We use our towels every day, and yet many of us remain ignorant of their peculiarity. We only focus on their purpose and the rest, well, it's not interesting to know. Social media over the years has become like this old granny that everyone approaches with some unique out-of-the-box questions. Recently, a user on X, posed a really interesting question while sharing a photo of the stripes on a towel, asking "What is the purpose of this part of a towel?"
As is usual, each netizen had a different theory on it and all of them make absolute sense! It turns out the mysterious non-fluffy stripes on a towel are not just for design but rather serve a very practical purpose.
Yahoo News quoted Courtney Cole, an interior designer at TileCloud who said, “This part of the towel is actually called a ‘ dobby border ’ – which so many people don’t know. Because it’s woven more closely than the rest of the towel, it will help with fraying and will keep the edges from curling over time. This means that the towel with the dobby border will likely last longer than those that don’t have it.”
Under the post, another user commented that the stripes serve as tread lines and when the towel thins out to their level, it's time to replace it.
Another X user, revealed a very interesting historical fact adding that the stripes are a part of the weaving process. "In older textile production, they marked the end of one towel and the start of another on a continuous loom."
As per another user, it's a hanging loop. “The woven strip found at the ends of most bath towels is more than just a decoration. It serves a practical purpose – it’s a hanging loop! This loop allows you to easily hang your towel on a hook, keeping it within arm’s reach and allowing it to air dry after use. No more soggy towels left on the bathroom floor!”
"Let’s you know what side of the towel is the top side, and the bottom side. So you use one side for drying your face, and the other side for drying your down stairs," added an X user.
Another user commented a hilarious response writing, "This question has taught me not to take anything for granted. There is a reason for everything under the sun 😂"
The viral post has amassed 92.1M views on the social media app with 453K likes and 15K comments, which are increasing by the minute.
What do you think the stripes mean? Tell us in the comments section below!
As is usual, each netizen had a different theory on it and all of them make absolute sense! It turns out the mysterious non-fluffy stripes on a towel are not just for design but rather serve a very practical purpose.
what is the purpose of this part of a towel? pic.twitter.com/q4UYACVMDP
— Nate (@natemcgrady) March 13, 2025
Yahoo News quoted Courtney Cole, an interior designer at TileCloud who said, “This part of the towel is actually called a ‘ dobby border ’ – which so many people don’t know. Because it’s woven more closely than the rest of the towel, it will help with fraying and will keep the edges from curling over time. This means that the towel with the dobby border will likely last longer than those that don’t have it.”
Under the post, another user commented that the stripes serve as tread lines and when the towel thins out to their level, it's time to replace it.
I'm convinced that it only exists to shrink and make it impossible to fold the towel nicely, causing you to buy another towel
— Nate (@natemcgrady) March 13, 2025
Another X user, revealed a very interesting historical fact adding that the stripes are a part of the weaving process. "In older textile production, they marked the end of one towel and the start of another on a continuous loom."
As per another user, it's a hanging loop. “The woven strip found at the ends of most bath towels is more than just a decoration. It serves a practical purpose – it’s a hanging loop! This loop allows you to easily hang your towel on a hook, keeping it within arm’s reach and allowing it to air dry after use. No more soggy towels left on the bathroom floor!”
It’s a tread line. When your towel thins out to that level, it’s time to replace your towel. Mileage may vary.
— equilibrium (@Equilibrium_420) March 13, 2025
"Let’s you know what side of the towel is the top side, and the bottom side. So you use one side for drying your face, and the other side for drying your down stairs," added an X user.
Another user commented a hilarious response writing, "This question has taught me not to take anything for granted. There is a reason for everything under the sun 😂"
Clothesline, clothespin holds better.
— Tim.e to act (@Dozer3000) March 13, 2025
Fold the top end so that both "sewn" strips lie on top of each other when you hang it on the washing line. The clothespin holds better this way and doesn't flip off so quickly in the wind.
The viral post has amassed 92.1M views on the social media app with 453K likes and 15K comments, which are increasing by the minute.
What do you think the stripes mean? Tell us in the comments section below!
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