When picking up some new towels, we usually focus on how soft they feel and the size – the band at the bottom is just a given. But why do towels have a band?
Textile experts have finally explained that it is an essential part of a towel's design, helping to improve durability while adding a little finishing touch for a polished look.
Its usefulness doesn’t stop there, either. Here, the pros explain in-depth why towels have a band and why they are crucial to check for when buying towels for your home.
Why do towels have a band?
All the best bath towels have a band near the bottom, and for four key reasons. Akshay Bahl, founder and CEO of Delara Home, explains, ‘The band at the bottom of bath towels is commonly known as the "dobby border" or "decorative band."
'It has both aesthetic and functional purposes, so it’s important to check its construction. A well-made dobby border will be even, securely woven, and not overly stiff compared to the rest of the towel.
'Poorly constructed bands can shrink, making the towel fall apart over time, even when you otherwise use your towels correctly.’ This is one of the common signs you need to replace your towels.
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Belinda Jacobs, fashion designer and product developer at Tech Packs Co. adds, ‘Functionally, the difference between towels with and without borders is minimal in terms of softness or absorbency, but towels with borders may hold their shape better at the edges over time, especially if the border is tightly woven. For example, a low-end border may shrink or pucker if not pre-shrunk or properly stitched, so quality matters.’
It's worth noting that towels with borders can cost a little more, primarily because of the additional weaving process and design detailing involved. Belinda adds, 'That said, the price difference is usually marginal unless the border includes specialty yarns, metallic threads, or complex patterns.’
How to pick quality towels
Besides the presence of a ‘dobby band’, there are a few other things you can look out for when buying towels to make towels last longer.
Brian Delp, president of sales and licensing at textile manufacturers Himatsingka shares, ‘The quality of a towel depends highly on the raw materials used. A longer-staple cotton fiber will render a less linty, more durable towel. Look for towels made with a long staple cotton, or even an extra-long staple cotton like Supima cotton.
‘Then, from there it depends on the customer's preference. One big myth to consider is that the softer the towel is, the more absorbent it is. This is false. One tip I like to use is to run your fingertips across the surface of a towel. Then rub them together. If they feel slippery, that means the towel is likely coated with a silicone finisher to make it feel softer in-store, but post-wash, it will not be the same.
'As for my preference, I specifically look for two-ply towels in a heavyweight, but if your bathroom can be humid, then look for something like a lighter weight one-ply towel with a shaggy loop.’
What to shop
Washing towels with white vinegar is one of the best ways to make towels soft again, stripping away product buildup to freshen up the fibers and kill bacteria that cause damp odors.
Environmental Working Group (EWG) Certified, these laundry pods are certified healthier for use in your home, helping to cut out toxic laundry room items while preventing product build-up on towels.
Dryer balls are a great dryer sheet alternative that will break up and fluff up your laundry for even drying and softer towels.
Meet the experts
Band or not, always be sure to wash new towels when you first bring them home. This helps to remove any dust or germs from the store or transport, and dislodges some of the loose fibers so you do not end up fluffy after drying yourself for the first time.
