Mexican food is eaten with the hands more often than not. Tacos drip, tamales leave masa on the fingers, a stack of enchiladas in red sauce finds its way onto a shirt, and a good plate of fajitas needs a napkin for every second bite. Paper napkins shred and run out; a stack of cloth napkins sits on the table all evening and goes in the wash at the end of it. That is why restaurants use them, and why they make sense at home.
The choice comes down to fiber. Cotton is soft and absorbent, linen is beautiful and gets softer with age, and polyester restaurant napkins shrug off wrinkles and many stains. This guide names seven cloth napkins worth buying, from Urban Villa, Solino Home, Riegel, Amazon Basics, Utopia and KAF Home, and explains which fabric suits which table.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: which cloth napkins to buy
For most homes, the best cloth napkins are the Urban Villa 100% cotton napkins: a set of 12 at a generous 20 by 20 inches, pre-washed, and sold by the maker as soft, absorbent and machine-washable with minimal shrinkage. For a dressier table, buy Solino Home’s 100% linen napkins. If you want the polyester napkins restaurants use, which resist wrinkles and release stains in the wash, choose Riegel Premier.
Five cloth napkins side by side
Our five standout napkins, one for each kind of table. All seven are reviewed in full below.
| Napkins | Best for | Material | Size and count | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday family meals | 100% cotton | 20 x 20 in, 12 | View on Amazon | |
| Holidays and dinner parties | 100% European linen | 20 x 20 in, 4 | View on Amazon | |
Riegel Premier Polyester Napkins, 8-PackBest restaurant-style
|
Heavy use, frequent washing | 100% spun polyester | 20 x 20 in, 8 | View on Amazon |
Amazon Basics Stain and Wrinkle Resistant Napkins, 12-PackBest stain-resistant
|
Salsa, mole and kids | 100% recycled polyester | 17 x 17 in, 12 | View on Amazon |
Utopia Kitchen Cotton Blend Napkins, 12-PackBudget pick
|
A first everyday set | Cotton-polyester blend | 18 x 18 in, 12 | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Materials, sizes and stain or wrinkle claims are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing for the color you want.
Our picks for the best cloth napkins
These seven cover the three fabrics that matter, cotton, linen and polyester, plus a blend, in sets from four to twenty-four. Each pick lists its size, how many come in the pack, what the maker says about stains and wrinkles, and how to wash it.
1. Urban Villa 100% Cotton Dinner Napkins, Set of 12 – Big, Soft, Washable Cotton
A dozen plain white cotton napkins is the most useful set a home can own, and Urban Villa’s are a size up from most: 20 by 20 inches, which is large enough to cover a lap properly or to line a basket of warm tortillas. They are made of 100% cotton, which feels soft, absorbs well, and can take a hot wash.
Urban Villa says the napkins are pre-washed, made with minimal shrinkage, and come out of the washing machine “looking good as new.” The company sells them for homes as well as hotels, restaurants and cafés. Twelve is enough to set a table of six twice, or to keep one set on the table while the other is in the laundry.
Cotton does not have a stain-resistant finish, so a splash of red salsa or mole will soak in rather than bead up. Treat it promptly and wash it, and white cotton can be bleached when needed. The same napkin comes in other colors and in a hemstitched version if you want a dressier edge.
Why we like it
- 100% cotton, soft and absorbent
- Oversized 20 x 20 inches
- Pre-washed, minimal shrinkage, per Urban Villa
- Twelve per set
Key specifications
| Product | Cloth Napkins Cotton 20×20, White (NAPSL-WHT-S12) |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Size | 20 x 20 in |
| Pack count | 12 |
| Wrinkle/stain resistance (stated) | Not stated; absorbent |
| Care | Machine washable; pre-washed |
| Edge finish | Not stated (hemstitch version sold separately) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family that wants to give up paper napkins and needs a set big enough to cover the week.
Skip it if you hate ironing; cotton wrinkles in the dryer unless you fold it promptly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Generous size
- Natural fiber
- Dozen per pack
Cons
- No stain-resistant finish
- Wrinkles
- Care details are brief
2. Solino Home 100% Linen Dinner Napkins, Set of 4 – Linen That Softens with Washing
Linen is the napkin for a slow holiday dinner: Nochebuena tamales, a Día de Muertos meal, an anniversary. Solino Home makes these from 100% European linen with a hemstitched border and mitered corners, and says the fabric is certified by Masters of FLAX fibre and by OEKO-TEX Standard 100, a label that means the textile has been tested for harmful substances.
Solino describes linen honestly: slight variations in color and texture and some wrinkling are part of the fabric. The care is simple. The napkins are machine washable; iron on low as needed or steam for a crisp look. Solino says pure linen “mellows with each washing” and gets better with age, which matches how good linen behaves over years of use.
At 20 by 20 inches they are a generous dinner size. They come four to a set, so a table of eight needs two packs, and the same napkin is sold in natural, red, burgundy and other colors if you want to mix.
Why we like it
- 100% European linen, OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Hemstitch border and mitered corners
- Machine washable; softens with each wash, per Solino
- 20 x 20 inches
Key specifications
| Product | 100% Pure Linen Dinner Napkins, White (SH999HSDN04WE) |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% European linen |
| Size | 20 x 20 in |
| Pack count | 4 |
| Wrinkle/stain resistance (stated) | None; wrinkles are “inherent” to linen, per Solino |
| Care | Machine wash; low iron or steam |
| Edge finish | Hemstitch, mitered corners |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants a natural-fiber napkin for special meals and likes the relaxed, slightly crumpled look of linen.
Skip it if you need a dozen napkins for everyday use; four to a set adds up quickly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pure, certified linen
- Beautiful hemstitch
- Gets softer over time
Cons
- Only four per set
- Wrinkles by nature
- No stain finish
3. Riegel Premier Polyester Napkins, 8-Pack – Restaurant Linen for Home
Riegel makes table linens for hotels and restaurants, and its Premier line is the kind of napkin you find folded on a banquet table. It is 100% spun polyester, which has a softer, more cotton-like hand than shiny filament polyester, and weighs 7.2 ounces per square yard, a substantial, opaque napkin.
The reason restaurants choose polyester is laundering. Riegel says the Premier has superior stain release and does not pick, snag or lint, so it should stay smooth through regular washing and leave no fluff on dark clothes. The care line is restaurant-simple: machine wash, tumble dry low, and remove and fold promptly after drying, which is how you keep polyester smooth without ironing.
These are 20 by 20 inches, eight to a pack, and come in ivory, black, brown, red and other colors. Polyester is less absorbent than cotton, so it is better at wiping fingers than soaking up a spill.
Why we like it
- 100% spun polyester, 7.2 oz per square yard
- Superior stain release, per Riegel
- No picking, snagging or linting
- Machine wash and tumble dry
Key specifications
| Product | Premier Napkins, Ivory (PRE-20SQ-IVY) |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% spun polyester, 7.2 oz/sq yd |
| Size | 20 x 20 in |
| Pack count | 8 |
| Wrinkle/stain resistance (stated) | Superior stain release; no picking or linting |
| Care | Machine wash; tumble dry low; fold promptly |
| Edge finish | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that uses cloth napkins every day and wants them to look the same after a year of washing.
Skip it if you prefer the feel and absorbency of natural fiber.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built for commercial laundering
- Releases stains
- No lint on clothes
Cons
- Less absorbent than cotton
- Eight per pack
- Synthetic feel
4. Amazon Basics Stain and Wrinkle Resistant Napkins, 12-Pack – Spills Wipe Off
If the napkins on your table meet a lot of salsa roja, mole and children, a treated polyester is the easiest to keep looking clean. Amazon Basics makes these from 100% recycled polyester with what it calls stain-resistant technology: the listing says the fabric repels water and stains rather than absorbing them, so many spills can be wiped off, and that it resists wrinkles, fading and shrinking.
That same treatment makes them non-absorbent, which the listing says plainly. They are good for wiping hands and protecting laps, less good for soaking up a knocked-over glass of horchata. The napkins are 17 by 17 inches, twelve to a pack, with a hemmed edge, and they go in the washer and dryer.
Amazon Basics says the napkins are certified MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX, a label that covers both testing for harmful substances and environmentally responsible production.
Why we like it
- Repels water and stains, per the listing
- Resists wrinkles, fading and shrinking
- Machine wash and tumble dry
- OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN certified
Key specifications
| Product | Reusable Stain and Wrinkle Resistant Cloth Napkins, White (AMZBASICNPK1WT) |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% recycled polyester |
| Size | 17 x 17 in |
| Pack count | 12 |
| Wrinkle/stain resistance (stated) | Repels stains and water; resists wrinkles, fading, shrinking |
| Care | Machine wash; tumble dry |
| Edge finish | Hemmed |
Why we recommend it
It suits busy family tables, kids’ birthday parties and anyone who wants white napkins that stay white.
Skip it if you want a napkin that absorbs; the listing describes it as non-absorbent.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stain-repellent finish
- No ironing
- Recycled fiber
Cons
- Non-absorbent
- Smaller 17-inch size
- Some colors showed limited stock
5. Utopia Kitchen Cotton Blend Napkins, 12-Pack – An Inexpensive Everyday Dozen
Utopia Kitchen’s napkins are the inexpensive way to switch to cloth. They are a cotton and polyester blend, which Utopia says is soft, absorbent and quick-drying, cut and sewn with a generous hem. A blend like this keeps some of cotton’s absorbency while drying faster and wrinkling a little less than pure cotton.
They are 18 by 18 inches, a standard dinner size, twelve to a pack, and Utopia sells them for hotels, restaurants, banquets and weddings as well as home use. The care instruction is to machine wash in cold water, and Utopia says the color does not fade with repeated washing.
There is no stain-resistant finish, and the blend percentage is not given on the listing. For the price of a set of four linen napkins you get a dozen that you will not worry about at a messy taco night.
Why we like it
- Twelve napkins in a pack
- Cotton-polyester blend, absorbent and quick-drying, per Utopia
- Generous hem
- Machine washable in cold water
Key specifications
| Product | Cotton Blend Cloth Napkins, White (UB0451) |
|---|---|
| Material | Cotton-polyester blend (ratio not stated) |
| Size | 18 x 18 in |
| Pack count | 12 |
| Wrinkle/stain resistance (stated) | Not stated; color does not fade, per Utopia |
| Care | Machine wash cold |
| Edge finish | Generous hem |
Why we recommend it
It suits a first set of cloth napkins, or a spare dozen for parties and messy meals.
Skip it if you want to know exactly what fiber you are buying; the blend ratio is not listed.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low cost per napkin
- Absorbent
- Many colors
Cons
- Blend ratio not stated
- No stain finish
- Thinner than premium napkins
6. Utopia Home Polyester Napkins, 24-Pack – Two Dozen for a Big Party
A quinceañera, a posada or a graduation party needs napkins by the dozen. Utopia Home sells these 100% polyester napkins in a pack of 24 (larger packs are also listed), in white and a range of colors, so you can match a party’s theme or set every table with the same color.
Utopia describes the fabric as durable and wrinkle-resistant, which matters when you are setting out two dozen napkins and do not want to iron them. The edges are hemmed. At 17 by 17 inches they are a little smaller than a full dinner napkin but plenty for a party plate of tacos, rice and beans, and they fold well around a set of cutlery.
Note the care line: Utopia says to line dry to maintain the napkins’ look and durability, so plan on a drying rack after the party rather than the dryer.
Why we like it
- 24 napkins in one pack
- Wrinkle-resistant polyester, per Utopia
- Hemmed edges
- Many colors for party themes
Key specifications
| Product | Cloth Napkins 17×17, White, 24 Pack (UH0562) |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% polyester |
| Size | 17 x 17 in |
| Pack count | 24 |
| Wrinkle/stain resistance (stated) | Wrinkle-resistant; stain resistance not stated |
| Care | Washable; line dry |
| Edge finish | Hemmed |
Why we recommend it
It suits hosts who throw large parties and want enough matching napkins for every guest.
Skip it if you want napkins that go straight in the dryer; Utopia says to line dry.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large quantity
- Little ironing
- Color choice
Cons
- Line dry only
- Less absorbent than cotton
- Smaller 17-inch size
7. KAF Home Monaco Slubbed Cotton Napkins, Set of 4 – Stonewashed, No Ironing
If you like cotton but not ironing, a stonewashed napkin is the compromise. KAF Home’s Monaco napkins are 100% cotton with a slubbed texture, the slightly uneven thread that gives fabric a relaxed, handwoven look, and a stonewashed finish. KAF says that combination keeps them soft and means they do not need special care or ironing.
They are oversized at 20 by 20 inches and come with a simple stripe, sold in blue and other colors. The casual farmhouse look suits a weekend brunch of chilaquiles or a backyard dinner better than a formal table. KAF lists them as machine washable and easy care.
They come four to a set, so this is a set for a small household or for mixing with plain napkins rather than for a big party.
Why we like it
- 100% cotton, stonewashed for softness
- No ironing needed, per KAF Home
- Oversized 20 x 20 inches
- Machine washable
Key specifications
| Product | Monaco Relaxed Casual Farmhouse Napkin, Blue |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% slubbed cotton, stonewashed |
| Size | 20 x 20 in |
| Pack count | 4 |
| Wrinkle/stain resistance (stated) | No ironing required; stain resistance not stated |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Edge finish | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a casual table and a cook who wants cotton without the ironing.
Skip it if you want a crisp, formal napkin; the stonewashed look is deliberately relaxed.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Soft, natural cotton
- No ironing
- Large size
Cons
- Four per set
- Casual look only
- Care details brief
Cotton, linen or polyester: the best type of cloth napkins
Cotton
The best all-round fabric for napkins. Cotton is soft, absorbs well, and white cotton can be washed hot and bleached. It wrinkles, and spills soak in rather than beading up. A stonewashed cotton like KAF Home’s avoids most ironing.
Linen
The finest feel and look, and linen grows softer with every wash. It wrinkles easily, which many people like, and it has no stain finish. Buy it for holidays and dinner parties.
Polyester
What most restaurants use. Spun polyester like Riegel’s is built for repeated commercial washing, resists wrinkles, and releases stains in the wash; treated polyester like the Amazon Basics napkin repels spills at the table. The trade-off is absorbency.
Blends
Cotton-polyester and linen-polyester blends sit in between: softer than polyester, easier to care for than pure cotton or linen. The Utopia Kitchen napkins are a blend.
How to choose cloth napkins for your table
Size. Dinner napkins usually run 17 to 22 inches square. For food you eat with your hands, from tacos to ribs, bigger is better; 20 inches covers a lap and leaves enough to wipe fingers. Smaller 17-inch napkins are fine for parties and fold neatly around cutlery.
How many. Count your table and double it, so one set can be on the table while the other is in the wash. Twelve covers most families; a party may need two dozen.
Color. White looks crisp and can be bleached if it is cotton. Darker colors, red and patterned napkins hide salsa and chile stains. A bright napkin is the cheapest way to dress a plain table for a fiesta.
Care you will actually do. Read the care line before buying. Riegel and Amazon Basics go in the dryer; Utopia Home’s polyester napkins should be line dried; linen likes a low iron or a steam. If you will never iron, pick polyester, a blend or stonewashed cotton.
What the table sees most. For everyday meals with children and red sauces, a stain-resistant polyester saves time. For a dinner you plan for weeks, linen.
Keeping cloth napkins clean after a Mexican meal
Red chile sauces, mole and achiote stain because of their color, and the fat in them carries it into the fabric. Restaurants deal with this by not letting napkins sit: they go into the laundry the same day. At home, shake off crumbs, rinse sauce stains in cold water as soon as you can, and wash napkins separately from towels so they do not pick up lint. Avoid fabric softener on napkins you want to stay absorbent.
Cloth napkins are also handy in the kitchen. A clean cotton napkin wrapped around a stack of warm tortillas keeps them soft at the table; our guide to the best tortilla warmer covers the dedicated options. For drying hands and dishes, use a proper towel instead; see our dish towels guide.
For a party, set the napkins with the plates at the start of the buffet line, or roll them around a fork and knife so guests can grab one with a hand free. Our taco bar supplies guide covers the rest of the table, from serving platters to a chafing dish for the main course.
How we picked these seven cloth napkins
We looked at cotton, linen, polyester and blended napkins from Urban Villa, Solino Home, Riegel, Utopia Kitchen, Utopia Home, Amazon Basics, KAF Home, Fennco Styles, Benson Mills, Now Designs, Hiasan, Aunti Em’s Kitchen, Threadmade, Lenox and others, and kept only those showing as in stock on Amazon when we checked. Specifications, materials and care instructions come from the Amazon listings. We left out seasonal prints, listings that did not state their fiber, and sellers with no identifiable brand.
Most Now Designs napkins and several Lenox napkins showed limited stock, and Benson Mills’ in-stock napkins were seasonal prints, so they are not included. We did not read a Wirecutter, America’s Test Kitchen or Serious Eats review of cloth napkins for this guide, and we have not used these napkins ourselves; this is a guide to what the makers state and what a working restaurant looks for in table linens.
Cloth napkin questions, answered
What is the best fabric for cloth napkins?
Cotton for everyday use, because it is soft, absorbent and easy to wash hot. Linen for special occasions. Polyester if you want napkins that resist wrinkles and stains and survive constant washing.
What are the best cloth napkins for everyday use?
A dozen cotton napkins like the Urban Villa set, or a stain-resistant polyester like the Amazon Basics napkins if the table sees a lot of spills.
What are the best white cloth napkins?
White cotton, because you can bleach it. The Urban Villa and Utopia Kitchen napkins both come in white, and Solino Home sells white linen. White polyester like the Amazon Basics napkin resists stains instead.
Which cloth napkin brands are worth knowing?
Riegel for restaurant-grade polyester, Solino Home for linen, Urban Villa for cotton sets, and Utopia and Amazon Basics for inexpensive packs.
Did Wirecutter review cloth napkins?
We did not read a Wirecutter review for this guide, so we cannot say what it recommends. Our picks are based on stated materials, sizes and care.
Our final pick for the table
Related guide: Cloth vs paper napkins.
Start with a dozen Urban Villa cotton napkins for every day, add a set of Solino Home linen for holidays, and if your table sees salsa and children nightly, keep a pack of Amazon Basics stain-resistant napkins too. Then set out a platter, pass the tortillas, and let people eat with their hands. For how much food a crowd needs, see Mexican food for a group, and when you would rather not cook at all, see the menu or call to order.