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Choosing the wrong hand towel size can waste money and disappoint users. A towel that’s too small is frustrating, while one that’s too large is costly and slow to dry.
A standard hand towel typically measures between 16×28 inches (40×70 cm) and 18×30 inches (45×76 cm). This size is perfect for drying hands in bathrooms, offering a great balance of absorbency and quick-drying properties for both homes and businesses.
Knowing the standard size is a great start, but it’s only half the story when building a complete towel line. You have probably seen other small towels in guest bathrooms or spas and wondered about their specific names and uses. For brand owners and purchasing managers, getting these details right is key to creating a product range that your customers will love and buy. It’s the difference between a good product and the perfect product for a specific need. Let’s break down the other common "hand towel" types you’ll encounter so you can source with confidence.
What is a good size for a washcloth?
Confusing a washcloth with a hand towel can lead to ordering the wrong product. You need a small cloth for cleansing, not a larger towel for drying hands after washing.
A good size for a washcloth is a square, either 12×12 inches (30×30 cm) or 13×13 inches (33×33 cm). This compact size is ideal for washing the face and body. It provides enough surface area without being bulky, making it easy to handle and quick to dry.
The washcloth is the smallest towel in a typical set, and its purpose is very specific. Its square shape is designed for cleansing. When we work with clients, the choice of material is just as important as the size. For example, a spa client might want a high-GSM (grams per square meter) washcloth for a plush, soft feel, while a brand creating an exfoliating skincare set might prefer a lower GSM with a more textured weave. I remember a client who wanted to launch a luxury skincare line. They first asked for ‘small hand towels.’ After a quick chat, we realized they needed something for facial cleansing. We guided them to a premium 13×13 inch combed cotton washcloth. It perfectly matched their brand’s high-end feel and became a bestseller. Understanding the end-use is everything.
Washcloth Sizing Guide
| Size (Inches) | Size (cm) | Common Use Case | Recommended GSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 x 12 | 30 x 30 | Gyms, basic retail sets | 400-500 GSM |
| 13 x 13 | 33 x 33 | Spas, luxury skincare, hospitality | 500-650 GSM |
What size is a fingertip towel vs hand towel?
Ordering towels for a guest bathroom can be confusing. You want to offer an elegant solution for visitors, but what size strikes the right balance between function and style?
A fingertip towel is much smaller than a hand towel, typically measuring 11×18 inches (28×46 cm). A standard hand towel is larger, around 16×28 inches (40×70 cm). The fingertip towel is decorative and for guests, while the hand towel is for everyday use.
The main difference here is function and placement. A fingertip towel, also called a guest towel, is usually found in a powder room or guest bathroom. It’s often draped over a sink or neatly folded in a basket for single use, which is more hygienic for visitors. A hand towel hangs on a towel bar in a primary bathroom and is meant for repeated, daily use by the family. As a manufacturer, I often advise clients that fingertip towels are a fantastic way to add a premium, giftable item to their towel collection. Because they are smaller, the cost to add a detailed embroidered logo or a decorative jacquard border is more manageable. We once helped a boutique hotel create custom-embroidered 11×18" fingertip towels for their suites. This small, elegant touch elevated the guest experience far more than a standard hand towel would have.
Fingertip vs. Hand Towel
| Feature | Fingertip Towel | Hand Towel |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Size | 11" x 18" (28×46 cm) | 16" x 28" (40×70 cm) |
| Primary Use | Guest bathrooms, decorative | Everyday hand drying |
| Placement | Draped by sink, in a basket | Hung on a towel bar |
| Design Focus | Elegance, single-use hygiene | Absorbency, durability |
What size is a guest hand towel?
The term "guest towel" can be ambiguous and cause ordering mistakes. You need a towel specifically for visitors, but which size is appropriate, hygienic, and stylish for a guest space?
A guest hand towel is another name for a fingertip towel. Its typical size is 11×18 inches (28×46 cm). It’s designed for single use to ensure hygiene for visitors and adds a thoughtful, decorative touch to a guest bathroom or powder room.
While "fingertip towel" is the technical industry term, many retail brands and their customers simply call it a "guest towel." It’s an important distinction for hotels, restaurants, and homeowners who want to offer a more luxurious and sustainable option than disposable paper towels. For brands, these towels are all about presentation. We often see clients order these smaller towels to be sold in sets of two or four, rolled and tied with a ribbon. The packaging becomes part of the product’s appeal. When planning a production run for guest towels, we always discuss packaging. A bundle of four 11×18" towels makes a much more attractive retail product than a single, larger hand towel. This simple strategy helps brands increase their average order value and create a perfect housewarming gift item.
What are smaller hand towels called?
You have seen many types of small towels, but not knowing their names makes sourcing difficult. This confusion can make it hard to communicate your exact product needs to a manufacturer.
Smaller hand towels have specific names. The smallest square ones are washcloths (12×12"). The small rectangular ones for guests are called fingertip towels or guest towels (11×18"). Each serves a distinct purpose beyond what a standard hand towel does.
I can’t count how many times a new client has sent an inquiry for ‘small towels.’ My first question is always, "How small, and for what purpose?" The answer tells me if they need a washcloth, a fingertip towel, or something completely custom. A few years ago, a fitness brand came to us needing a ‘gym towel.’ It needed to be compact for a gym bag but large enough to handle a workout. For them, a standard fingertip towel was too small and a hand towel was too bulky. We landed on a custom size of 15×25 inches (38×64 cm) in a durable, absorbent cotton. It became a core part of their brand. This is why clear communication is so important. Your ‘small towel’ idea might be a standard product with a specific name, or it could be a great opportunity to create a custom product tailored to your niche.
Quick Guide to Small Towels
| Towel Name | Common Size (Inches) | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Washcloth | 12" x 12" or 13" x 13" | Washing face and body |
| Fingertip/Guest Towel | 11" x 18" | Guest hand drying, decorative |
| Hand Towel | 16" x 28" to 18" x 30" | Everyday hand drying |
| Custom Gym/Sport Towel | Varies, e.g., 15" x 25" | Workouts, specific activities |
Conclusion
Choosing the right towel size, from washcloths to hand towels, ensures your product meets customer expectations. You now have the knowledge to source confidently and build a successful towel line.
