A Tenugui Can Be a Towel, Accessory, and Decoration all at Once

In Japan, colorful, hand-dyed cloths called tenugui enrich our daily lives. The word comes from te, which means “hand” in Japanese, and nugui, which means “to wipe,” but since their creation, they have become much more than just towels.

Tenugui first appeared more than 1,000 years ago; they were originally made of silk or hemp and considered a luxury item. Once fabric manufacturing modernized, tenugui became more affordable and accessible, and by the late 19th century, they had become go-to, all-purpose cloths, used as light towels for public bathhouses, cloths for cleaning and drying dishes, and even as aprons. These days, most tenugui are made of cotton and are about 1 foot wide by 3 feet long. The short edge is unhemmed, allowing the cloth to dry quickly — the wabi-sabi imperfection is part of its charm. Over time, the cotton cloth becomes softer, similar to a well-worn T-shirt.

When I travel throughout Japan, I like to purchase tenugui as a souvenir, especially when I find ones with patterns that represents the places I’m traveling to, like heirloom vegetables in Kanazawa or coffee beans in Nagoya. Some shops offer tenugui that are sold only in a certain city, so I always check those out first.

The cloths make a versatile gift: At mealtime, tenugui can transport bento boxes and can be used as a napkin while eating. They can make fashionable scarves or headbands and are a sustainable way to wrap gifts. The cloth can be used to cover a tissue box, to line a fruit basket, or as a table runner. It can also add a splash of color to your kitchen, where the quick-drying material operates as a hand towel.

Their eye-catching designs can be anything under the sun. There are seasonally inspired prints, like vibrant fireworks in the summer or red maple leaves in the fall, or regional specialties such as blue-and-white patterns that you’ll also find on local porcelain. Some of the designs, like ocean waves and hemp leaves, have been around for centuries and are just as timeless as the tenugui itself.

Where to buy tenugui

Toiro

The tenugui at this Los Angeles–based donabe store are from Echigo Kamekonya, a 270-year-old artisan dyer, and are printed with playful motifs like sake bottles and soba noodles. $17 at toirokitchen.com

Kamawanu

This Japanese tenugui retailer has sold a colorful selection since 1987, including seasonal designs like watermelon and corn in the summer. From $20 at kamawanu.com

Sou Sou

With locations in Kyoto and San Francisco, Sou Sou offers vibrant, original patterns, often with Japanese-inspired ingredients like persimmons, radishes, and traditional wagashi confectionery. $15 at sousouus.com