The lines on bath towels, commonly known as the "dobby border," serve several practical and aesthetic purposes:
- Prevent Fraying and Enhance Durability: The dobby border is woven more densely than the rest of the towel, reinforcing the edges to prevent fraying and curling over time. This helps the towel maintain its shape and last longer through multiple washes
- Improve Absorbency and Maintain Structure: These lines help maintain an even towel structure, preventing edges from becoming bulky, which keeps the towel soft, lightweight, and efficient at drying. The weaving technique increases the surface area, enhancing the towel’s ability to absorb moisture effectively
- Provide a Hanging Loop: Some towels incorporate a woven strip that functions as a hanging loop, allowing the towel to be hung easily on hooks for better drying and convenience
- Aesthetic and Branding: The dobby border adds an elegant finishing touch, giving towels a polished look. It also provides a structured area for branding or embroidery, commonly seen in hotels and spas
- Visual Size Indicator: In some hotel settings, the number of stripes can indicate towel size, aiding staff in quickly identifying and sorting towels
In summary, the lines on bath towels are not merely decorative but are carefully designed features that enhance absorbency, durability, drying efficiency, and visual appeal