Signature Cotton Napkins

History of Cloth Napkins

Cloth napkins have evolved from practical communal cloths in medieval Europe into refined and symbolic table accessories reflecting social and cultural change. In the Middle Ages, diners shared coarse linen or hemp towels called touailles for wiping hands, but by the Renaissance, individual fine linen napkins appeared, often elaborately folded into decorative shapes to showcase wealth and artistry. The 18th and 19th centuries brought smaller, damask linens and uniform table settings that embodied elegance and order. During the early to mid-20th century, industrial production popularized colorful cotton napkins for middle-class homes, blending practicality with good manners. Today, cloth napkins have returned as eco-friendly, design-conscious elements of sustainable living, uniting tradition with modern simplicity. From ChatGPT 11/9/25