How To Choose Between Cloth vs. Paper Napkins

From casual celebrations to fine dining, attention to detail makes all the difference. The right choice of napkin puts the finishing touch on a premium guest experience. The key is to find a napkin that delivers both form and function. So when the choice is between cloth and paper napkins, which is the right one for your guests? Read ahead for a complete guide to choosing the best napkin for your table. 

When paper napkins are better

Practical and convenient, paper napkins are often the best choice for busy catering halls, restaurants, and facilities. Single-use paper products simplify clean-up, which makes a big difference in fast-paced settings where every second counts. There’s no laundry to run and no missing inventory to track, shaving time from event breakdown. With disposable paper napkins, clearing and clearing is more hygienic for your staff, too.

Best of all, single-use napkins fit the aesthetic perfectly in nearly any setting. They’re perfect for relaxed environments like bars and diners, and when crafted with the right techniques and materials, add a touch of elegance to upscale events.  

When cloth napkins are better

When hosting an occasion of the highest formality, cloth napkins may be the right option. While paper napkins are versatile when it comes to styling, cloth napkins are best suited for very complex folding patterns (although there’s no shortage of ways to fold disposable napkins). If you’re planning a black tie benefit with plans for an elaborate tablescape with swan-folded napkins, cloth will be your first choice. 

Are cloth napkins more eco-friendly?

For small families that aren’t doing laundry every day, reusable cloth napkins for personal use can be a great sustainable practice. Washing cloth napkins with the rest of your laundry just once a week doesn’t consume too much water.

Despite their reusability, though, cloth napkins aren’t necessarily the more environmentally friendly choice in every scenario. For businesses serving a large number of customers or facility residents, cloth napkins can consume a sizable amount of water. 

On top of the impact from frequent laundry service, production for linen and cotton napkins uses a significantly higher amount of water than it takes to make paper napkins. When paper napkins are made from eco-friendly materials like recycled or compostable fibers, they’re likely your greenest option. 

Overview: Paper Napkins vs. Cloth Napkins

Four ways to use paper napkins like cloth napkins

1. Weddings and special events

Paper napkins make hosting special occasions easy. Single-use napkins bring more than convenience to big days, too. Stylish, high-quality paper napkins tie the whole room together, whether neatly placed or folded into an elegant design. Select single-use napkins in your chosen theme colors, or add a personal touch, like your initials or wedding date, with custom embossing or color printing. 

2. Bars and restaurants

When you’ve got customers waiting, you need to be able to clear the table quickly. Absorbent single-use napkins mean a quick and efficient cleanup. Your staff won’t have to worry about cross-contamination or extra work separating cloth napkins for laundry, either. Setting the table with high-quality single-use napkins gives any establishment an upscale vibe. 

3. Hotels and hospitality

High-quality paper napkins add to a luxurious guest experience without increasing your laundry load. With affordable options that don’t sacrifice style, paper napkins are the economical choice when you’re buying in bulk. Plus, with customization, you can add your hotel logo to each napkin, reinforcing a professional and polished brand image. 

4. Care facilities

Patient care is your highest priority. The convenience of paper napkins makes it easier for your staff to focus on what matters most. And with a more efficient clean-up, you’re able to maintain a more hygienic environment for residents and caregivers alike. 

Choosing the right single-use paper napkin

This all being said, not every disposable napkin is the same. To get that true linen feel from a single-use napkin, you’ll have to look for products like Naptec’s, which prioritize American-made quality at accessible prices. Here’s what to look for while making your choice.

• Find napkins with a heavier weight. Tissue-thin napkins are wasteful since you go through more of them. Plus, they’re bad for the user experience if they don’t hold up to spills. Look for napkins that look and feel thicker than the disposable products you’re used to seeing.

• Put your napkins to the color bleed test. Bargain dyed napkins don’t hold up. Color comes off throughout the course of the evening, getting on your guests’ hands and faces. Make sure your napkins don’t shed their color. 

• Look for variety. Whether that’s size, color, pattern, or customization, the right single-use paper napkin meets your moment, not the other way around. Don’t pigeonhole yourself to just a few options on Amazon when companies like Naptec open the world of possibilities.

• Work with specialists for bulk pricing. The right suppliers have a quality product and a quality customer service experience. Look to build a relationship with your suppliers so you can call on them when your event needs that perfect touch.

Single-use napkins that look and feel like cloth

While cloth napkins may be the best choice for highly formal events, paper napkins are preferable in most other settings. Well-made single-use napkins, like the ones designed and manufactured in New York State by Naptec, bring functional elegance to nearly any occasion. With our linen-like napkins on your table, you’re serving excellence at every setting. Explore Naptec’s disposable napkin collection — place wholesale orders on your website or contact Naptec to get started.