Towel art (or towel origami) is the practice of folding towels into decorative shapes - animals, flowers, and other figures - as a hospitality touch.
Origins
Towel art became popular through:
- Cruise ships (entertainment and cabin decoration)
- Resort hotels (welcoming guests)
- Housekeeping creativity (personal touches)
Common Designs
- Swans: The classic (often paired heart-shaped)
- Elephants: Popular and relatively easy
- Monkeys: Often hanging from fixtures
- Flowers: Roses, lotuses
- Hearts: Romantic occasions
- Various animals: Dogs, rabbits, crabs, etc.
Technique
Towel art typically uses:
- Bath towels (body)
- Hand towels (heads, details)
- Face cloths (small features)
- Rubber bands or ribbon (holding shape)
- Googly eyes (optional decoration)
Cultural Impact
Towel animals have become:
- Expected on cruises
- Social media photo opportunities
- YouTube tutorial subjects
- Signs of attentive housekeeping
Related Terms
- Hotel towels - The medium