Terry in towels and what the loops do

Short answer: The loops are what absorb water. The more and the longer the loops, the more water the towel takes up, but the longer it takes to dry.

How a towel works

A terry towel is woven with thousands of loops standing up from the base. Water is drawn between the loops by capillary action. That is why surface matters more than thickness alone.

Weight and absorbency

A heavier towel has more and longer loops and therefore absorbs more. On the other hand it takes longer to dry and takes up more space. For travel a light towel is better. See bamboo towels.

Why bamboo dries faster

Bamboo viscose takes moisture into the fibre and releases it to the air quickly. That is why a bamboo towel dries faster between uses and smells less in a damp bathroom. See bamboo home and homewear.

How to keep the loops open

Skip the fabric softener, which coats every loop. Shake the towel firmly before drying so the loops stand up. See bamboo bedding.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a new towel absorb poorly

There is a manufacturing residue in the fabric. It goes after two or three washes.

Do towels need a hot wash

Sixty degrees now and then keeps them fresh. Otherwise forty is enough.

Why do towels go stiff when line dried

Because the fibres are not moved. Ten minutes in the dryer afterwards softens them again.