Here's What The Non-Fluffy Part Of Towels Is Really For
Have you ever wondered why your towels have a non-fluffy strip or border that's woven differently from the main towel? You might assume this is simply a design choice that's become the norm for towel manufacturers over the years. But actually, this non-fluffy area is included in the towel design for practical purposes as well as aesthetic ones.
This non-fluffy strip of your towel is called a dobby border or cam border. This bare-looking border or strip increases the towel's absorbency, prevents fraying, and helps it retain its shape over time. It can also improve grip and help the towel dry faster — plus, it gives your towels a finished look.
The dobby border can also make your towels easier to fold — a handy benefit considering learning how to properly fold and store hand towels ensures your bathroom closet is neat and tidy. You might not give the dobby border much thought, but you'd certainly notice the difference if your towels didn't have this feature.
Other reasons why your towels need a dobby border
Towels are made from looped cotton designed for maximum absorbency, but the dobby border is flat and doesn't absorb moisture. What it does do, however, is help protect the shape of the towel by preventing it from shrinking or stretching in the laundry — even if you're guilty of the mistakes everyone makes when washing their towels.
Additionally, the dobby border prevents the towel from fraying by reinforcing the structure. Without this border, the ends of the towel could unravel in the wash. The dobby border helps extend their lifespan — so you can clean your towels as often as you need without having to worry about ruining them.
Maintaining the structural integrity of your towels is the main purpose of the dobby border, but it also serves a decorative purpose. Hotels, gyms, and spas can weave their logos into the dobby border for added branding. Premium towel brands can weave intricate designs into the dobby border for added visual interest — it's also the perfect place for a monogram if you want to personalize your towels.