Terry fabric is a woven or knitted material featuring countless small loops formed during production. These loops create a plush texture and help the fabric hold a significant amount of moisture. Because of this unique construction, terry is widely used wherever softness and absorbency are a priority.
Key Characteristics of Terry Towels
- High absorbency due to looped pile
- Soft texture and cushioning effect
- Good durability when properly constructed
- Breathable and comfortable
- Wash resistance for repeated laundering
Types of Terry Fabric / Terry Towels
1. Based on Pile Construction
a. Single-Sided Terry
- Loops on one side only
- Other side remains flat
- Used in kitchen towels, lightweight towels
b. Double-Sided Terry
- Loops on both sides
- Higher absorbency and bulk
- Common for bath towels and bathrobes
2. Based on Loop Structure
a. Uncut Loop Terry
- Traditional terry towel structure
- Strong and durable
- Excellent absorbency
b. Cut Loop (Velour Terry)
- Loops are cut on one side
- Smooth, velvet-like surface
- Lower absorbency but premium appearance
3. Based on Manufacturing Technique
a. Woven Terry
- Produced on shuttleless looms (rapier or air-jet)
- Most common and durable type
b. Knitted Terry
- Produced on circular or warp knitting machines
- More stretch, less stable
- Used in garments and casual wear
4. Based on End Use
Bath towels
Hand towels
Face towels
Beach towels
Bathrobes
Hotel and institutional towels
Raw Materials Used in Terry Towels
1. Cotton (Most Common)
- Ring-spun cotton
- Combed cotton
- Long-staple cotton (Egyptian, Pima)
2. Blended Fibers
- Cotton + Polyester (cost efficiency, durability)
- Cotton + Bamboo (eco-friendly, antibacterial)
- Cotton + Modal (softness, drape)
Yarn Types Used
- Ground yarn: Forms the base fabric
- Pile yarn: Creates loops; usually softer and finer
Yarn spinning methods:
- Ring-spun yarn (soft, strong)
- Open-end yarn (economical, less soft)
- Zero-twist or low-twist yarn (luxury towels)
Terry Towel Manufacturing Process
1. Yarn Preparation
- Cotton selection and blending
- Spinning (ring/open-end)
- Winding and warping
2. Weaving Process
Terry towels are woven using three sets of warp yarns:
- Ground warp
- Pile warp
- Weft yarn
Pile Formation Methods:
- Fast pick system: Pile yarn moves faster
- Loose pick system: Extra yarn length creates loops
Modern terry weaving uses:
- Rapier looms
- Air-jet looms
3. Grey Fabric Inspection
- Checking loop uniformity
- Detecting broken piles
- Measuring GSM and width
4. Wet Processing (Dyeing & Finishing)
a. Desizing & Scouring
- Removal of impurities
- Improves absorbency
b. Bleaching
- Achieves whiteness
- Prepares fabric for dyeing
c. Dyeing / Printing
- Reactive dyes for cotton
- Yarn-dyed or piece-dyed methods
5. Finishing Operations
- Softening (silicone or eco-softeners)
- Tumble drying
- Shearing (for velour terry)
- Sanforizing (shrinkage control)
6. Cutting & Sewing
- Cutting into towel sizes
- Hemming or overlock stitching
- Label and loop attachment
Quality Parameters of Terry Towels
- GSM (Grams per Square Meter): 350–700 GSM
- Pile height & density
- Absorbency rate
- Color fastness
- Shrinkage (%)
- Tear and tensile strength
Common Defects in Terry Towels
- Broken or pulled loops
- Uneven pile height
- Barre or shading
- Oil stains
- Skewness after washing
Sustainability in Terry Towel Manufacturing
- Organic cotton usage
- Low-liquor ratio dyeing
- Water recycling systems
- OEKO-TEX® and GOTS certification
- Reduced chemical finishing
Applications of Terry Fabric
- Home textiles (bath, hand, face towels)
- Hospitality (hotels, spas)
- Apparel (bathrobes, baby wear)
- Sports and beach accessories
