Man shocked after realising what purpose of embroidery on towels is actually for

The humble towel is one of those everyday objects that we don't pay huge attention to.

Whilst we're doing our daily beauty routines or taking a shower, it might not be something you've ever thought about but now it's a hot topic. Yes, it's now become the subject of a fierce debate online, as people have been discussing why there is a thin and thick part of the towel and what the reason behind the different parts could be.

Nate McGrady, a software engineer, asked the world via social media what the border on towels was for and whether it actually had a purpose.

He wrote: "I’m convinced that it only exists to shrink and make it impossible to fold the towel nicely, causing you to buy another towel."

Ever wondered why the humble towel looks like it does? There's a reason why (Getty Stock Image)

Various suggestions flooded in, including one person's theory as they replied: "Racing stripes. It makes them dry faster."

Another person theorised: "It’s there so the entire towel isn’t soft fluffy and comfortable. Towel manufacturers think we deserve nice things…But not entirely nice."

"It’s just decorative," reasoned another.

One person shared their view that the different border is actually useful and can help us know when it's time to get new ones. They wrote: "It's a tread line. When your towel thins out to that level, it's time to replace your towel. Mileage may vary."

One person online said they had turned to ChatGPT for its explanation and shared: "The marked part of the towel is a decorative and functional border.

"It helps prevent fraying, adds durability, and is often used for branding or design. The "tread line" joke is just a meme and not a real indicator of wear."

Someone else shared their view that the thinner border is actually for helping it hang up to dry: "It's for hanging on the line. A thinner place that clothes pins can pinch and hold."

A towel has a 'border' and no it's not a 'racing stripe' (Getty Stock Image)

However, some answers online were less theory and guesswork, and a bit closer to the truth. One person wrote: "It’s called a dobby weave. It’s maintains structure and prevents curling. It’s also decorative."

A different user said: "It’s called 'The dobby border', and it reinforces the fabric, prevents fraying, adds a decorative touch, and helps with folding. It’s also less absorbent due to its tighter weave."

And experts at American-based Towel Hub have stepped in with their explanation to put an end to all the theories. They've clarified the border is called 'a dobby border' as they explain on their blog: "This subtle design element is more than just decorative - it plays a crucial role in enhancing durability, performance, and overall aesthetic appeal.

"Known as a dobby border, this woven strip helps prevent fraying, improves absorbency, and gives towels a professional, polished look.

"A high-quality dobby border ensures towels retain their shape and effectiveness even after repeated washing and use."