The Surprising Purpose of Towel Stripes
We all incorporate towels into our daily routines, but have you ever stopped to consider the purpose of the striped band on them? It turns out that this seemingly decorative feature serves a very practical function, and many people are just now discovering its significance.
Recently, a conversation ignited on social media when a user posed the question: “What is the purpose of this part of a towel?” They expressed a humorous suspicion that the stripe only exists to complicate the folding process and encourage consumers to buy more towels!
However, experts have revealed that the band is not merely for looks; it actually has several important functions. One knowledgeable commenter noted, “The strip of fabric, often referred to as a selvage or dobby border, serves multiple purposes. It helps to prevent fraying, enhances the towel’s durability, improves absorbency, and adds a polished aesthetic.” Another contributor mentioned that it also plays a role in reducing shrinkage.
According to Kidz Herald, this woven strip at the ends of most bath towels serves a particularly handy function: it acts as a hanging loop. They elaborated, “This loop is more than just a decorative feature; it allows you to conveniently hang your towel on a hook. This keeps it within easy reach and facilitates air drying after use, eliminating the problem of soggy towels left on the bathroom floor.” Imagine a towel without this simple but effective loop; you would have to drape it over a rod or a hook, which might hinder its drying process.
The hanging loop is a straightforward yet ingenious addition that enhances both the usability and maintenance of your towel.
Interestingly, the stripe on towels also serves a practical purpose in hospitality settings. A Reddit user, u/daveyP_, shared that in hotel environments, the stripes help staff quickly identify the size of towels stacked together. He mentioned, “In hotels, when various towels are piled on top of each other, the accommodation services can determine the towel size by counting the number of visible stripes. I worked in a hotel, and it blew my mind when I learned this!”
So there you have it: the band on your towel is not merely for decoration, but rather serves several functional purposes. Many individuals have responded to this revelation, with one user remarking, “I had no idea!”
How Often Should You Wash Your Towels, According to an Expert
Dr. Lisa Acklerley’s Top Tips for Towel Maintenance:
- Change your bath towel at least once a week.
- Replace hand towels in frequently used areas, like your downstairs cloakroom, daily if you have a busy household or receive many guests (less crucial if it’s just you).
- Wash towels at 90°C to effectively kill germs.
- Avoid sharing bath towels to maintain hygiene.