want to explore sets that include bath towels or bath sheets, you’ll find a wide range available in our bath towel sets.

Is Storage and Washing an Issue With Bath Sheets?

Because of their larger size, bath sheets will take up a bit more room in your linen cupboard. You’ll also find they might not fit quite as neatly on smaller towel racks or hooks. If space is tight, this could be something to think about. You may only be able to hang one bath sheet at a time, whereas you could easily hang two or more bath towels in the same space.

Washing larger towels also means you might need to do slightly fewer towels per load to give them enough room to clean and rinse properly. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something worth considering if you’re washing towels frequently.

Looking to make the most of your storage? Our tips on saying goodbye to ill-fitting sheets might help with overall linen cupboard organisation too.

Can a Beach Towel Be Used as a Bath Towel?

It might surprise you, but yes, a beach towel can work as a bath towel – especially if you find that regular bath towels just don’t give you the coverage you’re after. Beach towels are typically longer and thinner, making them easy to wrap around your body. That said, they’re usually not quite as plush or absorbent as a proper bath towel or bath sheet, since they’re designed to dry quickly at the beach rather than keep you warm after a hot shower.

If you're looking for a towel with more substance, our bathroom towels range offers plenty of comfortable, absorbent options.

So, Which One Is Better for You?

At the end of the day, the choice between a bath towel and a bath sheet comes down to personal preference. If you value a towel that’s easy to handle, quick to dry, and takes up less space, then a bath towel is a solid everyday choice. If, on the other hand, you want something a bit more generous, plush and spa-like, then a bath sheet is a fantastic upgrade.

Both are available in a wide range of styles, colours and sets from trusted brands. And if you ever need assistance choosing the right towels, our team is always happy to help, just get in touch with us.