Difference Between Terry and Towel

Difference Between Terry and Towel

In-Depth Knowledge

1. Terry
   • Refers to a specific type of fabric or weave characterized by loops of thread on one or both sides of the material.
   • Commonly known as Terrycloth, this fabric is designed for high absorbency due to its looped pile structure.
   • The term “Terry” can describe the raw fabric, used in applications beyond towels, such as bathrobes, washcloths, or sportswear.
2. Towel
   • Refers to a finished product designed for drying or wiping purposes.
   • Can be made from a variety of fabrics, including terry cloth, waffle weave, microfiber, or linen.
   • The primary function of a towel is its absorbency and its ability to wick away moisture effectively.

In-Depth Knowledge – Terry

1. Structure of Terrycloth

• Looped Pile Weave: Terry is woven with extra threads that form loops on the fabric surface, significantly increasing surface area for water absorption.
• Double-Sided Loops: High-quality terrycloth often has loops on both sides, enhancing its absorbency.
• Material Composition: Typically made from cotton, though blends with polyester or bamboo are also common to enhance durability or antimicrobial properties.

2. Manufacturing Process

• Weaving: A ground warp and a pile warp are used. The pile warp threads form loops, while the ground warp and weft threads create the base fabric.
• Types of Terry Weaves:
  • Toweling Weave: Heavier, designed for towels.
  • Velour Terry: One side sheared to create a plush surface while maintaining loops on the other.

3. Applications of Terrycloth

• Bath Linens: Towels, bath mats, and robes.
• Kitchen Use: Dish towels and cleaning rags.
• Apparel: Sweatbands, baby clothes, and sportswear.

In-Depth Knowledge – Towel

1. Types of Towels by Use

• Bath Towels: Larger, absorbent, and soft for drying after a bath or shower.
• Hand Towels: Medium-sized, designed for hand-drying.
• Face Towels (Washcloths): Small, used for facial cleansing.
• Kitchen Towels: Durable, often made from less plush materials like waffle weave or linen.
• Beach Towels: Larger and lighter, often with colorful patterns for outdoor use.

2. Towels Beyond Terry

• Waffle Weave: Lightweight and quick-drying, ideal for travel or humid environments.
• Microfiber Towels: Made from synthetic fibers, offering quick-drying and high absorbency for sports or cleaning.
• Linen Towels: Durable, less plush, and more decorative, often used in kitchens or as guest towels.

3. Quality Indicators for Towels

• GSM (Grams per Square Meter): Higher GSM indicates a denser, more absorbent towel. Terry towels typically range between 400–900 GSM.
• Material: Egyptian or Turkish cotton are preferred for premium towels due to their long-staple fibers.
• Finishing: Double-stitched hems improve durability; combed or ring-spun cotton enhances softness.

Comparison Summary

By understanding “Terry” as a fabric and “Towel” as a product, we see that the two terms are interconnected yet distinct. Terrycloth serves as the foundational fabric for many types of towels but towels themselves can be made from other materials to suit diverse needs.