Many people notice the woven lines near the ends of towels without realizing they have a purpose. These sections, called dobby borders, are more than decoration—they reinforce the towel, helping it keep its shape and reducing stretching and fraying after repeated washes.
Because dobby borders have a tighter, flatter weave, they are less absorbent than the soft terry cloth in the center. Their main role is durability and structure, while the fluffy middle section does most of the drying.