If you’ve ever used a bath towel, you’ve likely noticed the strip or band of fabric that runs along one or both short edges of the towel.
This narrow, flat strip—typically a different color or made of a different material than the rest of the plush terrycloth—serves several important purposes.
The Origin of Towel Bands
Towel bands date back centuries, to when most towels were made of linen instead of cotton terrycloth. Linen towels would easily fray at the edges with repeated use and washing. To prevent this fraying, women would fold the edges over and sew a strip of fabric along the ends. This process of encasing the raw edges of the fabric is known as hemming. The stitched fabric edging helped reinforce and preserve the life of the towel.
Over time, hemmed ends became standard practice in towel-making. When cotton terrycloth towels were invented in the early 20th century, manufacturers continued to include hemmed bands at the ends. Although modern towels are more durable and less prone to fraying than their linen predecessors, the tradition of the hem lives on.
The Purpose of Towel Bands
These days, the bands along the ends of bath towels serve a blend of decorative and functional purposes:
- Reinforcement – The bands strengthen the edges and help prevent fraying. This adds to the durability and lifespan of the towel.
- Absorption – Terrycloth is very absorbent, while the smooth band fabric is less so. The contrast creates friction that helps absorb water from the body.
- Decoration – Bands liven up the look of a towel and allow for color accents or patterns. This creates a more stylish, premium appearance.
- Identification – Bands distinguish different towels when multiple towels are used in one household.
- Hanging – The flat bands make it easy to hang towels on hooks. The terrycloth alone could slip off hooks.
- Folding – Bands help maintain the towel’s shape and alignment when folding for storage.
So although towel bands have their roots in function, they now offer a mix of form and function. The specific benefits really depend on the towel’s quality and construction.
Types of Towel Bands
Not all towel bands are created equal. Here are some of the main types you may encounter:
Terrycloth Bands
Some towels feature bands made of the same cotton terrycloth fabric as the rest of the towels. The terrycloth band is distinguished by being a different color, but the absorbent texture remains the same. Terrycloth bands offer decoration but less reinforcement.
Herringbone Bands
Herringbone bands have a woven, flat texture without terrycloth loops. The distinctive herringbone weave pattern adds durability and style. It resembles the bones of a fish, with its zig-zag appearance.
Dobby Bands
Dobby bands are similar to herringbone but feature more intricate woven designs in the fabric instead of a simple crisscross pattern. The complex dobby designs make for very decorative stripes.
Cam Bands
Cam bands are plain, narrow, flat woven stripes positioned an inch or so from the edge of the towel. They offer decoration without the absorbency of terrycloth. The simple cam stripe is inexpensive and common.
Hemmed Bands
As mentioned earlier, hemmed bands are created by folding over the edge of the terrycloth and stitching it into place. This encases the raw fabric edge. Hemmed bands are very effective at preventing fraying.
Caring for Towels with Bands
To keep your bath towels looking and functioning at their best, follow these care tips:
- Wash in cold water to avoid shrinkage of the band fabric. Hot water can cause the bands to shrink and pucker.
- Line dry whenever possible. The heat of the dryer can damage fibers and shorten the lifespan of any towel.
- Avoid fabric softener as it leaves a coating that diminishes absorbency, especially on the terrycloth portion.
- Trim loose threads to maintain appearance and prevent further unraveling. Snip any stray threads you notice.
- Buy high-quality towels made of good materials and stitching. These will last much longer than cheaply made towels prone to shedding fibers.
With the proper care and laundering, a quality bath towel with bands could easily last 5-10 years or longer!
The Benefits of Banded Bath Towels
At the end of the day, the bands on bath towels offer a variety of upsides:
- Durability – Bands reinforce towels and prevent early fraying or tearing.
- Absorbency – The terrycloth loop and smooth band combo whisk away moisture.
- Style – Decorative bands lend elegance and visual interest to towels.
- Differentiation – Bands make it easy to identify different towels at a glance.
- Longevity – With proper care, a good banded towel will last for years.
So next time you reach for a bath towel, take a moment to appreciate the humble towel band. This simple detail continues to serve both form and function century after century!
FAQ
Why do my towel bands shrink?
Heat is the enemy of any fabric. If towel bands are shrinking, it’s likely due to washing or drying at excessively high temperatures. Always opt for cooler water when washing and line dry when possible. Avoid overloading the washer or dryer as this can prevent proper cleaning and drying.
Should I buy towels with or without bands?
This comes down to personal preference! Banded towels tend to be slightly more expensive but offer added decoration, absorption, and durability. Bandless towels have a more minimalist look. Consider where the towels will be used and how heavily to determine if bands seem useful or unnecessary.
How do I fold towels with bands?
Folding banded towels takes a bit more care to keep the bands aligned and the towel creases precise. The easiest method is to first fold lengthwise, matching up the bands. Then fold into thirds widthwise. Make the folds right along the bands to keep everything straight.
How can I stop my towel bands from smelling?
Bacteria and mildew cause stinky towel bands. Wash towels regularly in hot water and avoid leaving them wadded up wet for long periods. If smells persist, try soaking the bands in a dilute vinegar solution, then wash as normal. Proper drying is also key to prevent dampness and odor.
Should I strip my banded towels?
Stripping towels by deep cleaning them in a mix of hot water, borax, and washing soda can refresh their absorbency. But it’s harsh on fabrics and hard on bands. Only strip towels occasionally as needed, not routinely. And take extra care to rinse thoroughly and reshape the bands afterward.
Conclusion
Towel bands have been around for generations, originating from the hemmed edges of linen towels long ago. Although bath towels today are made of cotton terrycloth that is less prone to fraying, the tradition of the band lives on.
From reinforcements to decoration, towel bands serve an array of purposes. They add strength and style to towels while aiding with absorption, differentiation, hanging, and folding. With appropriate laundering and care, high-quality banded bath towels can provide years of service. Their versatile design combines both fashion and function into one quality household essential.
