Flannel vs. Towel — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
Flannel is a soft, woven fabric, often used for clothing, while towels are absorbent fabrics designed for drying.
Difference Between Flannel and Towel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Flannel is a soft, woven fabric typically made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers, known for its warmth and comfort, often used in clothing like shirts, pajamas, and bedding. Towels, on the other hand, are made from absorbent materials like cotton or microfiber, specifically designed for drying surfaces, including the body and household items.
The texture of flannel is characterized by a napped surface, which gives it a soft feel, ideal for cold weather wear and bedding. Towels, however, have a looped or piled texture, optimized for maximum absorbency and efficient drying after baths, showers, or swimming.
Flannel's primary purpose is to provide warmth and comfort, making it a popular choice for winter apparel and bed linens. Towels serve a utilitarian function, focusing on absorbency and quick drying to maintain hygiene and comfort after wet activities.
The maintenance of flannel and towels differs due to their uses and material properties. Flannel requires gentle washing to maintain its soft texture, whereas towels often need more frequent and robust washing to ensure they remain hygienic and free from bacteria.
While both flannel and towels come in various colors and patterns, flannel is more associated with specific designs like plaids and checks, particularly in clothing. Towels typically feature a wide range of colors and sometimes decorative designs, catering to personal and bathroom decor preferences.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.
Usually made from cotton or microfiber.
Texture
Soft, napped surface for warmth.
Looped or piled for absorbency.
Primary Use
Clothing and bedding for warmth.
Drying the body and other surfaces.
Maintenance
Gentle washing to preserve softness.
Frequent, robust washing for hygiene.
Design Association
Often associated with plaids and checks.
Varied colors, sometimes with decorative designs.
Compare with Definitions
Flannel
A soft, woven fabric often made from cotton or wool, used for clothing and bedding.
She wore a cozy flannel shirt to stay warm.
Towel
An absorbent fabric used for drying the body or objects, commonly made from cotton.
She wrapped herself in a soft towel after her shower.
Flannel
Known for its napped surface, providing warmth and comfort.
The flannel sheets were perfect for the cold winter night.
Towel
Essential for personal hygiene, found in bathrooms and kitchens.
He replaced the hand towel daily to ensure cleanliness.
Flannel
Commonly used in winter apparel and bed linens for its insulating properties.
Flannel pajamas are a popular choice for chilly evenings.
Towel
Designed with a looped or piled texture to maximize moisture absorption.
The hotel's towels were thick and highly absorbent.
Flannel
Requires careful laundering to maintain its texture and quality.
He washed his flannel shirt on a gentle cycle to avoid pilling.
Towel
Towels require frequent washing to prevent bacterial growth.
The towels were laundered after each use to maintain freshness.
Flannel
Flannel is often designed with traditional patterns like plaids.
The classic red plaid flannel is a staple in winter wardrobes.
Towel
Available in a variety of colors and may include decorative elements.
The beach towels featured vibrant tropical patterns.
Flannel
Flannel is a soft woven fabric, of various fineness. Flannel was originally made from carded wool or worsted yarn, but is now often made from either wool, cotton, or synthetic fiber.
Towel
A towel is a piece of absorbent fabric or paper used for drying or wiping a body or a surface. It draws moisture through direct contact.
Flannel
A kind of soft woven fabric, typically made of wool or cotton and slightly milled and raised
A check flannel shirt
Towel
A piece of thick absorbent cloth or paper used for drying oneself or wiping things dry
A paper towel
A bath towel
Flannel
A small piece of towelling used for washing oneself.
Towel
A sanitary towel.
Flannel
Bland fluent talk indulged in to avoid addressing a difficult subject or situation directly
A simple admittance of ignorance was much to be preferred to any amount of flannel
Towel
Wipe or dry with a towel
She towelled her hair dry
Flannel
Use bland fluent talk to avoid addressing a difficult subject or situation directly.
Towel
Thrash or beat (someone)
They've dragged her off the bus and towelled her up
Flannel
A soft woven cloth of wool or a blend of wool and cotton or synthetics.
Towel
A piece of absorbent cloth or paper used for wiping or drying.
Flannel
Outer clothing, especially pants, made of this cloth.
Towel
To wipe or rub dry with a towel.
Flannel
Underclothing made of this cloth.
Towel
To dry oneself with a towel.
Flannel
Flannelette.
Towel
A cloth used for wiping, especially one used for drying anything wet, such as a person after a bath.
Flannel
(uncountable) A soft cloth material originally woven from wool, today often combined with cotton or synthetic fibers.
With the weather turning colder, it was time to dig out our flannel sheets and nightclothes.
Towel
To hit with a towel.
Flannel
A washcloth.
Towel
To dry by using a towel.
He got out of the shower and toweled himself dry.
Flannel
A flannel shirt.
Towel
(transitive) To block up (a door, etc.) with a towel, to conceal the fumes of a recreational drug.
Flannel
Soothing, plausible untruth or half-truth; claptrap.
Don't talk flannel!
Towel
To beat with a stick, or "oaken towel".
Flannel
Made of flannel.
Towel
A cloth used for wiping, especially one used for drying anything wet, as the person after a bath.
Flannel
(transitive) To rub with a flannel.
Towel
To beat with a stick.
Flannel
(transitive) To wrap in flannel.
Towel
A rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
Flannel
(transitive) To flatter; to suck up to.
Towel
Wipe with a towel;
Towel your hair dry
Flannel
To waffle or prevaricate.
Flannel
A soft, nappy, woolen cloth, of loose texture.
Flannel
A cotton fabric with a thick nap on one side, resembling flannel{1}; it is used, e. g. for underwear or sheets; also called flanellette.
Flannel
Garments made of flannel, especially underwear.
Flannel
A washcloth.
Flannel
Humbug; nonsensical or evasive talk.
Flannel
Insincere flattery or praise.
Flannel
A soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
Flannel
Bath linen consisting of a piece of cloth used to wash the face and body
Flannel
(usually in the plural) trousers
Common Curiosities
Can towels be decorative?
Yes, towels often come in various colors and designs, serving both functional and decorative purposes.
Is flannel suitable for summer use?
Flannel is generally preferred in colder months due to its warmth, but lightweight flannel may be used in cooler summer nights.
How often should towels be washed?
Towels should be washed after 3-4 uses to prevent bacterial growth and maintain hygiene.
Can flannel be used as a towel?
While flannel can absorb moisture, it's not as effective or designed for drying as a towel.
Are there different types of flannel?
Yes, flannel can vary in thickness, softness, and material, including cotton, wool, and synthetic blends.
How can I increase the absorbency of my towels?
Avoiding fabric softeners and using vinegar in the wash can help maintain or increase towel absorbency.
What is the best way to store towels to keep them fresh?
Store towels in a dry, well-ventilated area, ensuring they are fully dry before folding to prevent mildew.
Are all towels made from cotton?
Most towels are cotton-based for absorbency, but some are made from microfiber and other materials.
How can I keep my flannel soft after washing?
Use gentle detergent, avoid high heat, and consider fabric softeners to maintain flannel's softness.
Can a towel be used as a blanket?
While towels can provide some warmth, they're not as insulating or comfortable as blankets designed for that purpose.
Why do some towels have a rough texture?
Towels may feel rough due to hard water, detergent buildup, or the need for replacement over time.
Are there hypoallergenic flannel options?
Yes, some flannel fabrics are designed to be hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin.
Can flannel shrink in the wash?
Yes, flannel can shrink, especially if washed in hot water or dried at high temperatures; following care instructions can minimize this.
Is flannel environmentally friendly?
The environmental impact of flannel depends on its material; organic cotton or sustainably sourced wool flannel is more eco-friendly.
Are there specific towels for different uses?
Yes, there are various types of towels, including bath, hand, kitchen, and beach towels, each designed for specific purposes.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
