The Real Purpose of That Part of a Towel

Okay, tell me I’m not the only one who’s done this: You step out of the shower, take hold of your towel, and then, while drying off, your brain locks in on that one weird, flat strip near the end. You know the one. It’s not fluffy like the rest of the towel. It’s just… there. Different. Suspicious. If you’ve ever been one of those people who stares at that part of a towel thinking, “What is that hiding?” you’re not alone. I once spent a good five minutes poking at it, certain I had found some towel manufacturing defect. Spoiler: I had not. Turns out, that little section actually has a name. It is known as a dobby border, and it serves a purpose beyond decoration. It’s there for an actual, practical reason—one that may leave you appreciating your towels just a little more.

So, what’s the story with the dobby border? Let’s talk about it.

What Is the Dobby Border?

Okay, let’s get a little technical for a minute. The dobby border is that smooth, often decorative strip that goes along the edge of a towel. Whereas the rest of the towel is made from soft, looped cotton (aka terry cloth), this part is woven differently, resulting in a flatter, tighter texture.

You generally see it all the way toward the bottom or top of a towel, and in some cases, depending on the brand, it may feature a little pattern or some other fanciness woven in. But there’s a reason this part of a towel isn’t just for aesthetics–it actually has a job to do.

Why Do Towels Have a Dobby Border?

You’d assume towels are merely big, fluffy rectangles of fabric, right? Wrong. It turns out there’s an incredible amount of thought that goes into creating them.

The dobby border? It has two main jobs.

1. It Keeps the Towel’s Shape

Ever taken a towel out of the wash and realized that it seemed a little… off? Like it had somehow gotten elongated or uneven? Yeah, that’s because towels are like most fabrics – they can lose their shape over time.

But the dobby border helps to keep that at bay. Because it’s woven more tightly than the rest of the towel, it serves as a stabilizer, preventing the fabric from stretching out too much in the wash. It’s like a built-in defence against towel wonkiness. It’s a very high-tech term, I’m aware.

And speaking of laundry, washing towels with your clothes is a horrible idea. That extra friction from zippers and buttons can break down towel fibers way faster than you’d expect. If you’ve been tossing those in with your regular laundry, it may be time to stop doing so. Mixing towels with clothing can actually damage both.

2. It Helps Prevent Fraying

So, those towel loops – let’s talk about them. Those little loops of fabric are why towels are so absorbent—but they also make them susceptible to unraveling. And where does unraveling usually begin? The edges.

This where the dobby border comes in. Since it doesn’t have loops like the rest of the towel, it acts as a protective barrier, which lessens fraying and keeps the towel from unravelling longer. Essentially, it’s the unsung hero of towel durability.

So, Is It Just Functional? Or Decorative Too?

A little of both! Manufacturers also use dobby borders to provide a little bit of flair; its primary function can be thought of as preventing stretch and fraying. Have you ever seen those fancy towels with elaborate designs woven into the edge? That’s all due to the dobby weaving technique.

Some luxury hotels and spas even customize dobby borders with their logos knitted into the fabric itself. Fancy! I mean, I’m not going to turn down the chance to wrap myself in a hotel-quality towel every day.

How to Keep the Dobby Border (and Your Towels) in Good Shape

Now that you know this section of a towel actually matters, you probably want to keep it looking and feeling good. Here’s how.

1. Wash Towels Properly

Towels collect bacteria. Fast. And if you’re not washing them frequently enough, let’s just say they’re not as clean as they appear. If you’re asking yourself how often towels should be washed to avoid germs, there’s actually a science-backed answer.

2. Skip the Fabric Softener

I know, I know – fabric softener smells incredible. But it also leaves a waxy residue on towel fibers that diminishes absorbency over time. If your towels are no longer drying you off the way they once did, that could be the reason.

3. Fix That Musty Smell

Ever taken a towel out of the closet, only to be smacked in the face with that damp, musty odor? Yeah, same. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to remove mildew smells and reinvigorate your towels. A few simple tricks can make them fresh again.

What If the Dobby Border Starts to Fray?

Designed to resist fraying, towels don’t last forever. If you see that the dobby border is beginning to unravel, don’t fret—there are steps you can take to address it.

• Snip loose threads with care – whatever you do, don’t yank them! Simply cut the fibers close to the fabric to stop further fraying.
• Use a little fabric glue – if the fraying is small, a tiny dab of fabric glue can shore up the edge.
• Upcycle old towels – If a towel is definitely beyond saving, don’t throw it out! Old towels can become cleaning rags, pet towels, or even DIY bath mats. There are plenty of creative ways to reuse them.

The Mighty Little Dobby Border

Who knew such a small portion of a towel would have such a huge responsibility? I surely didn’t—at least not until I tumbled down this oddly compelling towel rabbit hole.

So the next time you reach for a towel, take a moment to appreciate that little dobby border. It’s holding your towel in place, it’s keeping it from unraveling, and it’s even adding a little style. Not bad for something most of us never give a second thought to!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I feel the sudden urge to go inspect all of the towels in my house.