Scroll down for the best cloth napkins you can buy today. These mid-weight napkins are made of yarn-died, sustainably sourced cotton and have a nice subtle texture. Like other 100 percent cotton products, the material is prone to wrinkling. However, the texture of these napkins helps mask this effect. The fabric feels durable but not stiff, and it held up well in the laundry. Unlike most other cloth napkins, washing them in warm water is recommended (as opposed to a cold cycle), which helps dissolve food residues and remove stains. When our tester pulled them out of the dryer, they had hardly any wrinkles and didn’t curl up on the corners. What’s more, they smoothed back out quite beautifully when refolded. We wish these cloth napkins were available in more colors, but that’s really our only complaint. They’re reasonably priced, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and suitable for daily use, special occasions, and everything in between. Price at time of publish: $25 While we usually prefer all-natural weaves, our tester liked that the soft, sturdy, canvas-like fabric doesn’t wrinkle like 100 percent earth-sourced materials. These cloth napkins are low-maintenance, too: they were good-as-new coming out of the dryer and folded up really nicely. Price at time of publish: $20 These exceptionally soft yet sturdy napkins are made of 100 percent cotton. They don’t require any special care and have a subtle crinkled texture that helps conceal any potential wrinkling—though they came out of the dryer with very few creases and smoothed out nicely. We also appreciate that the color options include several versatile neutrals. As Koschitzky says, “Like a well-built wardrobe, basics never go out of style.” Price at time of publish: $30 for set of 4 The Aspen Napkins are sold individually or in sets of eight, so you can easily stock up on however many you need. During testing, we were particularly impressed by how soft these napkins were. We deducted a point for durability, however, noting that the material is relatively thin and the hems aren’t reinforced. The fabric wrinkles slightly in the wash but smooths out pretty well by hand and folds up nicely. Though the edges were a little wavy after being laundered, the napkins held up really well in the wash. We wish they were more affordable—the price is pretty steep, and the largest quantity you can get is two—but if you can swing it, they’re worth the splurge. Price at time of publish: $29 The boho-inspired motif is pretty and unique (though not the most versatile) and each napkin in the set features a slightly different design. These napkins become slightly misshapen in the wash, which is often expected with 100 percent cotton. However, they smooth out really well by hand if you fold them when they’re still slightly warm from the dryer. Price at time of publish: $32 They come rolled up with twine—a down-to-earth touch and a design-forward alternative to traditional folding. We wish there were a few more colors to choose from, but the available shades are chic and sophisticated. We tried out the “deep ocean” option, a dark teal hue that’s rich but not too vivid. Though the corners rolled up slightly after washing, the napkins held up well and refolded smoothly. Price at time of publish: $58 for set of 4 Another benefit of this type of linen is its durability: flax-sourced linen is among the strongest, longest-lasting textiles you can buy. While prone to wrinkling, we’d argue that this effect looks more intentional with linen than traditional cotton. And while they don’t fold very flat, they look great rolled up and tied in the middle. Price at time of publish: $48 Since the material doesn’t call for any special care, we gave it a 5 for ease of cleaning. The Cotton Slub Napkins held up well in the wash. They didn’t really wrinkle and folded up nicely, though the fringe went a bit haywire. These table linens are imperfect, but they’re very reasonably priced and come in a wide array of colors to complement any decor scheme or dinner party theme. Price at time of publish: $8
What to Look for in Cloth Napkins
Fabric
Cloth napkins can be made from many different materials, but you’ll usually see them made from cotton, polyester, or linen. All three materials are great, but they tend to feel a little different. (Cotton may feel soft, whereas polyester may feel smooth.) So keep an eye out for materials that feel the way you want them to. “Look for a fabric with natural fibers or high-quality man-made fibers, like a poly-cotton blend,” says Shira Koschitzky, brand designer at Loom & Table. “Make sure they are soft and absorbent—nothing too stiff, but nothing too precious either.”
Appearance
Cloth napkins can be a great way to add some visual flair to your tablescape, so keep an eye out for options that suit your decor scheme. “Choose colors that work well with your tablecloths and dishes so that you have multiple options for mixing and matching,” says Koschitzky. “I would recommend investing in solid, quality basics—a white or neutral that always matches. You can build your collection over time as your tablescape creativity blossoms.”
Quantity
Cloth napkins come in sets of four, six, eight—and sometimes, even more. Since quantity can vary so much from set to set, it’s important to double-check how many napkins you’re actually getting. This is key when comparing prices. And it’s also generally helpful to know how many napkins to expect. “I would recommend owning two cloth napkins per the number of guests you typically host around your table,” says Koschitzky. “That way, you always have a spare set while the other is being washed.”
Size
Cloth napkins can come in a couple different sizes—usually 18 inches by 18 inches and 20 inches by 20 inches. This is particularly important to remember when mixing and matching different napkin sets. If one set is full of 18-inch napkins and the other is full of 20-inch napkins, your napkins may not go together quite the way you thought they would.
Care Instructions
Cloth napkins can be surprisingly easy to care for. Most are machine-washable, and many are also dryer-friendly. That said, it’s always worth it to double-check the care instructions before buying. According to Rinfret, one of the most critical considerations is whether the fabric needs ironing. You don’t want to end up with a high-maintenance set of napkins when you think you’re buying a low-maintenance one.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Theresa Holland, a copywriter specializing in textiles, home decor, and lifestyle within the commerce space. Our editors researched the top cloth napkins on the market, which she carefully inspected and tested at home before landing on the final picks. Before taking any of these steps, though, double-check the care instructions for your specific cloth napkins. Some materials can handle harsh chemicals, while others can’t. The last thing you want is to ruin your cloth napkins while trying to clean them!
For additional insight, Theresa also spoke with two interior designers: Shira Koschitzky of Loom & Table and Betsy Moyer, co-founder of the experiential design firm Retreat. Theresa covers home goods, household linens, and cleaning products at The Spruce. You can find more of her bylines on MyDomaine and Verywell Family.
