Terry fabric, commonly known as terry cloth, is a woven fabric known for its unique looped pile that provides excellent absorbency and a soft touch. The term “terry” comes from the French “tiré,” meaning “to pull out,” reflecting the fabric’s looped pile construction.
| Fiber Source | Primarily cotton; can include silk, polyester, and other fibers |
| Weaving Patterns | Woven with uncut loops (pile), using two warp beams |
| Dominant Colors | Wide variety, easily dyed or printed |
| Texture Spectrum | Extra fluffy, absorbent, soft; loop piles give a distinctive texture |
| Breathability Index | High, especially in cotton-based varieties |
| Strength & Longevity | Durable, stronger when wet; varies with type of Terry |
| Maintenance Needs | Generally machine washable, shrinks initially, avoid fabric softeners |
| Primary Applications | Towels, robes, baby apparel, sportswear, household linens |
| Ecological Impact | Cotton-based Terry is eco-friendlier than synthetic variants |
| Major Exporters | Global production, historically significant in England |
| Comparable Fabrics | Microfiber, due to similarities in texture and use |
Terry fabric was first made in the 1840s, and by 1848 it became widely popular due to the British textile industrial revolution. Initially made from silk, cotton soon became the preferred material for its absorbency and durability, especially when wet.
1. Types of Terry Fabric
A study focusing on the constructional parameters of terry fabric suggests that factors such as fabric contraction, weight per square meter, and yarn ratios significantly affect the fabric’s quality. Mathematical models developed from this research can aid in optimizing terry fabric production for specific applications
Terry Cloth (Towel Terry)
This is the most common type of terry cloth, featuring loops on both sides of the fabric. It’s highly absorbent and is commonly used for towels, bathrobes, and similar products.
A set of high-top sneakers from the Nike brand, in red and black, styled after the Air Jordan I series, and commonly referred to as the “Notorious” Air Jordan I. These sneakers feature insoles crafted from foam, topped with white terry cloth, and adorned near the heel with the red text “NIKE / AIR”.
This white cotton terry robe and belt were used by Muhammad Ali while training in 1980 at Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, for a fight against Larry Holmes.
Characteristics: Loops on both sides, highly absorbent.
French Terry
French terry has loops on one side and a smooth surface on the other. This type of terry fabric is often found in apparel like sweatshirts, hoodies, and athleisure wear. French terry is appreciated for its comfort, and it can be made from various materials, including blends with spandex for added stretch.
Features: Loops on one side, smooth on the other.
Terry Velour
Similar to French terry, terry velour has a smooth, velvety side and a looped side. It’s known for its plush feel and is often used for luxurious towels and bathrobes.
Texture: One side smooth and velvety, one side looped.
Material Diversity
Terry fabric is not just limited to cotton; it can also be made from other materials like silk, linen, polyester, and various blends. Each material adds different qualities to the fabric, such as strength, flexibility, and absorption capacity.
- Beyond Cotton: Includes materials like silk, linen, polyester, and blends.
- Cotton Terry Cloth: Renowned for significant water absorbency.
2. Practical Applications of Terry Fabric
Regarding its practical uses, terry fabric is versatile. Apart from the well-known towels and bathrobes, it’s also used in sportswear like sweatbands, as well as in home textiles like kitchen towels and cleaning cloths.
Skin-Friendly Quality: Offers a soft and comfortable texture.
3. Care and Maintenance of Terry Fabric
In terms of care, terry fabric is generally durable and easy to maintain. Most terry items can be machine washed and tumble dried, although it’s advisable to avoid high heat to prevent damage to the loops.
The wetting phenomenon of terry fabrics reveal that the absorption process and the rate of water spread on the fabric surface are influenced by various factors like fabric composition, processing methods, and structural characteristics.
4. Unique Features of Terry Fabric
Studies have developed new methods to objectively evaluate the ‘hand’ (feel) of terry fabric, considering factors like fabric weight, thickness, and surface properties. These evaluations show a strong correlation between these physical properties and the subjective perception of the fabric’s feel.
- High Absorbency: Enhanced by the looped pile.
- Strength in Moisture: Ideal for items exposed to water.
- Variability in Weight: GSM measurement influences absorbency and feel.
- Color and Weight Options: Available in various weights and colors.
5. Extended Uses and Sewing Tips
Innovations and Handling
- Infant Products: Suitable for baby bibs and hooded towels.
- Sportswear Applications: Used in sweatbands and headbands.
- Home Textile Uses: Applicable for kitchen towels and cleaning cloths.
Sewing and Fabric Care
- Handling Tips: Requires sharp cutting tools and special seam techniques.
- Fabric Maintenance: Best washed in a gentle cycle, avoiding fabric softeners.
Producing highly absorbent terry fabric is the ultimate goal of the textile technologists in the industry which can be achieved by using longer, finer and hydrophilic fibre to produce soft, bulky, low twisted fine ring-spun pile yarn; further producing terry fabric having high loop density, optimum loop length, high thread density and loop shape factor.
Terry fabric, with its looped pile, is not only highly absorbent but also soft to the touch, making it a popular choice for various applications. Its history, starting with silk and evolving predominantly to cotton, along with its adaptation into types like French terry and terry velour, highlights its versatility and enduring popularity. This fabric balances luxury and practicality, ensuring its continued relevance in different textile applications.