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Bath Sheet vs. Bath Towel: What’s the Difference? I Tested Four Sets to See Which Is Worth Investing in

Because every day should feel like a spa day

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Brooklinen/Parachute

When it comes to post-shower rituals, the debate between bath sheets and bath towels might seem trivial. But if you’re trying to curate the perfect at-home spa experience (or simply want a towel that does the job), knowing the difference can make all the difference. Below, find a breakdown of each, plus my investment-worthy list of the best bath towels and bath sheets—from Brooklinen and Cozy Earth to Parachute and Onsen.

The Best Editor-Tested Bath Towels and Bath Sheets at a Glance

1

Brooklinen Super-Plush Turkish Cotton Bath Towels

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2

Onsen Waffle Bath Towel

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3

Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Sheets

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4

Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Bath Sheet 

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What’s the *Key* Difference Between a Bath Towel and Bath Sheet?

On the most basic level, it comes down to size. Bath towels are smaller, clocking in at around 27 inches by 52 inches, whereas a bath sheet is about 35 inches by 60 inches. But deciding which one’s right for your home involves a bit more than that. Hear me out.

What Is a Bath Towel?

Pros

  • Typically measures around 26-30” x 52-57” for easy storage 
  • Quick-drying when made from a lower GSM or waffle weaves
  • Lightweight and great for everyday use

Cons

  • Limited coverage compared to bath sheets
  • Lacks the luxurious, cocoon-like feel 
  • Thinner towels may be less durable over time

Parachute

A bath towel is your reliable, everyday essential. Measuring approximately 26 to 30 inches by 52 to 57  inches, it’s compact enough to roll up neatly in your linen closet—making it a practical choice that doesn’t demand much space (aka ideal for smaller bathrooms). Plus, when choosing a bath towel, the GSM (grams per square meter) plays a key role in its feel and performance. Lower GSM towels (300 to 500) are lighter, quick-drying and easier to handle, while mid-range GSM (500 to 700) offers a balance of softness and durability.

As for materials, 100 percent cotton is a classic choice, with Turkish and Egyptian cotton leading the pack for softness and absorbency. Turkish cotton strikes a perfect balance between plushness and quick drying, while Egyptian cotton is known for its supreme softness and absorbency. 

If you’re on the hunt for something ultra-lightweight, you’ll want to consider waffle-woven towels. These have a honeycomb-like texture that’s lightweight yet incredibly absorbent. The open weave increases airflow, which means they dry faster than traditional terry towels. This makes them perfect for anyone who’s short on time (or patience) when it comes to drying their towels.

What to Look for in a Bath Towel

  • Softness: Opt for a mid-weight GSM (500-700) made from Turkish or Egyptian cotton for a spa-like feel
  • Absorbency: Choose thicker towels with long-staple cotton fibers or waffle weaves, which excel at trapping moisture
  • Lightness and Quick Drying: Go for lower GSM towels or waffle weaves for faster drying and easier handling
  • Durability: Look for combed or ring-spun cotton or Supima cotton to resist wear and tear over time

What Is a Bath Sheet?

Pros

  • Typically measures 35-40" x 60-70" for full-body coverage 
  • Ideal for creating a spa-like experience at home
  • Highly absorbent with the right materials and thickness

Cons

  • Usually more expensive 
  • Slower drying time, especially for higher GSM towels
  • Can feel too heavy or bulky for everyday use

Parachute

If bath towels are your everyday go-to, bath sheets are their luxurious upgrade. Measuring around 35 to 40 inches by 60 to 70 inches (or larger), bath sheets offer significantly more fabric, making them ideal for wrapping yourself up completely post-shower or lounging after a soak. Think of them as a cross between a towel and a cozy blanket, offering full-body coverage that feels like an indulgent spa experience. That said, the extra fabric comes at an extra cost (literally and figuratively)—they take up more storage space and tend to dry slower than standard bath towels.

Still, when choosing a bath sheet, thickness and practicality are key considerations. You want to look for a higher GSM (600 to 900) if you’re on the hunt for something ultra-plush that feels dense and luxurious—the ultimate spa-like vibe. Meanwhile, mid-range GSM (500 to 700) strikes a balance, offering softness and absorbency without being too bulky or slow to dry. If you prefer a towel that’s easier to handle, especially for everyday use, consider avoiding anything too dense or heavyweight.

Plus, long-staple cottons—like Turkish or Egyptian cotton—are still the gold standard when it comes to materials. Again, Turkish cotton offers a balance between plushness and drying time, while Egyptian cotton provides a more indulgent, highly absorbent feel. Bath sheets are also available in waffle weaves for those who want the benefits of a larger towel without the heft—these are lightweight, breathable, and dry faster than traditional terry cloth options.

What to Look for in a Bath Sheet

  • Softness: Choose bath sheets made from Turkish or Egyptian cotton for the ultimate plush, spa-like feel
  • Absorbency: Opt for long-staple cotton or zero-twist construction for better moisture-trapping
  • Thickness and Weight: Go for 700-900 GSM for a thicker, indulgent feel, or mid-range GSM (500-700) for better manageability and quicker drying
  • Durability: Look for combed or ring-spun cotton with double-stitched edges to resist pilling and wear over time

Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between a bath towel and a bath sheet really comes down to how you use your towels and what you prioritize in your routine. Are you someone who prefers practicality and efficiency, or do you love a little extra indulgence in your daily rituals? If you’re all about convenience, a bath towel is the clear winner. It’s compact, easy to store and dries quickly—perfect for smaller spaces or anyone who needs a towel that gets the job done without fuss. In that case, you want to look for a mid-weight GSM (500-700) bath towel that balances softness and durability (or go for lighter options if quick-drying is a priority). Materials like Turkish cotton offer a nice mix of plushness and practicality, while waffle weaves are a fantastic choice if you’re short on drying time and prefer a lightweight feel.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to elevate your post-shower experience, a bath sheet is worth the splurge. With its larger size and full-body coverage, it’s ideal for wrapping yourself in luxury or lounging post-bath. Choose a bath sheet with a higher GSM (600-900) if you want that plush, spa-like vibe, or go for something mid-range, if you want indulgence without the bulk. Turkish and Egyptian cotton are also your go-to for softness and absorbency, while waffle-weave bath sheets offer a lighter, quicker-drying alternative for those who still want a larger towel without the heft.

Here’s the TL;DR:

  • Choose a bath towel if: You have limited storage, need something quick-drying, or prefer a lightweight easy-to-handle option for daily use.
  • Choose a bath sheet if: You crave full-body coverage, love a cozy, spa-like experience or want a towel that doubles as a luxurious wrap.

Yet, if you’re like me, you might be thinking why not both? Mixing bath towels for everyday use and bath sheets for those moments when you want a little extra indulgence is the best of both worlds. So below, find four bath towels and bath sheets I’ve tested (that are totally worth the investment).

The Top Editor-Approved Bath Towels

I can’t rave enough about this Super-Plush towel from Brooklinen. It’s technically a bath towel, but at 30 inches by 58 inches, it’s just big enough to feel like a half-bath sheet without the bulk. The plush 820 GSM Turkish cotton makes it incredibly soft and absorbent—and it felt even softer after just one wash (most towels take a few washes to even come close). Plus, while it’s thicker than your average towel, it doesn’t feel heavy or overwhelming. It’s surprisingly quick-drying given its loft and doesn’t feel like a cinderblock on my head when I wrap my hair in the towel to dry. To keep it looking and feeling its best, I make sure to wash it in cold water with the Laundress detergent—and they look just as good after a year of constant use. Not to mention the fact that they come in a set of two for under $100, which feels like a steal, given their quality.

Crafted from 100 percent Supima cotton, this towel features a lightweight waffle weave that not only looks sleek but also enhances breathability and air circulation. (Meaning, it dries faster than traditional towels—both on you and on the rack.) It’s the towel I grab when I’m in a hurry or need something that won’t leave me with a damp, musty mess later. Then, at 31 inches by 57 inches, it’s also a tad larger than you’re traditional towel, but its airy design makes it incredibly easy to fold and store—perfect for my limited closet space. The unique honeycomb texture is also highly absorbent, trapping moisture without feeling heavy, and it seems to get “thirstier” with each wash. It’s quick-drying and looks great on display, too, thanks to the 12 colors it’s available in. 

The Top Editor-Approved Bath Sheets

Measuring a luxurious 40 inches by 65 inches, these bath Sheets are more than just towels—they’re practically blankets. Every time I use it, especially during winter, it’s the personification of feeling wrapped in warmth and comfort. They’re also crafted from a premium blend of 60 percent cotton and 40 percent bamboo viscose, and they owe their incredible softness to the innovative Zero Twist technology (which eliminates rough, tightly wound fibers for a silky-smooth texture). To that end, what truly sets these apart is their durability and absorbency. Despite their thick, fluffy design, they dry efficiently and hold up beautifully after repeated washes, maintaining their signature softness over time. It’s somewhat of a splurge for $160, but I’d say it’s worth every penny if you’re looking to invest in luxury. 

Finally, at 76 inches by 40 inches, this towel is massive—big enough to completely wrap around me like a luxurious cocoon. Yet, what sets it apart from the Cozy Earth bath sheet is the feel. While Cozy Earths are ultra-plush and silky, these have a slightly more substantial texture that’s absorbent right out of the box. The 700 GSM long-staple Turkish cotton is perfectly balanced—plush and heavyweight but not so thick that it feels smothering or takes forever to dry. And speaking of drying, I’ve been impressed with how quickly these towels dry after use compared to other thicker options. Washing them is simple, and unlike some towels that lose their softness or start to pill, these hold up beautifully over time. I even experimented with using a slightly warmer drying cycle, and they came out even fluffier without sacrificing absorbency. Bonus: The ribbed dobby design gives them a clean, polished look that elevates my bathroom decor. I have the ‘bone’ color, and they feel like they came straight from a luxury hotel (but with a more grounded, durable vibe that works for daily use). 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are bath sheets so expensive?

Bath sheets are more expensive because of their size and the materials used to make them. At approximately 35 inches by 60 inches or larger, bath sheets require significantly more fabric than standard bath towels, which drives up production costs. Plus, they tend to use premium materials like long-staple Turkish or Egyptian cotton, which add to their price due to its inherent softness, absorbency and durability.

The higher GSM (grams per square meter) of bath sheets also contributes to their luxurious feel but increases manufacturing costs. This density makes them thicker, more plush and more absorbent—qualities that justify the higher price tag. Essentially, you’re paying for the extra fabric, enhanced quality, and indulgent experience that bath sheets provide.

Which is better, a bath sheet or a bath towel?

It all depends on your needs. Bath towels are compact, lightweight and perfect for everyday use—especially if you have limited storage or need something quick-drying. With a GSM of 300-700 and materials like Turkish cotton, they strike a balance between practicality and softness, making them the go-to for most households.

Bath sheets, however, are all about indulgence. Their oversized dimensions provide full-body coverage, making them ideal for lounging or creating a spa-like experience. With higher GSM (600 to 900) and materials like Egyptian or Turkish cotton, they’re thicker, more absorbent, and undeniably luxurious—though they take up more storage space and dry slower. If you value convenience, stick with bath towels. If comfort and coverage are your priority, treat yourself to a bath sheet—or mix and match for the best of both worlds. 

Who needs a bath sheet?

The better question to ask here is who doesn’t need a bath sheet? If you love the idea of wrapping yourself in full-body comfort after a shower, lounging in a cozy cocoon post-bath or upgrading your daily routine with a spa-like touch, then a bath sheet is a must-have. They’re perfect for anyone who wants more coverage than a standard towel provides—or if you enjoy relaxing with a towel that doubles as a blanket. While they’re not ideal for smaller bathrooms or those who prioritize quick drying, bath sheets are an easy choice for anyone looking to elevate their self-care routine. If you have the space to store them and love a little extra luxury, they’re definitely a splurge-worthy investment.

Do hotels use bath towels or bath sheets?

Most hotels primarily use bath towels because they’re practical, cost-effective, and easier to launder in large quantities. Bath towels, with their compact size and quick-drying properties, are ideal for the fast turnaround required in hospitality settings.

That said, high-end and luxury hotels often offer bath sheets as an upgraded option for guests seeking a more indulgent experience. Again, this is because they’re larger, spa-like towels typically found in suites or premium accommodations where comfort and opulence are top priorities. So while bath towels are the standard, bath sheets are the hallmark of a truly luxurious stay.


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  • Holds a dual degree in communications and media law and policy from Indiana University, Bloomington

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