Picking the right towel size makes folding easier and your shapes cleaner. This guide shows common sizes in inches and centimeters, how each size behaves in folds, and which animals we use them for in our tutorials.
Key Takeaways
- Bath Towel is the workhorse for most bodies. Aim for about 28 × 53 in (70 × 135 cm).
- Hand Towel is perfect for heads and details. Aim for about 20 × 39 in (50 × 100 cm).
- Face Towel works for shims and minis. Aim for about 12 × 12 in (30 × 30 cm).
- Bath Sheet is optional for oversized builds. About 40 × 63 in (100 × 160 cm) gives dramatic volume but needs stronger supports.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Mid weight cotton terry grips better than plush spa towels. Skip fabric softener so folds hold.
Comparison Table… Common Sizes and Uses
| Size name | Typical inches (range) | Typical centimeters (range) | Our go to spec | What it is best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bath Sheet | 35–40 × 60–70 | 90–100 × 150–180 | 40 × 63 in (100 × 160 cm) | Oversized animals, dramatic swans, photo backdrops |
| Bath Towel | 27–30 × 50–58 | 70–76 × 127–147 | 28 × 53 in (70 × 135 cm) | Main bodies for swan and elephant, hanging monkey body |
| Hand Towel | 16–20 × 28–40 | 40–50 × 70–100 | 20 × 39 in (50 × 100 cm) | Heads, ears, trunks, detail rolls |
| Face Towel (Washcloth) | 12 × 12 | 30 × 30 | 12 × 12 in (30 × 30 cm) | Base pads, shims, mini animals |
Sizes vary by brand. The “Our go to” column matches the towels we fold with in our videos and photos.
Which Size For Which Animal
- Swan 1 × Bath Towel body… optional Face Towel under the belly as a base pad when displaying on a shelf.
- Elephant 2 × Bath Towels for body and legs… 1 × Hand Towel for head and ears… short dowel inside the trunk when you want a strong curl.
- Hanging Monkey 1 × Bath Towel body… 1 × Hand Towel head… two binder clips and a non slip hanger for the hands.
- Minis Hand or Face towels for quick practice shapes.
Fit, Weight, and Fabric
- Weight Choose mid weight cotton terry. Ultra plush looks luxe but fights tight rolls and relaxes faster.
- Weave Standard loop terry grips well. Waffle or microfiber is slick and will loosen quickly.
- Conditioning Wash towels before first use to remove coatings. Skip fabric softener. A tiny splash of white vinegar in the rinse can help keep fibers grippy.
- Color Bright white photographs well. If you prefer color, avoid dark dyes that may transfer when damp.
Measuring and Converting
If your towel tag lists centimeters, divide by 2.54 to get inches. If it lists inches and you need centimeters, multiply by 2.54.
Examples
- 70 × 135 cm → 27.6 × 53.1 in (we round to 28 × 53 in)
- 50 × 100 cm → 19.7 × 39.4 in (we round to 20 × 39 in)
- 30 × 30 cm → 11.8 × 11.8 in (we round to 12 × 12 in)
Storage and Care
- Keep a dedicated folding set so display towels stay bright and grippy.
- Wash warm with a small amount of detergent. Do not use fabric softener.
- Dry fully, then store flat in a tote with your small tools… binder clips, soft ties, gel dots, short dowels.
Keep Folding
- Pillar: Cruise Towel Animals… Swan, Elephant, Hanging Monkey
- Hanging: Binder Clip Hanger Hack for the Monkey
- Styles: Towel Animal Styles… Royal vs Carnival vs NCL
- Display: Display Ideas… Keep Your Towel Animals Alive Longer
- Starter kit: Towel Animal Starter Kit… What to Buy
FAQ
Are bath sheets required No. They are fun for larger animals but add weight and need more support.
Can I mix sizes from different brands Yes. Check the tags and aim for the “Our go to” specs so folds match our tutorials.
Is microfiber ever useful Microfiber can work for a quick practice, but it slides in tight folds and will not hold a crisp crease.
What if my towels are slightly smaller or larger Use them. Adjust roll tension and add hidden supports when needed.
