If you’ve ever designed or sold kitchen textiles internationally, you may have asked yourself a simple but confusing question:
What do Americans call tea towels?
The answer matters more than you might think—especially if you’re selling to the US market, writing product descriptions, or optimizing your listings for search engines.
This short guide explains the difference between tea towels and their American equivalents, and how to name your product correctly when selling in the United States.
What Is a Tea Towel in British English?
In British English (and in countries like Australia and New Zealand), a tea towel refers to a fabric towel used in the kitchen, typically for:
- Drying dishes and glassware
- Covering baked goods
- Decorative or gift purposes
Tea towels are often made from cotton or linen and are commonly used as design-forward kitchen textiles, especially by artists, illustrators, and gift brands.
In the UK and Australia, the term tea towel is standard and widely understood.
What Do Americans Call Tea Towels?
In American English, the term “tea towel” is not commonly used in everyday language.
Instead, Americans usually call the same item:
- Dish towel
- Kitchen towel
So if you use the term tea towel alone in the US market, some customers may find it unfamiliar or unclear—even though the product itself is very common.
In short:
Americans use the product, but they use a different name.
Tea Towel vs Dish Towel: Is There a Difference?
Functionally, there is little to no difference. The main distinction is linguistic and regional.
Term Commonly Used In Meaning Tea towel UK, Australia, NZ Fabric towel for drying dishes or decoration Dish towel United States Same function, different name Kitchen towel US & global Broader, more casual term In most cases, a tea towel and a dish towel can be the exact same product, just labeled differently depending on the market.
Should You Use “Tea Towel” When Selling in the US?
If you are selling to American customers, the safest approach is not to rely on “tea towel” alone.
A best practice is to combine both terms, for example:
- Dish Towel (Tea Towel)
- Kitchen Dish Towel – Tea Towel Style
This approach helps:
- American customers instantly understand the product
- Your product rank for both US and international search terms
- Avoid confusion while keeping your brand language flexible
For SEO and conversions, naming matters.
A Tip for Designers and Small Brands
Many designers focus heavily on artwork, patterns, and color—and rightly so.
However, terminology and localization play a big role in how products perform online.When selling kitchen textiles in the US:
- Use “dish towel” in titles
- Explain “tea towel” in descriptions if relevant
- Keep language simple and familiar
Small wording changes can significantly improve click-through rates and trust.
Custom Tea Towels for the US Market
Whether your customers call them tea towels or dish towels, the expectations are the same:
- High print quality
- Good color fastness
- Soft, durable fabric
- Flexible order quantities
For designers and brands selling into the US, choosing the right production partner—and the right terminology—helps your products reach the right audience with clarity and confidence.
Final Thoughts
So, what do Americans call tea towels?
Most Americans call them dish towels or kitchen towels.
The product is the same—the name is what changes.
If you’re designing, printing, or selling custom kitchen textiles internationally, understanding this small language difference can make a big impact on visibility and sales.
