the.com/terrycloth
loops of cotton that hug water like they're never letting go
means A thick, absorbent woven fabric with raised loops on one or both sides, used for towels, robes, and anything meant to soak up water.
from The "cloth" half is plain English. The "terry" half is the puzzle: it likely comes from the French tiré, meaning "drawn" or "pulled," describing how the characteristic loops are pulled up from the weave rather than cut flat. The name arose in the 19th century alongside the looped-pile weaving machinery that made the fabric possible.
- the trick
- thousands of uncut loops grab water by surface area
- origin
- terry comes from French tirer, to pull
- weaving feat
- two warp beams loop loose while one stays taut
- absorbency
- holds nearly its own weight in water
- reach
- towels, robes, bibs, and sweatbands all owe it everything
terry cloth bathrobes — absorbent fabric with looped pile invented in turks island, 18th century, standard for spa and hotel robes
terrycloth towels — egyptian cotton terry towels dominate luxury market, frette and sferra produce premium versions