Understanding Towel Weaves

A Guide to Towel Weaves: Discover the Craft Behind Imabari Towels

When choosing a towel, softness and absorbency are often the top priorities—but what many people don’t realize is that the weave of a towel plays a major role in how it feels, performs, and dries. In Imabari, Japan’s leading region for towel production, generations of artisans have refined techniques that result in towels of unmatched comfort, function, and beauty.

At IORI, we design and produce our own line of Imabari towels, combining time-honored craftsmanship with thoughtful innovation. Every towel we create is the result of careful material selection, precise weaving, and a deep respect for everyday comfort. Whether you prefer a towel that’s plush and luxurious or light and quick-drying, understanding the different types of weaves can help you choose the perfect one for your needs—and elevate even the simplest daily routine.


Pile Weave – The Classic Absorbent Towel

Best for: Daily bathing, drying off after showers, plush comfort

Key Characteristics:

  • Exceptional softness and fluffiness

  • High absorbency due to looped yarns

  • Gentle on the skin, durable for everyday use

The pile—or terry—weave is the most traditional and widely used style in towels. It features loops of yarn that stand upright from the base fabric, creating a plush surface with maximum surface area to absorb water. Imabari pile towels are especially known for their softness and performance, offering a comforting experience every time you dry off.

If absorbency is your top priority, this is the ideal weave—perfect after a bath, shower, or even a dip in the pool.

Shop Iori's Imabari Towel LOTUS Collection



Gauze Weave – Lightweight and Breathable
Best for: Quick drying, sensitive skin, babies, kitchen use, travel and outdoor use

Key Characteristics:

  • Highly breathable and fast-drying

  • Lightweight and easy to pack

  • Smooth texture is gentle on delicate skin

  • Ideal for hand-drying, baby care, and household use

Gauze towels feature a flat, airy weave that feels cool and smooth. Their breathability allows them to dry quickly, making them especially useful in kitchens or humid climates. Because of their thinness and gentle texture, they’re also a popular choice for baby towels or those with sensitive skin.

Over time, gauze towels become softer with each wash—offering a cozy yet refined touch that fits into any routine.

Shop IORI's MOMO Gauze Imabari Towel Collection



Gauze-Pile Blend – A Versatile Hybrid Towel
Best for: Versatile home use for those who want both softness and quick drying

Key Characteristics:

  • One side is plush and absorbent (pile), the other is smooth and breathable (gauze)

  • Balances quick drying and softness

  • Lightweight and less bulky than traditional pile towels

  • Great for everyday use or as a thoughtful gift

This blend is relatively rare outside Japan and is a testament to Imabari’s innovative approach to towel-making. By combining gauze and pile, these towels offer the best of both worlds—lightweight and quick to dry, yet soft and absorbent when you need it most.

It’s a smart, multifunctional choice for families, travelers, or anyone who values versatility and comfort.

Shop IORI's Imabari Towel UMI Gauze-Pile Collection



Waffle Weave – Textured, Quick-Drying, and Stylish
Best for: Interior design, quick drying, those who prefer texture and minimal lint

Key Characteristics:

  • Fast-drying, airy structure

  • Minimal lint shedding

  • Lightweight but still highly absorbent

Waffle towels are woven with a raised grid-like pattern that adds dimension and charm. They dry quickly like gauze towels, but with added structure and visual appeal. IORI’s waffle towels are made with highly absorbent cotton, giving them impressive performance in a surprisingly light form.

They’re ideal for those who want a towel that performs well and looks beautiful hanging in the bathroom.

Shop IORI's Imabari Waffle Towel Collection

How to Choose the Right Towel for You

Each towel weave offers its own unique experience. For softness and absorbency, we recommend a classic pile towel. If you need something that dries fast and feels light, gauze or waffle towels are excellent choices. Want the benefits of both? A gauze-pile blend gives you absorbency and breathability in one.

No matter which you choose, each towel from IORI is a reflection of thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship.

Explore the World of Imabari Towels at IORI

At IORI, we’re proud to bring the heritage of Imabari towel-making to people around the world. From everyday essentials to special occasion gifts, our collection includes a variety of weaves to suit every preference. Browse our selection to find the towel that fits your lifestyle—and discover how something as simple as a towel can bring a little more comfort, care, and beauty into your day.

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