Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best cloth napkins can make your dinner table look a class apart. An essential part of dinner-time presentations, these will add a lot of elegance to your dining table. You can use them for special occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties, regular parties, or even when you invite guests over. These can be used to wipe hands, mouth, and dishes and are available in various colors and charming designs. Easily available in the market, you will be able to buy one that goes with the rest of your dining table linen or even cutlery. However, to make your selection easier, we have included a list of popular cloth napkins and a few points to consider while buying them.
Top Picks
11 Best Cloth Napkins For Daily Use In 2024, With A Buying Guide
1. Best Machine Washable:Utopia Kitchen Cloth Napkins
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 18,486 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
The Utopia Kitchen Cloth Napkins come in a pack of 12 luxurious cotton dinner napkins measuring 18x18in each. They are a blend of 65% pure cotton and 35% polyester and are soft, absorbent, and quick-drying. These lunch napkins are carefully sewn with the finest-quality polycotton and come with a generous hem. The luxurious napkins are washing machine-safe and do not fade even with multiple washes in cold water. These absorbent dinner napkins are available in multiple solid colors, and you can use them at home and in business settings.
Pros
- Stain-resistant
- Suitable for weddings and parties
- Can be folded into a variety of styles
- Regular dryer compatible
Cons
- May require ironing to remove wrinkles
- May attract lint
"I no longer use paper towels, so these cloth ones have been a practical find. They feel soft to the touch and boast excellent absorption abilities. Moreover, washing them with a dryer sheet has kept them lint-free despite being used daily."
2. Best Long-Lasting:Veeyoo Cloth Napkins
The Veeyo cloth napkins are crafted from 100% premium polyester and are long-lasting. They suit both casual and formal home decor. Each napkin measures 17x17in, and the napkins are available in 30 solid colors. Available as a pack of 12, these inexpensive napkins are ideal table accessories for weddings, banquets, cafes, and restaurants. They have strong hemmed edges and are resistant to wrinkles and stains. You can wash these breakfast napkins in cold water and gentle cycle, and iron them on low heat.
Pros
- Great for folding into interesting designs
- Does not shrink after washing
- Washing machine-safe
- Anti-fade color
- Has an elegant and seamless look
Cons
- May be slightly stiff
- May have a slippery surface
"They came all wrinkled, but some ironing sorted that issue. After that, they have required minimal maintenance. Besides, their color looks vibrant, and the simple design has been perfect for formal and informal dinners."
3. Best For Business Settings:Urban Villa White Casement Weave Dinner Napkins
Urban Villa offers 100% cotton super soft and oversized cloth napkins suitable for all your household needs. Their perfect size of 18x18in makes handling them easy. These napkins are suitable for various types of events and business settings and can be used as hotel napkins, banquet table napkins, party napkins, etc. These textured napkins are highly durable and withstand wear and tear even after multiple washes in cold water. You can also machine-wash them and not worry about the color fading.
Pros
- Available in different sets and color patterns
- True to size
- Intricate hemming
- Eco-friendly alternative to paper towels
- Redesigns dinner decor instantly
- High absorbency
Cons
- May require ironing to reduce wrinkles
- May be a tad thin
"Whether hosting formal or informal dinners, these napkins are my preferred option. Their white hue looks very classy, and the cotton build is absorbent. They have also retained their shape and remained shrink-free, though I only wash them in the machine."
4. Best Absorbent:Aunti Em’s Kitchen Red Cotton Dinner Napkins
The Aunti Em’s Kitchen cloth napkins are made of 100% all-natural renewable cotton and woven with cutting edge air-jet looms. The tight weaves offer a personal and special touch to your dining table. Available in festive red and other bold colors with a smooth finish, they are ideal for craft, printing, painting, tie-dye, or monogrammed projects. These smooth napkins measure 20x20in and are super-absorbent. Besides, these are highly durable and will not fray or leave any lint.
Pros
- Suitable for fine dining
- Machine-washable napkins
- Natural material
- High-end table napkins with a luxurious finish
- Features a radiant sheen
- Made with a soft texture
- Suitable for professional photo shoots
- Generously sized for ample coverage
Cons
- May catch hair
- Cuts may not be accurate
"I came across these cotton towels while looking for a non-synthetic option. They are also resilient, and their machine-washable nature is a boon for maintenance. Despite the slightly crooked build, they get my approval as they make it easy to set the table."
Quick tip5. Best For Parties & Events:Utopia Home Cloth Napkins
This is a pack of 24 polyester dinner napkins carefully cut and sewn from high-quality polyester fabric. Each napkin measures 17x17in and is soft to touch. They are suitable for small to large-sized families, and ideal for parties and events. Available in seven different plain colors, these napkins can go with your decor to uplift your dining experience. You can iron them to make them stand out. The tea napkins can be machine-washed in cold water and tumbled dry in a low-heat setting.
Pros
- High-quality napkin
- Has a generous amount of hem
- Optimal softness
- Wrinkle- and stain-resistant
- Suitable for kitchen countertop usage
- Wide enough
- OKEO TEX certified
Cons
- May bleed while washing
- May be slightly slippery
"Although plain, they look charming and make my plates and bowls seem even more colorful in contrast. Their fabric is also sturdy, and the hemmed edges have not frayed even after being used multiple times. Plus, they've been ideal for all kinds of occasions."
6. Best Lightweight:Gee Di Moda Cloth Napkins
The Gee Di Moda napkins can be used as a fancier alternative to regular cloth napkins for formal occasions. Made of polyester, these high-quality napkins are wrinkle- and stain-resistant. These high-end table napkins are available in a pack of 12 and have elegant hemmed edges for a luxurious feel. These tried-and-tested cocktail napkins are suitable for parties, holiday gatherings, weddings, and cocktail parties.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Fade-resistant
- Available in different colors
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- Stitching might fray after multiple washes
- May not be very absorbent
"I always reach for these napkins whenever I wish to add a pop of color to my table. They look slightly different from the traditional ones, but I like that feature. Overall, the ease with which they blend functionality and style has made them a worthwhile find."
Point to consider7. Best Hypoallergenic:Ramanta Home Dinner Napkins
Ramanta Home’s dinner napkins are suitable for special occasions and everyday use. The set of 12 block-colored napkins can add a touch of sophistication to your dinner table. The napkins feature tailored corners, measure 18 x 18in, and are available in multiple colors to complement the look of your dinnerware and table. Additionally, these versatile everyday napkins are hypoallergenic, making them ideal for children and individuals with allergies.
Pros
- Made of cotton material
- Machine-washable
- Available in multiple sizes
- Multipurpose
Cons
- May not be wrinkle-resistant
- Might be thicker than expected
"I use these napkins for everything from formal dinners to cocktail parties. They even have those classic edges, which is a boon for foldability. I expected them to be heavier, but their lightweight build has grown on me, and they have only gotten softer after every wash."
8. Best Non-Shrink: Cotton Craft Flax Linen Lace Dinner Napkins
The Cotton Craft cloth dinner napkins are a blend of 88% cotton and 12% linen fabric materials. These classic cloth napkins are sewn in an old-fashioned way with generous hems and mitered corners to ace the test of durability and aesthetics. Available in a pack of 12, these oversized napkins measure 20x20in. These fabric napkins are available in multiple shades to suit your kitchen decor and are suitable for everyday use, events, and parties. You can hand wash or machine-wash these natural napkins, and they do not shrink or fray even after multiple uses and washes.
Pros
- Gourmet finish
- Laced edges gives them a classy look
- Eco-friendly alternatives to disposable napkins
- Hypoallergenic, natural material
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- May not be wrinkle-resistant
- Lace edges may roll up after washing
"The napkin's lace edges and cream hue make my table look like the ones in upscale restaurants. They are also durable and have survived multiple washes in the machine. Also, I was amazed that they do not wrinkle and look ironed even when air-dried."
9. Best Elegant:Bumblebee Linens White Linen Hemstitched Dinner Napkins
The Bumblebee Linens dinner napkins are crisp and elegant, offering an exquisite feel to any home and business settings. They are made of 60% linen and 40% cotton material and are soft to touch. Each hemstitched bar napkin measures 18x18in and is available in a pack of four. You can hand wash or machine-wash them.
Pros
- Versatile enough to be used for any occasion
- Right amount of stiffness to hold the fold
- Pre-washed and ready to use
- Lightweight and easy to care for
Cons
- May not be stain-resistant
- May have a slightly loose weave
"These white napkins add a touch of elegance to my table with their trimmed edges. Their size is also perfect for our table and dinnerware. I noticed they tend to wrinkle if used roughly, but a go-over with an iron resolved this issue."
Do remember10. Best Sturdy: DII Checkered Cotton Napkin
DII napkins add a subtle yet sophisticated look to your kitchen table, dinner table, and breakfast nook, making them an excellent choice. They are 100% cotton napkins with checkered patterns and are available in seven different shades. These kitchen napkins are thick and sturdy oversized napkins, each measuring 20x20in, and come in a pack of six. The napkins are machine-washable in a gentle cycle and can be tumble dried and ironed.
Pros
- Colorfast design
- Added durability
- Available in various sizes
- Easy to maintain
- Timeless design
Cons
- May be prone to shrinking
- May not absorb moisture efficiently
"These checkered napkins bring such a festive vibe to my table. I was glad about the machine-washable feature, but they shrunk on the first wash. However, there have been no such issues after that. Hence, they have become a staple on my dinner table."
11. Best Cotton:Elrene Home Fashions Everyday Casual Prints Napkins
The everyday casual collection from Elrene Home Fashions features a set of printed cloth napkins. They look great for indoor and outdoor gatherings, giving an eclectic look to your table. Made of 100% cotton fabric, they are soft, highly absorbent, and durable. They measure 17x17in each and can be folded and draped as required. The delicate hems at the edges add a touch of elegance. These absorbent dinner napkins are easy to care for and machine-washable.
Pros
- Suitable for commercial and home use
- Fashionable
- Functional and reusable napkins
- Made to go soft on the skin
- Ergonomically sized for speciality folds and napkin rings
- Can be draped across the lap
Cons
- May be prone to wrinkles
- May shrink upon washing
"These napkins' boho designs are crowd-pleasers when I have friends or family over. They even have a nice weight, yet come out of the dryer wrinkle-free. The only drawback is that their colors look slightly different from the images, but they still seem vibrant."
How To Choose The Right Cloth Napkin?
Here are some pointers you need to keep in mind when purchasing a cloth napkin.
- Absorbency: It is a key factor to keep in mind. Consider buying a soft napkin that has plenty of surface area and can soak up anything so that you can enjoy your meal.
- Material: They are mostly made of polyester, or natural fibers such as organic cotton, or a blend of two. Linen napkins are also popular but require more maintenance. You can opt for sustainable materials and organic fabrics for napkins for an environmentally conscious yet reliable choice.
- Embellishments: Some classic cloth napkins have stylish embellishments such as monograms, decorative stitching, embroidery, lace detailing, and tassels that elevate your table setting.
- Durability: The inevitable spills and drips make us wash the napkins after each use, and it can lead to wear and tear. Look for consistent stitching and clean hems, and avoid linens with loose threads or visible raw edges. Check the reviews to know about its durability.
Ilia Mundut, a home décor and design expert, says, “When choosing cloth napkins for daily use, consider the material they are made of and their size and ease of care. The napkins should withstand frequent use and washing. Also, choose a size that fits well with your dining table’s setup, and consider factors such as the napkins’ color and design to ensure they complement your home decor and personal style.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of cloth napkins do restaurants use?
Typically, restaurants use cloth napkins that are soft, absorbent, resistant to wear and tear, and easy to wash. Most restaurants prefer cotton-polyester blends.
2. Which is better, cotton or polyester napkins?
Both napkins have their benefits. An organic cotton napkin is more absorbent and soft, whereas a polyester napkin is more durable.
3. Are cloth napkins sanitary?
Yes, cloth napkins are sanitary and environmentally friendly. However, ensure to wash them properly after every use.
4. What size should a dinner napkin be?
The size of a dinner napkin is a matter of preference. Typically, the size of a dining napkin varies between 17×17 inches and 28×28 inches.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is an experienced writer and reviewer who covers furniture and kitchen essentials. In this post, he brings you a list of the best cloth napkins that are functional and elegant. Wedetso has handpicked these napkins after going through multiple user reviews and factoring in the material, color, durability, and ease of washing. Consider this list and the tips he provides to purchase the right one that meets your requirements.
The Bottom Line
The best cloth napkins can add a touch of class and elegance to your dining table while ensuring no stray food stains are around. The options listed here are available in fascinating colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can match your napkins with your dining room’s decor without settling for paper alternatives. Our favorite pick is the Utopia Kitchen Cloth Napkins due to their quick-drying feature. We also like the Veeyoo Cloth Napkins, which are convenient to maintain as they are wrinkle- and stain-resistant, and the Urban Villa White Casement Weave Dinner Napkins, which can withstand wear and tear even after multiple washes. So, choosing the right cloth napkins involves checking their absorbency, durability, and material quality so you can enjoy your meal with guests or loved ones on a sophisticated table setting.
Infographic: How To Use A Dinner Napkin Properly?
Dinner napkins, essential for dining etiquette, combine functionality and elegance, keeping your mouth clean and protecting your dress from crumbs and spills. Discover dinner napkin etiquette in our infographic below to help you dine with grace.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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