A lavabo towel is usually 11 × 17 in (28 × 43 cm), but smaller 10 × 14 in (25 × 36 cm) and larger 20 × 16 in (51 × 41 cm) towels are also common. The right size depends on the lavabo bowl, the priest's hands and how the towel is folded. Our white cotton lavabo towel is 33 × 23 cm (13 × 9.1 in) — a compact size for a single celebrant. This guide explains the standard sizes, the difference between linen and cotton, and how to care for the towel without damaging the fibre or the embroidery.
If you are buying for a sacristy, start with the size of your lavabo bowl and the number of priests who use it. A towel that is too small will not dry the hands properly; a towel that is too large can drag on the credence table or the floor.
What size is a standard lavabo towel?
There is no single canonical size, but three sizes dominate the market. The 11 × 17 in towel is the most common: it covers both hands and folds in thirds over the bowl. The 10 × 14 in size is a compact finger towel for a small bowl or a narrow credence table. The 20 × 16 in towel is a generous size for a large bowl or for a set that includes a matching purificator and corporal.
| Size | Metric | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 11 × 17 in | 28 × 43 cm | standard adult towel; folds in thirds |
| 10 × 14 in | 25 × 36 cm | compact finger towel; small bowl |
| 20 × 16 in | 51 × 41 cm | large towel; matching sets |
| 20 × 20 in | 51 × 51 cm | large square; some makers |
| Our cotton towel | 33 × 23 cm / 13 × 9.1 in | compact single towel |
Measure the width of the lavabo bowl and the distance from the bowl to the edge of the credence table. A towel should hang over the bowl by at least 10 cm (4 in) on each side so the priest can dry his hands without touching the bowl. If the towel is embroidered, allow a little extra length so the cross can face outward when the towel is folded.
What size fits your lavabo bowl?
For a standard parish lavabo bowl, an 11 × 17 in towel is the safe choice. For a small bowl used by one celebrant, a 10 × 14 in towel is enough. For a large bowl or a set used by several priests, choose a 20 × 16 in towel or a matching set. The towel should be long enough to dry the hands in one movement, but not so long that it touches the floor when the priest holds it.
If you are replacing a towel in an existing set, measure the old towel flat before ordering. Wash it first if it has shrunk, then measure the length and width. Linen can shrink slightly on the first wash; cotton usually shrinks less. Our cotton towel measures approximately 33 × 23 cm (13 × 9.1 in) before washing.
Linen or cotton: which fabric is better?
Linen is the traditional choice for altar linens. It is highly absorbent, lint-free and becomes softer with use. It also wrinkles easily and usually costs more than cotton. Cotton is softer, less expensive and easy to care for; it is a practical choice for a busy sacristy. Poly-cotton blends are durable and resist wrinkles, but they absorb less water than pure linen or cotton.
| Fabric | Absorbency | Care | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linen | high | wash, iron damp; wrinkles | traditional sets, large towels |
| Cotton | high | easy; softens with use | everyday parish use |
| Poly-cotton | medium | easy; less ironing | budget sets, backup towels |
Our white lavabo towel is made of cotton, woven in a simple white finish and made in Poland. It is designed for the priest's hand washing at Mass and is also suitable as a finger towel. If your parish prefers linen, choose a linen towel of the same size and check the care label before washing.
Does a lavabo towel need a cross?
A cross is traditional but not required. Many lavabo towels are decorated with a small embroidered cross in the centre; others are plain white. The cross is a visual reminder of the towel's liturgical use, but a plain towel is perfectly acceptable. If the towel is embroidered, turn it inside out when washing and iron on the reverse side so the embroidery stays raised and the threads do not flatten.
How should I wash and iron a lavabo towel?
Wash the towel in mild detergent and rinse well. Do not use chlorine bleach on linen, cotton or embroidery; oxygen-based bleach is safer for white fabrics. Hot water can set stains and shrink linen, so use a cool or lukewarm wash. Iron the towel while it is still slightly damp, on the reverse side if it is embroidered, and store it flat or folded in thirds so the cross faces outward. For a full care routine, see our guide to storing and ironing hand-embroidered vestments.
Lavabo towel vs finger towel vs purificator
The three linens are often confused because they are all small white cloths. A lavabo towel dries the priest's hands after the lavabo. A finger towel is another name for the same towel, especially when it is small. A purificator is different: it is used to wipe the chalice and is folded around the chalice during Mass. The lavabo bowl holds the water; the towel dries the hands. For a full explanation of the altar linens and their sizes, see our guide to corporals, purificators, palls and altar cloths.
Where to buy a lavabo towel
Our white cotton lavabo towel is approx. 33 × 23 cm (13 × 9.1 in), made in Poland and sold as a single towel for $5. It is a practical choice for a parish that needs a clean, simple towel for the lavabo. If you are building a complete set, browse our chalice linen sets, which include the corporal, purificator, pall and lavabo towel in matching fabrics and colours.
For sacristy planning, order one spare towel per priest so a damp or stained towel can go straight into the wash. A spare towel also keeps the lavabo ceremony calm on busy Sundays and feast days.
