Face towels are small towels used to dry the face after washing. For the most part, personal towels such as the rectangular face towels and hand towels are considered ideal for placement near a sink or basin. Not every face towel is intended for practical use, however. Often, decorative face towels are used as a decorating accent and should not be used to dry the face or the hands.
When placed in close proximity to a basin, the practical face towel is usually a simple design that makes use of absorbent fibers to create a thick yet soft material. It is not unusual for a face towel to be constructed with high-quality terrycloth. The choice of material is also something that wears well over time and can be machine-washed with ease.
As with other types of towels, the basic face towel comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Considered the smallest of all towel sizes, a towel for drying the face is relatively lightweight and is small enough to easily be managed with one hand if necessary. In addition to drying the face after washing, men often make use of this type of towel during shaving at a basin.
It is important to note that decorative face and hand towels are commonly utilized as part of the décor for the bathroom. Usually, it is easy to determine if the towel is placed for appearance only and not for utility. If the towel includes design elements such as a section of silk across the body, elaborate embroidery, or some other decorative feature, there is a good chance that guests and family members should not use the towel to dry the face.
Mindful hosts and hostesses usually remove the confusion by arranging the decorative towel or towels on a towel rack or at least on some type of display frame. To further minimize any confusion, a face towel intended for use is placed on or near the basin of the sink, often folded into a simple trifold design. To further drive the point home, a washcloth is placed on top of the towel to provide guests with another clue as to which face towel is intended for use.
A basic face towel is relatively inexpensive and likely to hold up to several years of use. Decorative towels usually cost a little more, and with proper care can last for many years. People with a creative flair sometimes purchase good quality face towels at budget prices and add their own decorative elements in order to create a collection of towels that are utilized as decorating accents.