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Terry Cloth

naturalBiodegradable
C

Cotton fabric woven with loops on one or both sides, creating a soft, highly absorbent pile. The standard fabric for towels, bathrobes, and poolside coverups. Some terry is knit rather than woven.

Score Breakdown

62/100
Durability60
Comfort75
Breathability65
Warmth50
Moisture Wicking30
Sustainability55
Care Ease80

Best For

👕Everyday Casual
Excellent

Excellent comfort (75) and easy care (80) for daily wear

👔Formal/Office
Good

Good durability (60) and comfort (75) for office wear

😴Sleepwear
Good

Good comfort (75) and breathability (65) for sleeping

Detailed Use Case Scores

sleep75
everyday60

Pros

  • ✓ Extremely absorbent — the gold standard for drying
  • ✓ Soft and comfortable against skin
  • ✓ Easy to wash and maintain — gets softer with each wash
  • ✓ Affordable and widely available

Cons

  • ✗ Heavy when wet — retains a lot of water weight
  • ✗ Can harbor bacteria if not dried properly
  • ✗ Loops can snag and pull — not the most durable weave
  • ✗ Bulky — takes up storage space and takes long to dry

Care Guide

Washwarm (40°C)
Cyclenormal
Detergentregular
BleachOxygen only
Drytumble medium
Ironmedium
Dry Cleanavoid
SoftenerNo

Special Notes

• Do not use fabric softener — reduces absorbency

• Use vinegar every few washes to restore absorbency

Additional Care Tips

  • • Machine wash warm (40°C/105°F) — hot water for white towels
  • • Tumble dry on medium heat — heat keeps loops fluffy
  • • Do not use fabric softener — coats loops and reduces absorbency
  • • Use white vinegar every 4-5 washes to remove buildup and restore absorbency
  • • Wash towels separately from clothes with hooks/zippers to prevent snagging

Cost

$$$$$

Budget-friendly

Shrinkage

May shrink 2-5% — wash cold

Eco Rating

Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives