Towel vs. Flannel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 6, 2023
A towel is a piece of absorbent fabric for drying, while flannel is a soft woven fabric, often used to make clothing or small washcloths.
Key Differences
A towel is typically made of terrycloth for its high absorbency and is used for drying the body or surfaces. Sizes range from small hand towels to large bath sheets. A flannel, also known as a washcloth in the US, is a small square of soft fabric, often cotton, used for washing the face or body.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Towels are essentials in hygiene routines, found in bathrooms for personal care or in kitchens for drying dishes. Flannel fabric, with its softness, is not only used for gentle cleansing as a washcloth but is also popular in the making of warm clothing, bedding, and more.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
The texture of a towel is looped and plush, designed to maximize surface area for moisture absorption. Flannel as a material is napped on one or both sides, providing a soft feel, and in the form of a washcloth, it is also used for gentle exfoliation.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Durability is key in towels, which are made to withstand frequent use and laundering. Flannel clothing, on the other hand, requires careful washing to preserve the raised texture and prevent shrinking due to its usually woolen or cotton make-up.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
While towels are universally recognized for their use in drying, the term "flannel" may cause confusion as it refers to both a type of fabric and a specific item (washcloth) depending on regional English variations.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Material
Terrycloth or other absorbent fabric
Soft woven fabric, often cotton or wool
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Primary Use
Drying body or objects
Making clothing or used as a washcloth for cleansing
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Size
Ranging from small to large bath sheets
Typically small squares or used in yardage for garments
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Care
Durable, often machine washable
May require gentle wash to avoid shrinking
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
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Towel and Flannel Definitions
Towel
Absorbent cloth used for wiping or drying.
He tossed the wet towel into the laundry basket.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Flannel
A soft, woven fabric often used for warm clothing.
She wore a cozy flannel shirt on the chilly evening.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Towel
An item used to absorb moisture after bathing.
She reached for a clean towel to dry off her hands.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Flannel
A small piece of soft cloth used for washing the face.
He dampened the flannel before gently scrubbing his face.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Towel
A fabric piece for drying the body or surfaces.
She wrapped a towel around her hair after the shower.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
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Flannel
Cotton or wool fabric with a napped surface.
The baby's blanket was made of the softest flannel.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Towel
A piece of terrycloth used in personal hygiene.
The hotel provided a fresh set of towels every morning.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Flannel
Fabric used for bed sheets in colder weather.
They switched to flannel sheets as winter approached.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Towel
A linen or cotton fabric used for drying dishes.
He hung the kitchen towel on the rack to dry.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Flannel
A term in British English for a washcloth.
She packed a flannel in her overnight bag.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Flannel
A soft woven cloth of wool or a blend of wool and cotton or synthetics.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 14, 2023
FAQs
Can towels be made of flannel?
Rarely, as flannel is not as absorbent as typical towel materials.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Can flannel shrink when washed?
Yes, especially if it’s made of wool or cotton and not pre-shrunk.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Does flannel pill easily?
It can, especially if it's of lower quality or not properly cared for.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can I use a flannel as a towel?
Small flannels can be used as face towels but are not as absorbent.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Is flannel suitable for summer clothing?
It can be too warm for summer; lightweight flannel might be okay.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Is flannel warm to wear?
Yes, flannel is known for its warmth due to its napped texture.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Are towels only used for drying?
Primarily, though they can also be used for wiping spills or as a mat.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
How often should towels be washed?
After every 3-4 uses is commonly recommended.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Are beach towels different from regular towels?
Yes, beach towels are usually larger and more colorful.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Are there hypoallergenic towels?
Yes, towels made of bamboo or microfiber are hypoallergenic.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Are paper towels a type of towel?
They are a disposable alternative for drying hands or cleaning up spills.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
How is flannel made soft?
Through a process called napping, which raises the ends of the fibers.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
What's the best towel for hair?
Microfiber towels are gentle and reduce frizz.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
What's a Turkish towel?
A flat-woven, lightweight, and quick-drying towel also known as a peshtemal.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can flannel fabric be ironed?
Yes, on a low heat setting to avoid damaging the nap.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Do towels come in different weights?
Yes, measured in GSM (grams per square meter), indicating their density.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Can I make a shirt out of a towel?
Technically, but it would be bulky and not very comfortable.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Is flannel good for sensitive skin?
Yes, because of its softness, it's often suitable for sensitive skin.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
