What terry means
Short answer: Terry cloth is a fabric with small loops on the surface. The loops increase the surface area and let the fabric absorb a lot of water, which is why towels are made from it. Here is how it is woven, what the weight means and how to keep it soft.
What terry cloth is
Terry cloth is a woven fabric whose surface is made of small loops of yarn instead of a flat face. You know it from towels and bathrobes, but the principle stays the same whatever the fabric is used for. The loops set terry apart from ordinary woven cloth and give it its character.
How the loops are made
The loops are formed by an extra warp thread that is lifted up over the base weave while the fabric is woven. The base weave holds everything together, while the extra thread stands up as small loops on the surface. It is a simple idea, yet it produces a very different fabric from a flat weave.
Why terry absorbs water
The loops increase the surface of the fabric a great deal and leave room for water between the threads. When you dry yourself, the many small loops pull moisture away from the skin and hold on to it. That is why terry is the obvious choice for towels, bathrobes and anything that has to take up moisture.
More loops, more water
The more and the longer the loops, the more water the fabric can absorb. The towel also becomes heavier, because there is more yarn in it. That is why a thick, full towel feels heavy in the hand, while a thin towel is light to carry and quick to pack away.
What the weight means
The weight is given in grams per square metre and tells you how densely the loops sit in the fabric. A high number means dense, full loops, while a low number means a lighter fabric. The weight is therefore a good place to start when you want to judge one towel and compare it with another.
Heavy or light towel
A heavy towel absorbs more but dries more slowly, because there is more moisture to get rid of. A light towel absorbs less but dries faster and takes up less room in a bag or on a drying rack. What suits you best depends on how you use it. See also Turiform.
Terry and velour
Velour is terry cloth in which the loops have been cut open on one side. That gives a smooth, velvety face that feels different from the soft loops and absorbs a little differently. The loops on the back are still there, so the fabric remains a form of terry, just with two different sides.
How to keep terry soft
Avoid fabric softener, which coats the loops in a film and makes them less receptive to water. Use a moderate amount of detergent instead and rinse well. That helps the loops stay soft and open. Read more about bamboo envelope sheets and home and homewear in bamboo in our categories.
Why new towels absorb poorly
New towels can seem to push water away at first. This is often down to residue from production that still sits on the yarn. Wash the towel once before you use it for the first time. After that most towels take up water better, and the loops get a chance to stand up again.
Frequently asked questions
Why do new towels absorb poorly
There can be residue from production on the yarn that stops water from soaking in properly. Wash the towel once without fabric softener before using it, and it will usually absorb better.
What is velour compared with terry
Velour is terry cloth with the loops cut open on one side. It gives a smooth, velvety face, while the loops on the back stay in the fabric and keep absorbing water.
Why do towels turn hard
It is usually down to lime in the water and residue from fabric softener or detergent in the loops. Use less detergent, skip the softener and rinse well, and the fabric softens again.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
