If you've ever been folding a stack of bath towels and wondered why they have lines near the edge, you're not alone. I was also curious, so I asked Emma Seymour, the associate director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, what the real reason for those bath towel lines is. She told me that it's called a "dobby border" and explained why most (though not all) bath towels have them.
Many people assume the line on the towels is purely decorative, or that it's meant to make it easier to see that all your towels are folded and facing the same way when they're stacked in the linen closet. But according to Seymour, the lines on bath towels aren't merely decoration. They actually serve to make the towel more durable.
If you've got towels on the brain, you can also check out our collection of clever uses for old towels and find out why textiles pros say you should never use a bath towel at the beach. Of course, we also have plenty of recommendations for the best bath towels, the best quick-dry towels, and the best Turkish towels.
Below, Seymour explains exactly why your bath towels have those lines.
What's the purpose of a towel line?
"It's the dobby border, common on many bath towels," says Seymour. "It helps the towel keep its shape because it offers more structure than if it was entirely terrycloth. It also helps prevent fraying."
What is a dobby border?
A dobby border is a woven strip near a towel's ends. It can appear as a single strip or multiple, but it is always located near a towel's edges.
According to Seymour, "Testers tend to like the look of the border, but most don't comment on it if a towel lacks a dobby border," meaning it's not a make-or-break feature for most customers.
Do towels need a dobby border?
Not necessarily. A towel without a dobby border will still absorb, as is its primary function. However, it may not have the same durability and longevity as one with a dobby border.
It's about weighing out what's most important to you when shopping. If the price is right, and you like the look of a towel without a dobby border, buy it. There are other factors that contribute to a towel's durability and performance, such as fiber content, fabric weight, construction and more, not just the dobby border. So the towel you select may still go the distance.
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
