The Surprising Reason Towels Have Those Strange Lines
Ever grabbed a towel and wondered, “Why does this need a wash if I just cleaned myself?” Or perhaps you’ve noticed the bands or lines running across the towel and asked, “What’s that about?” You’re far from alone.
A simple question recently posed on X (formerly Twitter) about those odd towel stripes stirred up a wave of amusement and genuine curiosity. While some users took the opportunity to drop jokes—like claiming they’re “racing stripes” to help towels dry quicker or “face vs. butt zones”—others genuinely wanted to get to the bottom of it.
And the answer? No, those lines aren’t just a stylistic flourish added by the designer.
They actually serve a purpose—and a pretty important one at that.
These stripes are known as the dobby border, and they’re woven into many towels for structural reasons. The dobby border helps reinforce the fabric, boosting durability and reducing the risk of the towel fraying after repeated washes and heavy use.
According to towel manufacturer Towel Hub, absorbency is a crucial feature for towels, but it’s also a delicate balance. Go too thick, and the towel becomes heavy and hard to dry. Too thin, and it’s ineffective. The dobby border helps maintain structure, keeping the towel lightweight, absorbent, and soft to the touch.
But that’s not all—it also adds a refined look to your towel and acts as a visual guide for folding or hanging neatly, helping the towel keep its shape over time.
Towel Hub sums it up well: “The woven strip at both ends of a towel serves multiple practical purposes, from preventing fraying to enhancing durability, improving absorbency, and adding an elegant finishing touch.”
So, next time you wrap yourself in a towel, remember—those mysterious lines aren’t just for show. They’re the reason your towel stays comfy, durable, and good-looking wash after wash.