Japanese Hand Towel

Tenugui? Tenugui! : Japanese Traditional Hand Towel! 

The meaning of Te-nugui is literally translated as “Hand-wipe” but a more clear meaning would be handcoth. Most often as dishcloths. The current well known raw-edge-rectangle version dates back to the Edo Period (1603–1868) and can be used for all the same reasons it was invented for.

The tenugui’s lightweight and absorbent qualities make it a fantastic item for countless uses! For what it is worth, I think there are A LOT more collectors now than there used to be, which is a fine way to have Tenugui as well, they are great useful and great when used-less. Ha-ha…  The point being Tenugui are decorative cotton towels used for all the same reasons people use towels today.

You can wear, wipe and/or display these colorful cotton cloths. The most well known use is as a headband, often by people who practice Kendo or are out in the garden. It is the best sweat catcher! It’s humid. It is hot. It’s a race to the finish or a quiet gardening moment. Tenugui have your back, or more precisely the back of your neck!

Let’s explore some ways to use Tenugui! 

Common Uses

Personalized Gift: There are as many unique designs as there are stars in the sky so they make for a special, customizable present.

Bandana: Wear it as a stylish bandana or face covering. It has great potential as a stole as well!

Headband/Sweatband/Neck Towel: Fold + tie snugly to keep the sweat from your eyes and face. Compact and quick-drying, ideal for sweat absorption.

Hair tie: Tie in versatile ways as an everyday hair accessory!

Hand Towel: Perfect for drying hands after washing.

Dish or Tea Towel: Great for drying dishes or covering food and for drying fine china or glassware.

Table Runner: Place flat as a decorative table covering.

Napkin: A stylish alternative to traditional napkins.

Lunch wrap: Wrap up your boxed lunch for a protected & easy carry style!

My favorite switch-up uses, because I buy too many! Collect them and …

Gift Wrap: Wrap gifts for a unique and eco-friendly presentation. It could be the sisterhood of the traveling tenugui. The cut of the cloth will comfortably cover those weirder shapes like bottles of wine, round fruit or a stuffed animal too.

Shopping Bag: Fold and tie it as a reusable shopping bag.

Wall Art: Frame or hang it as a decorative piece. Hang it in a window to let light through with privacy.

Home Décor: Use it as a decorative piece for shelves or mantels, much like the table runner option, it can help distinguish spaces. 

Seasonal Decoration: Whether hung up or laying flat, it makes for unique festive decor! Easily switch it out as the seasons shift. 

Dust Cloth: Use it for cleaning and mitigate dust with a quick cold wash after use.
Musical Instrument Cover: Use it to protect instruments from dust.

Crafting Material: Often 100% cotton. Cut it into shapes for various DIY projects like patching clothes!

Wrap it around the handle of a bag to identify your bag quickly. It’s yours for sure! 

Scented Sachet: Fill it with dried herbs or flowers and hang it for fragrance.

Pet Blanket: A cozy option for small pets.

First Aid Compress: Dampen it for use as a soothing cold compress.

Festival Flag: Wave it at events or festivals as a fun accessory.

Wrap it around the handle of a bag to identify your bag quickly.

Wrapping a bottle: Carry a plastic bottle with ease. It will absorb those pesky water drops. Worry free carrying! 

Bicycle Accessory: Tie it to your bike as a decorative touch or use it to wipe hands.

Photo Backdrop: Use it as a colorful backdrop for photos or profiles. 

Garden Markers: Write on it and stake it in the garden to label plants.