Which Weave Types for Towels & Bath Mats Are the Best?

Today, we’re going to talk about something that appears so simple that most of us never even think about it: the actual weave of the towels and bath mats we use every single day.

But why? A towel is a towel, a bath mat is a bath mat… right?

Well, if it only were that simple.

It’s not just the fabrics, although they do play a huge role. There’s also something we often tend to either forget about (or we simply don’t think about it) - the types of weaves.

Why do some dry in minutes and others take their sweet time? And why does your favourite bath mat keep its shape while the cheaper one curls at the corners like it’s trying to escape your bathroom?

Let’s take a closer look.

Weave Types Summary

We’ll start with a quick reference summary because this might just be all you’ve been looking for – but keep reading, if you want to get into the finer details of each weave type.

Weave Type	Product	Absorbency	Drying Speed	Softness	Durability / Shape Retention	Thickness / Cushion	Grip / Stability	Notes
Terry	Towel	✓✓✓	✓	✓✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	—	Classic terry towel; highly absorbent, slower drying.
Zero Twist Terry	Towel	✓✓✓	✓	✓✓✓	✓	✓✓✓	—	Ultra-soft, very absorbent; works best with high-quality cotton.
Waffle	Towel	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓	✓✓✓	✓	—	Lightweight, quick-drying, less plush than terry.
Ribbed	Towel	✓✓	✓✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	—	Textured, faster drying than terry.
Jacquard	Towel	✓✓	✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	—	Patterned weave; durable, decorative.
Terry	Bath Mat	✓✓✓	✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	✓	Thick mat version; slow drying but very absorbent.
Waffle	Bath Mat	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	✓	Flat, modern design; quick-drying.
Ribbed	Bath Mat	✓✓	✓✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	✓	Channels water well; quicker drying than thick terry.
Loop Pile	Bath Mat	✓✓	✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	Rug-like construction; cushioned and durable.

Terry Cloth

First up is the obvious one - the traditional terry cloth weave. This is what most of us picture when someone says “towel”, whether we know it or not.

The fabric is covered in loops, which are not just decorative - they are designed to absorb water.

The more loops there are (and the longer they are), the more moisture the fabric can hold. High-quality terry-weave fabric feels soft, warm, and substantial, very much like the classic spa-style towel.

The trade-off is drying time. Because of their excellent absorbency, terry can hold so much water, meaning that these bath towels can stay damp much longer, especially in bathrooms with limited ventilation or higher humidity.

Towels: Soft, warm, and highly absorbent; slower drying, particularly in less ventilated bathrooms.
Bath Mats: Thick and cushioned; absorbs surface water well but dries slowly; durable underfoot and comfortable for regular use.

Waffle Weave

And then there’s the waffle. Waffle weave towels are lightweight and structured, with a grid-like texture.

At first glance, they may seem too thin to be effective, but in practice, they absorb well and dry extremely quickly. They tend to do better in smaller bathrooms.

A Brush Lying on a Waffle Textured Face Cloth

Over time, waffle-weave fabrics become softer and more textured as the fabric “relaxes.” The only trade-off? They’re less plush. You won’t get that hotel-spa feel from a waffle weave.

Towels: Lightweight, quick-drying, efficient for smaller bathrooms; less plush than terry.
Bath Mats: Provides surface water absorption and moderate cushioning; low-maintenance, fast-drying, suitable for compact spaces.

Zero Twist

Now, zero twist technology. You may be wondering what is a zero twist towel? Well, let's take a look!

Normally, cotton fibres are twisted together into yarns - simply because twisting makes them stronger.

But if the cotton fibre is long and premium enough, you don’t actually need to twist it. This allows the terry loops to be more open, creating a plush texture that absorbs efficiently without feeling heavy.

We use the very same technology in our collection of bamboo towels!

The combination of long bamboo fibres and zero twist construction creates probably the softest towel you will find, as well as being ultra absorbent, and surprisingly resilient. It dries comfortably fast for a zero twist towel, while still providing a plush, luxurious feel.

The softness makes them the ideal choice for those with sensitive skin, and, not only that, they will also stay soft wash after wash, making them ideal for busier households.

Towels: Soft, absorbent, resilient, dries efficiently; plush feel.
Bath Mats: Soft and cushioned underfoot, absorbent, performance depends on fibre quality and mat thickness.

Jacquard

You know those fabrics with intricate patterns, raised textures, little geometric designs woven straight into it instead of being printed on top? That’s jacquard.

Jacquard towels and bath mats are all about structure and aesthetics. Because the design is woven rather than printed, they’re long-lasting and won’t fade after a few washes.

a stack of jacquard towels

The only thing to keep in mind is that jacquard towels sometimes have one smooth side and one textured side - so they can feel slightly different depending on how you use them. Not a problem when it comes to bath mats, of course.

Towels: Durable, decorative, maintains pattern; slightly varying texture between sides.
Bath Mats: Adds texture and aesthetic interest; absorbency and softness depend on pattern density; durable underfoot.

Ribbed

Ribbed weave has raised lines or ridges running along the fabric, which improve airflow and speed up drying compared with standard terry. The ridges also provide a structured feel under the hand or foot.

Ribbed fabrics balance absorbency, texture, and drying speed, making them practical for frequent use. They maintain their shape and structure over time while offering moderate cushioning.

ribbed organic cotton towels

Ribbed Towels: Absorbent, faster drying than terry, structured yet soft; maintain shape.
Bath Mats: Water channels created by the ribs improve drying; durable, cushioned, hold structure well.

Loop Weave

Loop weave features short, tightly packed loops that create a durable, resilient fabric. Unlike long-loop terry, the tighter loops make the fabric more resistant to snagging and wear, while still providing softness and absorbency.

The structure allows the fabric to retain its shape over time and makes it sturdy enough to handle regular use. Loop weave also provides a cushioned feel underfoot without being overly thick, giving a comfortable and supportive surface.

When made with high-quality fibres, such as organic cotton, loop weave mats combine sustainability, durability, and performance, while remaining gentle on the skin. We use the very same weave type in our organic cotton loop bath mat range.

organic cotton loop bath mat close up

Towels: Less common for body towels, but practical where structure and durability are prioritized; absorbent and maintains shape well.
Bath Mat: Cushioned and resilient underfoot, highly durable, absorbs surface water effectively, and retains its texture and shape over time; our organic cotton looped mats exemplify this combination of comfort, sustainability, and long-term performance.

Fibre Quality Matters More Than You Think

Now, here’s the part most people don’t realise: The fibre itself changes everything.

Organic cotton, for example, often outperforms standard cotton for a simple reason - the fibres are allowed to grow naturally without chemical interference, and longer fibres mean softer, stronger yarns.

Organic cotton towels feel more breathable, last longer, and usually absorb water more efficiently. They also require gentler processing, which is better for your skin and the environment.

It’s one of those small swaps that make a bigger difference than you’d expect. Like switching from disposable wipes to reusable cotton rounds. Or from plastic straws to paper ones. Or from cheap bath mats to something that won’t fall apart after three washes.

Choosing the Right Weave for Your Life

So, are you on the look out for some new luxury bath towels but aren't sure which one should you go for?

It depends on your bathroom, your habits, how patient you are, and whether you’re after “spa luxury” or “functional beauty” - but there is a way you can have both with a diatomite bath mat.

If you prefer the traditional fabric mats - that’s perfectly fine. You just need to ask yourself the right questions:

High-humidity bathroom? Waffle or ribbed - always.
Want that luxurious, hotel-feel? Terry or zero twist towels.
Need something durable for everyday use? Loop weave.
Love patterns and textures? Jacquard.
Want something fast-drying but not too thin? Ribbed again - it’s incredibly underrated.

Make the right choice and upgrade your bathroom decor today!