What exactly is terry towelling?
Many towels, bathrobes and other home textiles are made from terry towelling. But what exactly is it? Terry towelling is a fluffy material that can be recognised by its loops. These are created during weaving through differences in tension in the yarn. It is therefore the name for products made using a special weaving technique.
Despite the similar-sounding name, terry towelling differs significantly from terry cloth: the loops are woven on both sides of the fabric, not just on one. In terry cloth, the one-sided looped effect is created by the special effect yarn used, rather than by the weaving process itself. As a three-thread fabric, terry towelling is therefore of higher quality than terry cloth and is often heavier too.
Four types of terry towelling are distinguished:
- Walk terry towelling: particularly soft and absorbent, with single-twisted loops
- Twisted terry towelling: robust and firm thanks to twisted yarn
- Velour terry towelling: especially soft and velvety, with cut loops
- Warp-knitted terry towelling: the threads are knitted into loops rather than woven
Terry towelling is a voluminous fabric with a high density, which makes it especially absorbent and warming. The loops woven on both sides also make terry towelling durable and long-lasting. The length of the loops determines how fluffy the terry towelling becomes: a short pile provides a pleasant massaging effect when drying off, while long loops make the fabric particularly cosy.
What is terry towelling made from?
Terry towelling is typically made from cotton, a natural fibre. However, depending on the desired properties of the fabric, other materials may also be woven in. In some products, cotton is blended with polyester to create a fabric that dries quickly; in other collections, linen is mixed with the cotton. Bamboo is also suitable for terry products, as bamboo viscose can absorb more moisture than cotton.
The choice of material – alongside the weaving density – also determines the weight. This gives rise to both lightweight and heavyweight terry products: some are especially absorbent, while others are fluffier.
What is terry towelling suitable for?
In principle, terry towelling is an ideal material for home textiles such as towels, bath sheets, but also flannels, shower mats or bath mats. Anywhere that high absorbency or a soft, warming material is needed, terry towelling can be used. Our MÖVE bathrobes are also made from cosy terry towelling or velvety terry velour.
Caring for terry towelling properly
Terry towelling should always be washed before first use so that it can develop its full absorbency. This also rinses out any possible excess dye residues.
If terry towelling becomes hard after washing, this is not due to a lack of fabric conditioner, but usually to water that contains too much limescale. An additional water softener added to the washing machine can help. Fabric conditioner, on the other hand, coats the fibres and causes water to bead off them. In the case of towels or bathrobes made from terry towelling, fabric conditioner would therefore have a negative effect, as it reduces absorbency.
If a towel or bathrobe becomes hard, however, this may also be due to the drying method: when dried in the air, the fibres stiffen. Terry products stay fluffiest when dried in a tumble dryer, where the loops can lift up again properly.
When washing terry products, pulled threads can occasionally occur. These can simply be cut off, and the terry towelling will still retain its shape. However, the threads should never be pulled out, as this would damage the fabric.
To enjoy your high-quality terry products for as long as possible, you should always follow the care instructions on the product.