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There is a small, brightly colored bath accessory that shows up in Korean homes and jjimjilbangs again and again: the Italy towel, also called a Korean exfoliating mitt or ttaemiri towel. It is inexpensive, extremely simple, and noticeably more intense than a typical soft washcloth.
The appeal is not a complicated formula or a viral gadget. It is a coarse, body-only mitt used after the skin has been softened with warm water. When used gently and occasionally, it is a satisfying way to smooth rough-feeling areas such as elbows, knees, legs, and heels.
What Is a Korean Italy Towel?
An Italy towel is a small, textured exfoliating mitt traditionally used for a Korean bathhouse-style body scrub. Despite the name, it is a familiar Korean bath staple. This eight-piece set includes red and green viscose mitts in two sizes, so it is easy to keep extras for travel or share within a household.
Why People Like It
- It is direct and simple: no batteries, complicated routine, or strongly scented formula.
- It creates real friction: the texture is more substantial than a regular washcloth, making it useful for occasional body exfoliation.
- It works with a warm shower or bath: soften the skin first, then use light pressure.
- It is budget-friendly: an eight-piece set means you can replace a mitt when it no longer feels fresh.
How to Use It the Korean Bathhouse-Inspired Way
- Soften first. Spend several minutes in a warm shower or bath. This step matters more than scrubbing harder.
- Wet, then wring out the mitt. It should be damp rather than dripping wet.
- Use gentle back-and-forth strokes. Start on a small area of the body and keep pressure light.
- Rinse and moisturize. Afterward, apply body lotion or cream while the skin is still slightly damp.
What to Know Before You Try It
This is not an everyday washcloth. Because it is designed for physical exfoliation, using it too hard or too often can leave skin feeling irritated. Skip it on broken, sunburned, freshly shaved, highly sensitive, or actively irritated skin. It is also not a face scrub.
Start with once every week or two, particularly if you already use exfoliating acids, retinoids, body scrubs, or other strong treatments. Less pressure is more effective than aggressive scrubbing.
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What we like
- Traditional Korean bathhouse-inspired body-care item
- Eight mitts in two useful sizes
- Easy to pack, store, and replace
- Simple addition to a shower and body-lotion routine
Things to know
- Designed for the body—not facial skin
- Use gently and only occasionally
- Always moisturize afterward
- Skip it if skin is irritated or compromised
Is It Worth Trying?
If you enjoy the clean, polished feeling of a Korean bathhouse body scrub but want a simple at-home version, an Italy towel is worth trying. It is best for someone who wants a low-cost, occasional exfoliation step—not someone looking for a daily cleansing cloth. Pair it with warm water, gentle pressure, and a comforting body lotion afterward for the most comfortable routine.
Shop the 8-piece Korean Italy towel set on Amazon →
Product availability, price, and details may change. This article is general body-care information and not medical advice.