Waffle Knit Or Terry Cloth: Does It Matter Which Type Of Towel You Buy?

The towel aisle can be a confusing place. From weight and size to fabric and weave type, there's a lot more detail that goes into a towel than you realize at first glance. Is it best to go with the largest, thickest, softest towel you can find, or does a thinner fabric do a better job of absorbing water? How do you choose the best material for your bathroom towels and kitchen towels? When you're considering bath towels, the way they feel against your skin, how well they absorb water, and how quickly they dry are all key factors to help you decide. For kitchen towels, absorbency and drying time often take priority. The weave of a towel impacts those qualities. Terry cloth and waffle weave are two common options for towels, each with different benefits.

The weave of a towel affects its appearance, which might make you lean toward one over the other, but the construction also impacts performance. Terry cloth is a classic, popular weave option found on many towels consisting of many uncut loops. The loops stand upright off of the towel on both sides and can vary in length and how tightly twisted they are.

Waffle weave towels feature a waffle or honeycomb texture with raised edges around shallower sections. It creates a distinct look that might initially attract you, but it also offers benefits like drying quickly. Towels made with a waffle weave are typically thinner than those made with the terry cloth weave. Choosing terry or waffle weave towels impacts your experience, including how the fabric feels and how well it absorbs moisture.

Because of the raised and depressed sections, waffle weave towels have extra surface area to soak up water efficiently. That absorbency comes in handy in the bathroom and kitchen. The thinner construction and weave shape also helps waffle weave towels dry faster than terry towels, in part due to better air circulation. A faster drying time reduces the chances of musty smells developing. Plus, the towel is more likely to be dry the next time you want to use it. 

The thinner construction makes them easier to fold, and they take up less space, which helps you make the most out of your small linen closet. They're also easier to pack, whether you're traveling or heading to the gym. The lightweight feel makes waffle weave towels easy to use without excess bulkiness. While the texture might look rough and uncomfortable, waffle weave can be very soft and soothing on your skin. At the same time, the texture has a slightly exfoliating quality, which can leave your skin softer and smoother. In the kitchen, the subtle abrasive quality of the weave helps remove stuck-on gunk from countertops and can help pick up crumbs and dust as you clean.

For some people, the idea of a thinner towel makes waffle weave less appealing, especially for the bathroom. If you like the idea of a thick, plush, cozy towel, you may prefer a terry weave towel. The weave also has a less structured look than terry cloth because of the looser construction to maximize absorbency. If you prefer a more consistent, structured towel appearance, you might choose terry cloth instead. 

Terry cloth towels offer a thicker, plush experience compared to waffle weave towels. If you want to feel pampered and cozy after a shower, you might opt for terry cloth. Terry towels are also highly absorbent due to all of the surface area of the loops. Long, loosely twisted loops tend to make a terry towel more absorbent than options with shorter, tightly twisted loops, so take note of the loops if you go with terry cloth towels.

Another benefit of terry cloth is its durability. It holds up well in the kitchen and in the bathroom because of its durable construction. Even with repeated washing, the towels maintain their absorbency and softness. That's a definite perk since you're likely not cleaning your bath towels as often as you should be and may need to increase the frequency. 

However, the thickness that makes terry cloth seem luxurious and cozy also puts this weave option at a disadvantage. Thicker towels take up more space in your linen closet and aren't as easy to fold crisply. Perhaps an even bigger issue is that, while absorbent, terry cloth isn't great at letting the moisture go, which means it has a long drying time. That prolonged drying period sometimes causes a subtle mildew odor on your towels, especially if they get tossed into a pile or thrown in a laundry hamper while they're damp. Also, your towel may still be damp the next time you want to use it.