Matting

By The Real Towel Editorial Team ·

Quick answer

Pile fibres clumping together flat instead of standing up. Reduces softness and absorbency. Caused by improper drying or wear.

Matting occurs when towel pile fibres clump and lie flat together instead of standing up individually, creating a dense, flat surface.

Causes

Line drying: - Fibres dry pressed together - No mechanical separation - Weight of water pulls pile flat

Overwashing: - Pile breaks down - Fibres tangle

Fabric softener: - Coating makes fibres stick - Reduces pile loft

Age and wear: - Natural degradation - Accumulated damage

Effects

  • Reduced softness
  • Lower absorbency
  • Flat appearance
  • Less pleasant feel

Prevention

  • Tumble dry (or shake vigorously after line drying)
  • Avoid fabric softener
  • Don't overload dryer
  • Use dryer balls

Fixing Matted Towels

  • Tumble dry on high heat
  • Shake vigorously
  • Brush with stiff brush
  • May not fully restore severely matted towels

When It's Permanent

Severe matting from age or damage may be irreversible - the towel has reached end of useful life.

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