If you look at promo images of American Soft Linen’s “oversized bath sheet” – one of the largest bath sheets on the market – you’ll see a towel so large that it appears to be able to dry three women at the same time.
Users at Walmart and on Amazon sing its praises: “worth every nickel”, “pretty darn good” and “the only thing I’m sorry about is that I waited a month before ordering it”.
If you’re wondering what a bath sheet is and why it is apparently so popular, you’re not alone. I have spent more than a decade reviewing products, including bath towels, and yet until recently I had never tried one.
Had I been completing that most elemental of daily tasks – drying my own body – all wrong? Is bigger really better?
American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet
American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet none-selected
First impressions
Out of the box, it was clear that this thing was indeed huge. There is no set definition of what constitutes a bath sheet compared with a bath towel. However, at 40x80in, the American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet is about twice the size of the company’s standard towel, which measures 27x54in, and tips the scales at more than 2lbs.
Putting it to the test
Immediately taking it out of the package, I donned the giant bath sheet as a toga. That’s because I’m a man, and real men think about the Roman empire, apparently.
Using the American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet as a towel was pleasant enough. It’s made of Turkish cotton, so it’s quite soft, but not as thick as a luxury spa towel.
I found a few distinct plus points. Over time, I noticed I never used the entire surface to dry myself off. This means the towel dries off more quickly.
Second, every part of you will have a fresh bit of towel. You can designate a quadrant for your hair, your upper body, your lower body and your very lower body.
Third, as my toga experience showed, you can truly drape or swaddle yourself in this towel.
But there were some downsides. Grabbing a fistful of it to dry myself meant most of the bath sheet touched the floor. I think I’d have a better experience if I weren’t a short king but a tall lord. But it also trails when hung from a hook and will crowd a towel rack.
I also tried using it as a body wrap with middling success. I’d wrap myself from the middle, and it would go around my body one-and-a-half times. But its high density makes it want to fall off the body. I always felt as if I needed to hold it up.
Even if I’d wanted to wrap this towel around my hair, that would probably have been impossible.
Does it offer value for money?
The Oversized Bath Sheet has a GSM of 600. GSM stands for grams per sq metre, and it’s the towel’s density. Super-plush towels are around 700-800 GSM, and entry-level towels are about 400.
It’s made from Turkish cotton, which is considered top-tier for its balance of softness, absorbency, durability and quick-drying properties.
The downside of Turkish cotton is often the price tag. However, with a price point around $30-$40, the American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet is pretty affordable; a comparable Brooklinen Bath Sheet costs about $55.
Online reviews indicate some customers were disappointed in the durability overall, with the most common complaint being about fraying after a few spin cycles in the wash.
Alternative uses
This towel might be most useful in scenarios where a smaller towel isn’t cutting it. For example, drying your dog on a rainy day. This bath sheet could engulf and quickly dry your fur baby. You could also lay a wet towel on your bed during the summer to help with evaporative cooling. Plus, it would make a great beach towel.
If the promo photo is to be believed, you can actually dry three models at the same time.
I never got a chance to try that – maybe because I test towels for a living. I did think about using the American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet in a blanket fort, though.
Verdict: is a bath sheet worth it?
American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet
American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet none-selected
Overall, I think the American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet is designed for someone who wants the coverage of a bathrobe but the versatility of a towel. And perhaps to add a touch of spa-like luxury to their routine. I don’t think most people should replace their standard-sized bath towels with it. The sheer bulk has too many downsides, such as difficulties with storage.
There are some other specific-use cases. If you have a larger frame, this is a great starting point for experimenting with bath sheets. Also, if you’re doing a task with multiple towels, like covering something, this bath sheet is a great way to consolidate.
However, if you’re just looking for a towel, Pottery Barn and Frontgate have similarly priced options that feel much better on the skin. But if you want to cosplay a Roman senator or make a rat-tail towel that can tag your rivals from across the room, check out the American Soft Linen Oversized Bath Sheet.
***
Jon Chan is a writer with more than a decade of experience reviewing products. During his time at Reviewed, he headed the Testing Labs, where he put home appliances, textiles and cleaning supplies through their paces.
***
Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying fewer, better things:
-
Break up with your liquid detergent. Try these plastic-free laundry sheets instead
-
Experts’ tips for cleaning and caring for your bath towels to keep them softer, longer
-
No need for ‘dark showers.’ Try these six easy shower upgrades instead
-
The best bath towels of 2026 in the US, from fluffy to quick drying – tested
