You’ve already dried yourself off after a shower, and then, while folding your towel, a detail intrigues you. This woven line, a little thicker and stiffer, located at the end of the towel… Is it just a stylistic effect or does it hide a well-kept secret? Can a simple textile detail really intrigue so many people? Spoiler alert: yes, and more than you think! An unexpected craze around an everyday object
It all started with a seemingly innocuous question posted on X (formerly Twitter). One internet user wondered: “Why is there this stripe on all bath towels?” Social networks immediately came alive. Between original hypotheses, touches of humor, and attempts at textile explanations, the debate took on a rather surprising scale.
Some evoke an imaginary separation between the upper and lower body (you get the idea…). Others talk about Formula 1-style “speed stripes” to help the towel dry faster. In short, ideas are flying, but one thing is certain: everyone has already asked themselves the question, without ever really daring to look for the answer. Not just an ornament: a well-thought-out invention
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So, why this famous line? No, it’s not a designer’s whim. This detail even has a somewhat technical name: the “dobby” edge (or “dobby edge,” if you like rare words). Behind this word lies a very specific textile know-how.
The main role of this edge is to reinforce the towel. In other words, it prevents it from fraying over time and with washing. Yes, even the most basic objects of our daily lives are carefully designed to last.
Absorbency, durability, softness: it’s all a matter of thread
The secret to a good towel is its balance between softness and efficiency. Too thick, it doesn’t dry well. Too thin, it becomes rough. The dobby border helps maintain this ideal balance. It keeps the edges flat and strong without adding too much bulk. The result: a towel that remains pleasant to use, wash after wash. According to textile experts, this woven band also plays a role in water absorption. By stabilizing the structure of the towel, it prevents the fibers from shifting or bunching, which preserves its absorbency.
A little design (and clever) extra
. In terms of appearance, this border adds an elegant finishing touch. It’s often what gives a towel that “hotel spa” finish we love. But its role doesn’t stop there: it also serves as a visual cue for folding the towel correctly or hanging it straight on the towel rack. Clever, right?
