Have you ever stopped to think about why certain everyday items look the way they do? Most of us go through life without giving a second thought to the little details. But once someone raises a question about them, it’s like a light bulb goes off—and suddenly, you can’t stop thinking about it.

Take jeans, for example. Have you ever wondered why they have those tiny metal studs? Or why Coca-Cola tastes so much better from a McDonald’s cup than it does straight out of a can? These are the types of things we often chalk up to “just the way things are.”

Now, another everyday mystery has sparked a full-blown debate online: the mysterious lines on towels.

Yep, we’re talking about those slightly raised sections that run along the shorter edge of many bath towels. You’ve probably seen them a million times—maybe you’ve even folded a towel along those lines without realizing they were anything special. But it turns out, people on the internet have some pretty wild theories about why they’re there.

A Simple Question Sparks a Viral Debate

It all started when one Twitter user posted a photo of a towel and asked, “What is the purpose of this part of a towel?” That simple question opened the floodgates.

Before long, Twitter and Reddit were overflowing with comments from people who had never thought about it before—but suddenly needed answers. Some of the responses were downright hilarious. One person joked that the lines work like the tread on a car tire. According to their theory, when your towel starts wearing thin and the weave drops to the level of the line, it’s time to replace it. “Mileage may vary,” they quipped.

Another user took a more cynical view, suggesting that the lines are there simply to shrink differently from the rest of the towel, making it impossible to fold neatly. In their view, the frustration eventually drives you to buy a brand-new towel.

So, What’s the Real Reason?

Amid all the jokes and wild ideas, a few people shared a much more practical explanation—one that actually makes a lot of sense.

According to several users, those lines are part of what’s known in the textile world as a “dobby weave” or “dobby border.” It’s a special type of weave that serves multiple purposes: it helps reinforce the towel’s structure, keeps the edges from curling, and prevents the fabric from fraying. Plus, it adds a decorative element to an otherwise plain towel.

One commenter explained it this way: “It’s called a dobby weave. It maintains structure and prevents curling. It’s also decorative.”

Another chimed in to add: “It’s called the dobby border, and it reinforces the fabric, prevents fraying, adds a decorative touch, and helps with folding. It’s also less absorbent due to its tighter weave.”

Even the Experts Weigh In

The dobby border theory gained even more credibility when towel wholesaler Towel Hub jumped into the conversation. In a statement to The New York Post, the company confirmed the explanation.

“Known as a dobby border,” Towel Hub explained, “this woven strip helps prevent fraying, improves absorbency, and gives towels a professional, polished look.”

So, the next time you’re folding laundry and you notice those lines, you’ll know they’re there for a reason—more than just making your towel look nice. They help extend the life of your towels and make them easier to use.

But Wait—There’s Another Theory

For those still unconvinced by the dobby border explanation, there’s yet another theory floating around on Reddit. One user suggested that the lines make it easier to hang towels on a clothesline without leaving marks from the clothespins.

While this idea hasn’t been confirmed by textile experts, it’s a pretty clever theory—and it just goes to show how something as simple as a towel can spark endless debate.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, whether you believe in the tire tread theory, the cynical “buy a new towel” idea, or the more grounded dobby weave explanation, one thing’s for sure: those lines aren’t random. They’re there for a purpose, and now you know a little more about why.

So the next time you grab a towel, maybe give a little nod to the design features you once overlooked. After all, it’s the small things that often make life more interesting!