What terry cloth is and why it absorbs well
Short answer: Terry cloth is a weave with small loops of yarn that give a towel a large surface to dry with. The loops are what absorb, which is why you see terry in most towels, including bamboo ones. Here is a simple explanation with advice on choosing and caring for it.
What terry cloth actually is
Terry is a woven fabric in which part of the yarn sits in loops on the surface, looking like small waves of thread. The loops give a soft, thick surface that is good for drying. The name describes the weave, not the material, so you find terry in cotton as well as in viscose from bamboo.
Bamboo terry towels and their loops
When you look at bamboo towels, the height and density of the loops say most about how the towel feels. Bamboo in textiles is viscose made from bamboo, and the fibres can be woven into terry just like cotton. Feel the surface and see whether it seems dense, soft and even.
Why loops absorb well
The loops increase the surface of the towel, so more fibres meet the water when you dry yourself. Between the loops there are small gaps where water can cling before it is drawn into the fibres. That is why thick terry often seems more absorbent than a flat, tightly woven piece of fabric.
Weight and density tell you the thickness
Heavier terry is usually thicker and feels more luxurious, but it also takes up more room in the machine and takes longer to dry. Lighter terry dries faster and is easier to take on a trip. Check the product description for weight if it is given, and think about what you will use the towel for.
Terry and velour are not the same
Some towels have terry on one side and a smoother velour surface on the other, where the loops are sheared off. Velour feels soft and smooth, but usually absorbs a little less than pure terry. It can look nice on guest towels, while terry on both sides is what most people choose for daily use.
Care so the loops last
Wash terry according to the care label and use no more detergent than necessary, since residue makes the loops stiff. Avoid zips and hooks in the same wash, because they can catch in the loops and pull them out. Shake the towel out well before drying, and avoid very high heat.
When terry starts to shed lint
New towels often shed a little lint in the first washes, because loose fibres need to come out. This usually fades on its own, so wash them separately and clean the lint filter. If they keep shedding for a long time or loops get pulled out, check the label and snip a thread carefully instead of tearing it.
Terry in the rest of the home
Terry is not only for the bathroom. You can combine towels with bamboo bedding in a matching colour world, so the bedroom and bathroom go together. After a shower, a night T-shirt for men is also an easy, comfortable way to end the day. Look at colours and thickness beforehand so everything fits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between terry and ordinary woven fabric?
Terry has loops of yarn on the surface, while ordinary woven fabric is flat. The loops create a larger surface, so terry feels softer and suits drying yourself better.
Is thick terry always better?
No, it depends on how you use it. Thick terry feels rich but dries slowly, while a lighter towel is easier to carry and dries faster between uses.
Why do new terry towels shed lint?
It is loose fibres from the weave coming out in the first washes. Wash them separately, empty the lint filter and let it fade, and the towel calms down over time.
