What is terry cloth?

Terry cloth is a knit fabric that is defined by the loops of fibre that are woven in two different directions: vertical and horizontal. It is made by using two warp beams, one is the ground warp, and the other is a pile warp which creates the loops.

Terry cloth is well known for its water absorbency abilities, making it perfect for bathrobes, towels and household linens. It’s made out of thousands of small loops and they can absorb several times their weight in water. However, terry cloth is not limited to household linens as it has also gained popularity in modern-day clothing.

Types of terry cloth

Towel terry

Towel terry is the most common type of terry cloth. It has the same texture on both sides with long loops that are designed to absorb moisture. It’s commonly used for towels, bathrobes, and washcloths. Did you know cotton terry can absorb 20 to 30 times its own weight in water?

The loops create a soft and fluffy texture designed to pull away water, making it ideal for drying off after a shower. There’s even “long loop terry” with extra long loops for maximum absorbency.

French terry

French terry, in contrast to towel terry, has two different sides: one is smooth and flat, while the other has the traditional "looped" terry. French terry fabric is frequently used in clothing, primarily for sweatshirts, joggers, casual clothing or sportswear where the soft yarns are on the inside. Here’s an example of French terry pants and as you can see, the outside part is smooth.

This fabric is ideal for providing warmth during fall and winter, while also keeping you cool in the spring and summer. A cool characteristic of French terry is that each side can be a different colour. At Miik, we use modal for our French terry fabrics.

Terry velour

Similar to French terry in terms of having different sides, terry velour’s smooth side feels velvety and is normally more plush compared to both towel and French terry. It is usually made of cotton or polyester and adds a classier, more expensive look which is why it is used heavily in fancy bathrobes.

The key difference between velour and towel terry is that it does not absorb as much water compared to towel terry.

What kind of fabric is terry?

While terry cloth is traditionally woven from cotton, it can also be crafted from various materials such as silk, linen, bamboo, modal, polyester, and other synthetic fibres and blends.

Benefits of terry cloth

1. Absorbency: Terry cloth is highly absorbent due to the loops as they are specifically designed to pull away water. This makes them perfect for towels, bathrobes, and cleaning cloths. 
2. Soft and durable: Terry cloth is known for its softness and durability and can withstand repeated use and washing.
3. Easy care and maintenance: They can be washed over and over again without losing their shape or absorbency. 
4. Eco-friendly: Bamboo or modal terry fabric is made from sustainable sources and is eco-friendly. 

Terry cloth colours and weights

Terry cloth is super versatile and can be found in every colour and weight you can imagine, making it a staple in the fashion, hospitality and athletics industries. But terry cloth is not limited to these industries, it can also be used in cleaning supplies and baby items. With the abundance of colours and weights, it’s not surprising that you can find at least one terry cloth in every household.

There are so many reasons to love terry fabrics, from moisture-wicking abilities to their soft and plushy feel, this versatile fabric is a staple in every home. Now that you’re familiar with different types of terry cloths, it will be easier to know which one is more suitable for your needs, whether it’s for fashion or not.

With much love,

Your Miik team 🤍