Lavabo towels come in several sizes, and the right one depends on the basin, the server, and the way the towel is folded. The three sizes most often stocked are 11 × 17 in (28 × 43 cm), 10 × 14 in (25 × 36 cm), and 20 × 20 in (51 × 51 cm). This guide compares them in inches and centimeters and explains how to measure before you order.
Why the Size Matters
A lavabo towel that is too large can trail in the basin or hang below the server's forearm; one that is too small leaves the priest's hands damp. The towel should cover the hands comfortably when folded, sit securely on the forearm, and dry the fingers in one or two passes. Size also affects laundering: a large towel takes longer to dry and needs more ironing.
The Three Standard Sizes
| Size | Metric | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 × 17 in | 28 × 43 cm | Standard parish finger towel | The most common size; easy to fold and hold |
| 10 × 14 in | 25 × 36 cm | Compact towel, travel sets, small servers | Less fabric to manage; dries quickly |
| 20 × 20 in | 51 × 51 cm | Large towel, solemn Mass, lace edge | Generous coverage; more ironing |
| 20 × 16 in | 51 × 41 cm | Rectangular variant | Deep hem; suits a large basin |
11 × 17 Inches (28 × 43 cm)
This is the size most parishes order. It is large enough to dry both hands, small enough for a server to hold without bunching, and folds into a neat strip in three passes. If you are replacing a mixed drawer of towels and want one standard size, start here.
10 × 14 Inches (25 × 36 cm)
The compact size is practical for small servers, travel Mass kits, and sacristies with limited storage. It dries quickly and takes little space in a drawer. The trade-off is less drying surface: a priest with large hands may need two passes. It is also a common size for a lavabo towel included in a portable Mass set.
20 × 20 Inches (51 × 51 cm)
The large square is often finished with lace and used for solemn Mass, a large basin, or a set that matches a decorated altar cloth. It gives ample coverage and looks ceremonial when folded. Because it is larger, it needs more careful ironing and storage; do not hang it for long periods or it will crease.
How to Measure Your Basin
Measure the inside diameter of the basin and the height of its rim. A towel should be wider than the basin so it does not fall in, but not so wide that it drags on the floor when folded over the server's arm. If the basin is small, a 10 × 14 towel is usually enough. If the basin is large or the server is tall, an 11 × 17 or 20 × 20 towel is easier to manage.
Hem Allowance and Shrinkage
Ready-made towels are sold at their finished size. If you are sewing your own, add a hem allowance of about 1–2 cm on each side and pre-wash the fabric, because linen and cotton can shrink. A towel cut to exactly 11 × 17 in before hemming will finish smaller. For a set that must match existing linens, measure the finished towel, not the cut fabric.
Custom Sizes
Many church-goods makers sew lavabo towels to order, especially for a set that matches a corporal or purificator. Custom sizes are useful for a historic altar, a large basin, or a gift set. Order a sample first if the fabric or embroidery must match an existing piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the standard size of a lavabo towel?
A: The most common size is 11 × 17 inches (28 × 43 cm). Many parishes also use 10 × 14 inches (25 × 36 cm) for a compact towel, and 20 × 20 inches (51 × 51 cm) for a large or lace-edged towel.
Q: What size lavabo towel should a small server use?
A: A 10 × 14 inch towel is usually easier for a child or a smaller server to hold and fold. It is lighter and less likely to trail in the basin than a 20 × 20 inch towel.
Q: Is a lavabo towel the same size as a purificator?
A: No. A purificator is narrower and is folded into a band; a lavabo towel is wider and is folded into a pad for drying hands. The two are not interchangeable even when the fabric is the same.
Q: Can I cut a larger towel down to size?
A: You can, but the cut edge must be hemmed and the embroidery may be off-center. It is usually better to order the correct size or sew a new towel from washed fabric.
Q: Does the size of a lavabo towel matter liturgically?
A: No. Liturgical law does not fix the dimensions. The size is a practical matter of drying the priest's hands cleanly and comfortably.
See the lavabo towel collection and the matching lavabo set, purificators, and corporals. For the full vocabulary, read What Is a Lavabo Towel?
