Have you ever noticed those horizontal strips or bands near the ends of hotel towels? You might have assumed they’re just for decoration — a little extra design to make the towel look elegant or classy.
But in reality, those strips serve a very practical purpose, especially in commercial settings like hotels, spas, and resorts. Once you understand their function, you’ll never look at towels the same way again.
So, what exactly are those strips?
The strips — often called dobby borders or decorative bands — are woven into the towel fabric using a tighter weave or different texture than the rest of the towel. You’ll typically find one or two of these bands about 4 to 6 inches from each end.
They’re smooth, flat, and less absorbent than the fluffy terry loops on the rest of the towel. While they may look like a stylistic choice, they were originally added with functionality in mind.
