Turkish Hand Towels and Tea Towels: Why They Work Better
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Turkish hand towels and flat-weave tea towels work better than thick terry because they absorb well, dry quickly between uses, and are far less likely to turn musty on a towel bar or oven handle. They also tend to leave less lint on glasses and dishes, and they look good enough to leave out. The Riviera Towel Company in Santa Barbara carries Turkish hand towels and a range of tea towels, starting with the Waffle Hand Towel from $18.
Hand towels and tea towels are the hardest-working textiles in the house. They get used dozens of times a day, so a small upgrade is noticeable fast. Here is what to look for, how many you need, and which ones to pick.
What is the difference between a hand towel, a tea towel and a dish towel?
A hand towel is for drying hands in the bathroom, a tea towel is a smooth, flat-woven kitchen towel traditionally used for drying glasses and dishes, and "dish towel" is the everyday catch-all name for any kitchen towel. Today the terms overlap, but the typical differences look like this:
| Hand towel | Tea towel | Dish towel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main room | Bathroom, powder room | Kitchen | Kitchen |
| Typical weave | Flat weave, waffle or terry | Smooth flat weave, often cotton or linen | Varies, from flat weave to terry |
| Typical size | About 16-20 x 30-40 in (Turkish) | About 18-20 x 26-30 in | Similar to a tea towel |
| Best for | Hands and face | Glassware, dishes, covering bread or dough | Everyday spills and drying |
| Decor role | Sets the tone in a guest bath | Adds color and pattern to a kitchen | Often a fun print or local design |
Sizes above are typical ranges, so check each product page for exact measurements. Our guide to Turkish towel sizes and weights compares every towel type side by side.
Why do Turkish hand towels work better than terry?
Turkish hand towels dry much faster than terry, so they stay fresh between uses instead of hanging damp all day. That single difference solves the most common hand towel complaint: the musty smell.
A few other reasons people switch:
- Absorbent without bulk. Flat-woven and waffle cotton soaks up water well, and absorbency typically improves after the first few washes.
- Less lint. Without loops of yarn, there is less to shed onto hands and faces.
- Neater on a bar or ring. Thin towels drape cleanly instead of bunching.
- Easy to rotate. They wash and dry quickly, so swapping in a fresh one is no chore.
- Pretty. Stripes, waffle textures and fringe make a small bathroom feel finished.
For the full comparison, see Turkish towels vs. regular towels.
Are flat-weave tea towels good for drying dishes?
Yes. A smooth, flat-woven cotton tea towel is ideal for dishes and especially glassware, because it absorbs water while leaving less lint behind than a fluffy terry towel. It also dries quickly on an oven handle or hook.
Tea towels are handy for more than drying: covering rising dough, lining a bread basket, wrapping herbs, or serving as an impromptu napkin at a picnic. A cute one is also a quick way to bring a little color into the kitchen.
Which Riviera hand towels and tea towels should I choose?
Start with a textured waffle or simple flat-weave hand towel for the bathroom, and pick tea towels for the kitchen based on the look you like. Here are the pieces from our hand and tea towel collection and Santa Barbara gifts:
- Waffle Hand Towel (from $18): a classic spa texture that pairs with the Turkish Cotton Waffle Towel (from $38.98).
- Essential Hand Towels - Set of 2 (from $28): an easy pair for a double vanity or guest bath.
- Sorrento Hand Towel (from $16): a simple, budget-friendly upgrade.
- Sun n' Surf Santa Barbara Tea Towel (from $18): a playful local design for the kitchen.
- Santa Barbara Dish Towel and California Dish Towel (each from $25): hometown pride by the sink.
- Plaid Tea Towels w/ Wood Beads Set/3 (from $32): a ready-made set for gifting.
How many hand towels and tea towels do you need?
A good rule is three hand towels per bathroom sink and five to seven tea towels for the kitchen. That gives you one in use, one clean and one in the wash, plus extras for busy cooking days.
- Main bathroom: 3 hand towels per sink.
- Guest bath or powder room: 2 to 3 hand towels, swapped out after guests leave.
- Kitchen: 5 to 7 tea towels, with at least two kept just for glassware.
- Vacation rental or guest room: one hand towel per guest, plus spares.
Do hand towels and tea towels make good gifts?
Yes. They are useful, affordable and easy to personalize to the recipient's style, which makes them a go-to hostess, housewarming or thank-you gift. A Santa Barbara tea towel paired with a candle is a simple local gift that ships easily.
Try pairing a tea towel with the Santa Barbara 8 oz Candle (from $28), and add gift wrap with a handwritten card for $10 on any product page. Find more ideas in our Turkish towel gift guide and Santa Barbara gift guide.
How do you wash Turkish hand towels and tea towels?
Wash them in cool or warm water with a mild detergent, skip the fabric softener, and line dry or tumble dry on low. Softener coats cotton fibers and makes towels less absorbent, which is the opposite of what you want in a kitchen or bathroom.
Wash new towels once or twice before first use to help them reach full absorbency. Read more in how to care for Turkish towels.
Where can I buy Turkish hand towels in Santa Barbara?
Find Turkish hand towels and tea towels at The Riviera Towel Company, 17 W. Gutierrez St., just off State Street in downtown Santa Barbara, or online at rivieratowel.com. Orders over $95 ship free nationwide.
FAQ
Are Turkish hand towels absorbent?
Yes. Flat-woven and waffle Turkish cotton hand towels absorb water well, and they typically become even more absorbent after the first few washes as the cotton softens.
What is the difference between a tea towel and a dish towel?
A tea towel is a smooth, flat-woven kitchen towel traditionally used for drying glassware and dishes. Dish towel is a broader everyday term for any kitchen towel, from flat weave to terry.
Why do my hand towels smell musty?
Hand towels smell musty when they stay damp for too long. Quick-drying Turkish hand towels, hung open on a bar or hook and rotated every few days, stay much fresher.
What size is a Turkish hand towel?
Turkish hand towels are typically about 16 to 20 inches wide and 30 to 40 inches long. Check the product page for the exact size of a specific towel.
How many hand towels should I have per bathroom?
Plan on about three hand towels per sink: one in use, one clean and ready, and one in the wash.
Looking for the perfect hand towel or tea towel? Visit our shop at 17 W. Gutierrez St. in Santa Barbara or call 805-560-1571. We offer free shipping on orders over $95, and 5% of our net profits go to organizations that heal and protect the ocean we all love, with $76,439.30 donated so far.
