How to Fold Hand Towels: 5 Easy Methods

What You’ll Need

A clean, dry hand towel (any size works, but standard 16×28 inches is easiest)
A flat surface, like a counter or table

Step-by-Step

Lay the towel flat – Spread the towel on a flat surface with the right side (the side you want visible) facing down. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.
Fold in half lengthwise – Bring the left edge over to the right edge, aligning the corners. Smooth the towel again.
Fold in thirds lengthwise – Take the bottom edge and fold it up to about one-third of the way, then fold the top edge down over it. This creates a long, narrow strip.
Fold in half – Bring the left end over to the right end, aligning the corners. You now have a compact rectangle.
Optional: Fold in thirds for a smaller size – If you want an even smaller square, fold the rectangle in thirds by bringing one end to the middle, then the other end over it.

Common Mistakes

Not smoothing wrinkles – Folding a wrinkled towel results in a lumpy, uneven fold. Always smooth before folding.
Misaligned edges – If the corners don’t match, the fold looks messy. Take time to align them.
Folding too thick – Folding a thick towel into too many layers makes it bulky and hard to stack.
Forgetting the decorative fold – For display, a simple rectangle may not look as nice. Use a fan or roll for a more polished look.

Tips

For a spa-like display, roll the towel instead of folding. Start from one short end and roll tightly.
To save space, fold in thirds lengthwise and then roll from the short end.
Use a folding board or a piece of cardboard to get perfectly even folds every time.
If you’re storing towels in a linen closet, fold them the same way so they stack neatly and you can see the edges.
For a decorative touch, fold the towel in half, then fold the corners inward to create a triangle at the top.

Troubleshooting

The towel won’t stay folded – If the towel is too thick or slippery, it may unfold. Try folding in fewer layers or use a heavier towel.
The fold is uneven – Lay the towel on a flat surface and use a ruler or your hand to measure equal sections before folding.
The towel looks bulky – Use a thinner towel or fold in thirds instead of halves.
Wrinkles remain – Lightly mist the towel with water and smooth it, or iron on a low setting before folding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to fold a hand towel for a bathroom display?

For display, fold the towel in thirds lengthwise, then fold in half to create a neat rectangle. Place it over a towel bar or rack with the folded edge facing out.

How do I fold a hand towel to save space in a drawer?

Fold the towel in thirds lengthwise, then roll it tightly from one short end. This creates a compact cylinder that takes up minimal space.

Can I fold a hand towel into a fan shape?

Yes. Accordion-fold the towel by making 2-inch folds back and forth along the length, then fold the accordion in half and place it on a rack.

Why does my towel have crease marks after folding?

Creases are natural. To minimize them, fold the towel while it’s slightly damp and smooth out wrinkles. Avoid folding in the same place every time.

Should I fold hand towels with the label facing out or in?

It’s personal preference. For a clean look, hide the label by folding it inside. For easy identification, keep the label visible.

How do I fold a hand towel for a guest bathroom?

Fold the towel in thirds lengthwise, then fold in half. Place it on the counter or over a ring with the folded edge facing out for a tidy look.

Sources: The Spruce. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.