People have just realised what the different parts on a towel actually do (file) (Image: Getty)
Every day we grab our towels after taking a shower or bath,or hands and face in the sink, and think nothing of it. But people are just realising what an odd feature on the fluffy delights actually does.
You may have noticed that there is a woven strip at both ends of your towel. While it offers a lovely design, the band has a secret purpose. People have been debating its purpose on recently.
One man, named Nate McGrady, took to X recently to ask: “What is the purpose of this part of the towel?” The software engineer added: “I’m convinced that it only exists to shrink and make it impossible to fold the towel nicely, causing you buy another towel.”
People rushed to share what they think its purpose is after observing their towels over the years. One individual said: ” Clothesline, clothespin holds better. Fold the top end so that both “sewn” strips lie on top of each other when you hang it on the washing line. The clothespin holds better this way and doesn’t flip off so quickly in the wind.”
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“They are there to make sure you never fold the towel right again,” joked another. “Adds grip so the towel stays in place when you wrap it around yourself,” suggested another. “Probably to prevent it from sliding off a towel bar,” another said.
“Your ears, gets the good dirt real good,” said another. Another agreed it is for certain parts of the body, and said: “That is the face/butt delineation line.”
Another said: “The purpose of it is to annoy me and to make me feel grateful for the other side of the towel that actually dries your hands all the way.”
“I always thought it was just part of the design, no practical purpose,” commented one other.
One other noted: “It’s called ‘The dobby border’, and it reinforces the fabric, prevents fraying, adds a decorative touch, and helps with folding. It’s also less absorbent due to its tighter weave.”
Another agreed and said: “It’s called a dobby weave. It’s maintains structure and prevents curling. It’s also decorative.”
One other commented and said: “Historically, these stripes were part of the weaving process. In older textile production, they marked the end of one towel and the start of another on a continuous loom. While modern manufacturing has evolved, the design stuck around as a nod to tradition or to maintain a classic look.”
what is the purpose of this part of a towel?
— Nate (@natemcgrady)
The woven stripe on most bath towels is more than just a decoration – it serves a practical purpose. Not only does it make it easier to keep your towel in place on a radiator or towel rail, it makes the towel more absorbant.
American towel wholesaler Towel Hub provided an explanation to the New York Post. Towel Hub said: “Known as a dobby border, this woven strip helps prevent fraying, improves absorbency, and gives towels a professional, polished look.”
These raised patterns, created by CAM or Dobby, trap more moisture than a flat surface. The ridge on the towel band allows extra space for water to be trapped, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Plus, while the ridges have a primary purpose, they also add a visual appeal; they come in various patterns and designs, adding texture and interest to the towel’s surface. It can add a touch of style to your bathroom.
Did you know this? Comment below.