Bath Sheet Vs Bath Towel: How Are They Different And Which Is Better?

A bath towel is a body towel is a bath sheet ... right? Well, not exactly. 

Besides different textures, weaves, and materials, full body towels also come in two distinct sizes — the bath towel, and its larger counterpart, the bath sheet. While most people tend to lean towards the bath towel size — it's easier to find, anyway — there is always the question of whether the grass may be greener (or the towel more luxurious) on the other side.

Let's cut down on the complications and address the basics, however. Yes, the big difference between a bath towel and a bath sheet simply is a matter of dimensions. A typical bath towel is generally about 27 x 52 inches while a bath sheet is around 35 x 60 inches. If you find that the bath sheet still isn't big enough for you, don't worry, because there is also something called a large bath sheet, measuring about 40 x 72 inches. That may not seem like a whole lot more space, but especially if you are a bigger or taller person, those extra couple inches could make a big difference. If you're still on the fence about which is the best towel you can buy, though, let's look a little deeper.

Don't get oversaturated with your options here. The answer of which selection is right for you can be pretty cut and dry.

While you may not have owned a bath sheet in your lifetime, you have most definitely owned a bath towel. Smaller and more widely available, they are accepted as the standard when it comes to a full-body towel. They are also the more affordable option, both because they use less material, and because there is a larger selection to choose from. Since they are smaller, though, they're not going to get you full coverage if your goal is to get from shower to bedroom without feeling exposed. Also, note that beach towels are different from bath towels, as they're specifically designed to absorb less water (since you're outside vs. inside). 

Bath sheets offer the luxury of better absorption and better coverage. They can also sometimes be effective enough to take the place of two towels if you are someone that prefers to have one for your body and one for your hair, and even take the place of a beach towel in a pinch. On the other hand, due to their size, they can be a bit cumbersome as a head wrap: they are quite heavy, especially when wet, so you may still wish to have an alternative if you have long hair. Bath sheets are also generally a bit pricier than bath towels, and may require some creative, intricate, and stylish storage solutions, since they definitely take up more space in your closet. Overall, though, if you're looking to turn your budget bathroom into a spa-worthy sanctuary, bath sheets are a great way to start.