- Color-coded lines help staff quickly identify towel types without reading tags:
- One stripe = hand towel
- Two stripes = bath towel
- Three stripes = bath sheet
- Some hotels even use brand-colored bands to prevent theft (guests are less likely to steal boldly branded towels).
🧼 3. Hygiene Indicator
- In shared or guest bathrooms, the line gives users a clean visual cue:
- Hang the towel by the banded end
- The lower, untied portion stays off the floor and remains clean for drying.
🧵 4. Weave Reinforcement
- The band is often denser and more tightly woven than the rest of the towel.
- This prevents the top edge from stretching, tearing, or unraveling after repeated washes and tugs.
🎨 5. Aesthetic Tradition
- Over time, the stripe became a classic design element—a subtle nod to vintage, high-quality linens.
- Luxury brands (like Frette or Matouk) often use contrasting colors or embroidery in this band to signal quality.
✅ What to Look For When Buying Towels
- Reinforced bands = better durability
- No loose threads along the stripe = quality stitching
- Loop or tag on the band = easy hanging
💡 Pro Care Tip
Always hang your towel by the banded end—not the middle. This:
- Reduces wear on the body of the towel
- Promotes faster drying (less mildew!)
- Keeps the drying surface clean
❤️ The Bottom Line
That little line isn’t just decoration—it’s a smart, centuries-old detail that blends function, organization, and elegance. So next time you hang your towel, hook it by the stripe… and thank the textile engineers of the past! 🛁🧼✨