People are only just realising what the stripe on bath towels means and it’s blowing their minds 

WE all use towels every day but have you ever wondered what the striped band is for?

It turns out there is a very handy use for the section, and people have been saying they had no idea all this time.

One person sparked a debate after asking on X: “What is the purpose of this part of a towel?

“I’m convinced that it only exists to shrink and make it impossible to fold the towel nicely, causing you to buy another towel.”;

It turns out the band isn’t just there for aesthetic reasons but has a purpose too.

However, many experts have been left divided as to what its primary function is.

One person explained: “The strip of fabric (also called a selvage or dobby border) on a towel serves multiple purposes, including preventing fraying, enhancing durability, improving absorbency, and adding a polished look.”;

Another claimed it also helps to prevent “shrinkage.”;

According to Kidz Herald, it’s a hanging loop.

They explained: “The woven strip found at the ends of most bath towels is more than just a decoration. It serves a practical purpose – it’s a hanging loop!

“This loop allows you to easily hang your towel on a hook, keeping it within arm’s reach and allowing it to air dry after use.

“No more soggy towels left on the bathroom floor!

“Imagine a towel without this nifty loop.

“You’d have to fold it over a rod or drape it on a hook, and it might not dry as quickly.

“The hanging loop is a simple yet ingenious addition that makes your towel more convenient to use and maintain.”;

Posting on Reddit, u/daveyP_ explained that the strip on a bath towel also helps hotels organise them quickly.

He said: “In hotels, when loads of different towels are stacked on top of each other, accommodation services can tell the size of the towel by how many stripes it has (which is easily visible).

“I've worked in a hotel and it blew my mind when I found out”;.

So there you have it, the band isn’t just for a neat look, but also has a purpose too.

Many people replied to the debate, with one saying: “Had no idea.”