Bath Towels and Cultural Differences: What Do Americans, Japanese, Koreans, and the Middle East Choose?
Each land, each nation, has its own habits and preferences when it comes to choosing a bath towel. Some prefer oversized, thick towels that feel like a robe, while others favor compact, quick-drying ones that are easy to carry. Climate, lifestyle, aesthetics, and even philosophy are all reflected in this seemingly ordinary item.
In this article, we’ll explore different cultural spaces—from the United States, Japan, Korea, to the Middle East—to see the diversity in how people choose their bath towels. And finally, we’ll look at Vietnam, with the journey of Minh Khai Textile, a company bringing Vietnamese towels onto the global stage.
1. The United States – When a bath towel becomes a warm robe
In the U.S., comfort is always the top priority. That is why bath towels are often large in size, with long, thick, and heavy fibers. Thanks to these features, the towels absorb water efficiently while providing warmth, almost like a robe, when stepping out of the shower.
The cold winters in many states make Americans favor towels with long, fluffy fibers that retain heat well. White bath towels are especially common, symbolizing purity and being easy to bleach and wash. In hotels and resorts, long-fiber, thick white towels are almost the “standard,” bringing a sense of luxury and absolute cleanliness.
More importantly, American consumer culture is strongly linked with lifestyle. A bath towel is not just a daily item—it represents a lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and abundance.
2. Japan – The story of the small towel in onsen culture
Japan follows a completely different path. The Japanese value compactness and subtlety, which is clearly reflected in their choice of bath towels. Japanese towels are often thin, light, with short fibers, and quick-drying. The short fiber structure helps them retain less water, dry faster in Japan’s humid and rainy climate, and prevent mold.
In onsen (hot spring) culture, the small towel is almost indispensable. Japanese people usually bring their own towel when visiting public baths, folding it neatly into their bag. It is not only convenient but also shows a sense of refinement and hygiene in shared spaces.
As for colors, the Japanese prefer subtle tones such as white, light blue, beige, or gray. A small, simple yet delicate bath towel reflects the philosophy of wabi-sabi—the beauty of simplicity and humility.
3. Korea – From public bathhouses to the famous “sheep head” towel
In Korea, the jjimjilbang (public bathhouse) culture is closely associated with small bath towels. Visitors are usually given two small towels upon entry: one for drying and one for wrapping the hair. From this habit, the iconic “sheep head towel” 🐑 was born—becoming a playful symbol of Korean bathhouse culture.
Although Korea has very cold winters, Koreans tend to prefer short-fiber towels of medium thickness, which are easy to wash and dry quickly. This suits the fast-paced and busy lifestyle of modern Koreans.
At home, bath towels are commonly made in pastel or neutral shades, reflecting the modern and refined taste of the younger generation. In Korea, a towel is not just a tool, but something that adds convenience and even a bit of fun to daily life.
4. The Middle East – Bath towels as a symbol of luxury
In the Middle East, particularly in countries like the UAE, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia, bath towels are not just everyday necessities—they are a statement of luxury. In the high-end hotels and spas of Dubai, one often finds oversized towels with long, thick, and soft fibers, usually made from Egyptian cotton or natural bamboo fibers.
The dry, hot climate makes skin more prone to dehydration, so people here prefer long-fiber, silky-soft towels that feel soothing and help protect the skin. In terms of colors, they often choose pure white or golden hues—symbolizing both purity and prestige.
In the Middle East, a bath towel can even represent a lifestyle of indulgence, tied to a sense of grandeur and the region’s well-known culture of hospitality.
5. The world – Different cultures, united in refinement
When comparing, we see striking contrasts:
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Americans choose long-fiber, thick, oversized towels for maximum comfort.
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The Japanese choose short-fiber, thin, compact towels, reflecting minimalism.
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Koreans prefer short-fiber, medium-thickness towels, convenient and linked to playful culture.
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The Middle East chooses long-fiber, ultra-soft towels, symbolizing luxury and refinement.
Despite differences, the world converges on three shared values:
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A preference for natural materials (cotton, bamboo).
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An appreciation for subtle, versatile colors.
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A focus on absorbency, durability, and skin safety.
Thus, a bath towel is not merely a household item, but also a reflection of cultural identity, climate, and lifestyle in different parts of the world.
6. Vietnam – Minh Khai and the journey of bringing Vietnamese towels to the world
Few people know that Vietnam is among the trusted exporters of bath towels to many demanding markets. Among them, Minh Khai Textile Company has established a strong brand thanks to its product diversity and outstanding quality.
What makes Minh Khai unique is its ability to adapt to various needs:
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Long-fiber, thick towels for cold climates.
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Short-fiber, lightweight towels for hot and humid regions.
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Premium towels for international hotels, spas, and resorts.
All products are manufactured on modern production lines, with safe dyeing technology and strict quality control processes. Thanks to this, Minh Khai towels not only meet domestic standards but also win the trust of customers in the U.S., Japan, Korea, and the Middle East.
For Minh Khai, a bath towel is more than a product—it represents credibility and refinement. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of Vietnam’s textile industry and a contribution to elevating Vietnamese towels onto the global stage.
