A Dozen Uses for Tenugui, the World's Most Versatile Towels
With no real Western equivalent, the tenugui is something of a mystery to many outside Japan. At first glance, it’s just a thin - if brightly colored - bit of cloth, and a fraying one at that. And anyway, what do you even use it for?
The answer, my friend, is everything.
First and foremost, the tenugui is a perfect hand towel, because it dries far faster than anything you’re probably used to. Its slim design makes it highly breathable, allowing air to flow through the fabric with ease, and the lack of a hem on two sides (which is very much on purpose) speeds this process even further. Stick a tenugui by the sink in your kitchen or bathroom, and you can say goodbye to damp, musty odors.
That sounds nice, you might say, but it hardly qualifies as “everything.” This is true; so how about 11 more handy uses for that tenugui you’ve been eyeing?
As a placemat - An easy way to add a splash of color to the dining table is to add a tenugui beneath each place setting. Match shades for some pleasant coordination or mix designs and keep things interesting.
As a napkin - For a more subtle accent, try neatly folding your tenugui into a bright and cheery napkin. Their larger size (for a napkin, anyway) makes them especially effective at protecting your lap from falling food.
As a trivet - Keeping your kitchen pristine means protecting your countertops from hot pans and metal cookware. Toss a tenugui on the counter, and you’ll have plenty of heat-resistant space to work with.
As a table runner - Rounding out our table-focused suggestions is the use of tenugui as table runners. Though some may consider them too short for a full-sized dining table, they make excellent foundations for eye-catching centerpieces on almost any surface.
As a wall hanging - The decorative possibilities of tenugui extend beyond tablescapes, of course. Their bright patterns can light up a wall without taking up much space, and they can be hung without a frame.
As a cleaning cloth - Looking for something a bit more utilitarian? The natural absorbency and quick drying speed of tenugui make them well-suited for cleaning duty anywhere in the home.
As a dish towel - If you’re (understandably) concerned about sullying your nice, new tenugui by using it to clean your home, try making it your dish towel instead. It’ll be just as useful, and it’ll stay looking fresh.
As a produce towel - If you happen to be a fan of fresh produce - perhaps picked from a farmer’s market stall - you know it’s important to wash your finds when you get home. Tenugui offer a stylish tool for just such an occasion, and they look good draped over a basket of apples or oranges, too.
As a lunch wrap - No, not the kind you eat, but the kind you use to bundle together your snacks or to cover your bento box. Tied properly, a tenugui can even form a handle for more convenient conveyance.
As gift wrapping - Wrapping a present in a colorful tenugui not only means that you’re giving a second, surprise gift that will stand out from the pack at a wedding or birthday, but also that you’ve chosen a reusable, sustainable option for your gift wrap.
As an accessory - The distinctive patterns and colorations of tenugui make them a perfect choice when your goal is to grab the attention of everyone in the room.