What size towel do you need for a sauna?

For bench coverage: a standard bath towel (27x52 inches) covers most bench widths. For wrapping: a large bath towel or towel wrap (35x60 inches minimum) works comfortably. Turkish towels in the 37x70 inch range are the most versatile — large enough to sit on, wrap around, and use as a drying towel.

Best Sauna Towels (2025)

Q: What kind of towel do you use in a sauna?

Most sauna-goers use either a Turkish peshtemal towel or a standard cotton terry towel. Turkish towels are preferred because they are lightweight, dry fast, and do not absorb as much moisture as terry cloth — meaning they stay manageable during a long session. A second towel sits on the bench to protect the wood and absorb sweat.

Updated January 2025 — Backyard Sauna Pro

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Sauna towels do two jobs: protect the bench from sweat and give you something to wrap up in between rounds. The wrong towel is too heavy, takes forever to dry, and mildews. Here is what works.

Turkish Towels vs Terry Cloth

Turkish peshtemal towels are the clear winner for sauna use. They are woven cotton (no loops), which means they dry much faster than terry cloth, take up less space, and hold less water weight during a session. A standard terry towel soaked with sweat feels heavy and stays wet. A Turkish towel wrings out almost dry and is comfortable in minutes.

The tradeoff: Turkish towels feel less plush than terry. If you want a thick wrap after the sauna, have a terry robe or towel waiting outside. Use the Turkish towel inside.

Top Picks

Best Overall

Turkish Peshtemal Towel (37x70")

100% cotton, fast-drying, large enough to sit on and wrap around. Buy 2-3 so you always have a dry one. The most practical sauna towel for the money.

Browse Turkish Towels on Amazon

Best Bench Cover

Sauna Bench Towel / Seat Pad

Dedicated bench towels or pads are cut wide to cover the full bench surface and often have a non-slip backing. Worth having if you use the sauna daily — they protect the cedar better than draping a regular towel.

Browse Bench Towels on Amazon

How Many Towels Do You Need?

Bench cover: 1 per person per session (sits under you on the bench)
Body wrap: 1 per person (wear between rounds or to walk to the cold plunge)
Drying towel: 1 per person after the final rinse
Total minimum: 2 towels per person. Buy 6 total for a couple so there is always a clean set ready

Care and Maintenance

Sauna towels need washing after every session — they absorb sweat and sitting moisture. Avoid fabric softener (it coats cotton fibers and reduces absorption). Dry thoroughly before folding and storing; damp folded towels mildew fast. Turkish towels hold up fine in regular laundry but soften and become more absorbent with each wash.

FAQ

What kind of towel do you use in a sauna?

Turkish peshtemal cotton towels are the best choice — fast-drying, lightweight, and comfortable. One sits under you on the bench, one wraps around you between rounds.

What size towel for a sauna?

37x70 inches is the most versatile. Large enough to sit on fully, wrap around the body, and use as a drying towel after.