This Is Why the Edge of Every Bath Towel Is Always Hard

What is more luxurious than a bath towel that is wide, puffy, pleasant, and soft after a hot shower following a hectic office day? Bath towel sets have a pristine, luxurious feel to them.

Nevertheless, every towel, irrespective of how soft it is, has a sharp, narrow edge. About an inch from either end is where it is.

What function do those strips even serve? Here is the answer you were unaware of.

Weaving Technique

Although you might not consider it frequently, the ability to dry off with plush bath towels is a luxury. The situation was substantially different two hundred years ago. The suppleness of terry fabric has not yet been felt. 

In actuality, this substance was only created in 1841. The type of weaving used to create terry fabric uses hundreds of loops of woven cotton that extend upward and downward. Additionally, a towel can soak up more water the bigger those loops are.

For Wealthy People

In the past, this revolutionary invention was only accessible to the wealthy. In those days, cotton was significantly more expensive for the common people. When you were a simple farmer or citizen, you had to be content if you had scrubs or some piece of linen fabric to dry yourself with. 

As terry towels spread in popularity, consumers noticed that prolonged use caused the edges to unwind at the short ends. Therefore, housewives used a traditional sewing technique known as the double hem. They stitched the entire thing back on after turning the ragged sides inward twice.

Finished Edges

This fantastic solution has always been present. A few inches from the end, the double hem naturally gave towels those unmistakable hem edges. For greater robustness, these were frequently stitched a little thicker.

Later, it was discovered that these characteristic borders were perfect for adding decorative stitching, such as designs or names.

Unnecessary, but Remained!

Compared to two centuries before, the hem edges are no longer at all needed. We have already purchased a second stack of brand-new bath towels, even before the edges begin to fray. 

Even on hand towels, this custom is still practiced since the thick bands have a good appearance and remind people of freshly-laundered towels. 

Towels will remain a luxury home furniture as they have always been, even hundreds of years ago. They do indeed need to be replaced more often than in the past, but it is not a big deal. You can easily find good-quality, cheap bath towels in any wholesale or discount store!