Tea towel is a kitchen towel used primarily for drying dishes - the British/Commonwealth term for what Americans call a dish towel.
Origin
The name comes from the tradition of using these cloths during tea service - drying fine china and covering food.
Characteristics
Traditional tea towels:
- Flat woven (not terry)
- Linen or cotton
- Lint-free
- Absorbent but thin
- Often decorative
Size: Typically 45x70cm (18x28 inches)
Tea Towel vs Dish Towel
Same thing, different terminology:
- Tea towel: British, Australian, New Zealand
- Dish towel: American
- Kitchen towel: Either, or paper towels in US
Materials
Linen: Traditional, lint-free (ideal for glassware)
Cotton: Common, absorbent
Blends: Cotton-linen combinations
Uses
- Drying dishes and glassware
- Covering bread/pastries
- Handling hot items
- Kitchen tasks
- Decorative display
Decorative Tea Towels
Often feature:
- Printed designs
- Seasonal patterns
- Souvenir graphics
- Collectible artwork
Related Terms
- Dish towel - American term
- Kitchen towels - Category
- Linen - Traditional material