Terry Cloth Has Loops on Purpose
Terry is fabric with uncut loops on its surface. The loops are what make a towel absorbent.
Terry is a fabric woven with raised uncut loops on one or both sides, used chiefly for towels. The loops are the whole point: they multiply the surface area many times over, so a terry towel absorbs several times its own weight in water. Cutting the loops produces velour, which looks smoother but absorbs less. The name may come from French *tiré*, drawn or pulled, describing the loops drawn up during weaving.
- Looped fabric. *Terry cloth.*
- Towelling — the British term. *Towelling.*
- Velour — cut loops. *Velour.*
- Pile — the raised surface. *A deep pile.*
- French — *tiré*, drawn. *Probable source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | terry | Terry. |
| Compound | terry cloth | Terry cloth. |
| British | towelling | Towelling. |
| Related | velour | Velour. |
| French | tiré | Drawn. |
- The bathrobe is thick terry cloth.Fabric.
- The loops make it absorbent.Function.
- Cutting them produces velour.Contrast.
Why loops absorb
- Loops multiply surface area many times over
- Capillary action draws water up between fibres
- Longer loops hold more water but dry more slowly
- GSM — grams per square metre, the usual quality measure
- Cut loops become velour, softer but less absorbent
Of uncertain origin, possibly from French *tiré*, drawn or pulled, from *tirer*, to draw.
Why do towels have loops?
The loops multiply the surface area, so far more water can be drawn up between the fibres by capillary action.
What is the difference between terry and velour?
Velour is terry with the loops cut. It feels smoother but absorbs noticeably less.