Why don't they exist on every bath towel? One Apartment Therapy reader reminded us in the comments on yesterday's Aarikka towel clip post that some bath towels already have a loop sewn in for hanging on hooks...
That jogged our memory to our Marimekko set - the only bath towels we've ever owned with the nifty detail. The towel's fabric label is sewn diagonally into a corner, creating a loop that's perfect for hanging the towel on space-saving hooks instead of bars. No slipping off and no towel clip required. Plenty of tea towels have a corner loop for hanging them up, and we'd like to see the heavier bath towel follow suit.
Apartment Therapy reader, the polish chick, also points out that it's quite easy to sew loops into bath towels that don't already have them. We can imagine it would be and we're going to have to give this a try.
Does anyone have recommendations of other bath towel brands that have a hanging loop sewn in? We'd love to compile a list of go-to sources we can depend on for this thoughtful design move. (Thanks, the polish chick!) Images: Marimekko
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Comments (14)
My IKEA bath towels set the tag center on the long side, creating a loop for hanging, and the hand towels have a loop sewn in. When I finally figured this out I was beside myself with joy. Best idea ever.
I buy the SAXON hand towels from Ikea, specifically because the ribbon tag acts as a sewn in loop! (and they are cheap) The loop is centered on the long edge.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20064208
I have had both the Ikea towels with the tag loop on the long side and the corner label loop and the long side. The Ikea format is vastly superior. The corner one only works on really small towels or towels hung on hooks that are high on a wall.
It would seem that including a hanging loop would be a no-brainer for towel manufacturers, but it's surprising how many (esp. among the so-called high end) neglect this feature. Life is too short to spend sewing loops on your own towels, IMHO! Bravo IKEA (and Marimekko, and anyone else who's doing this), you've done it again: simple, sensible, affordable design.
Tommy Hilfiger bath towels have loops sewn into the short side of the rectangle -- but you'd have to hang the hooks pretty high up on the wall in order to use them without having the towels drag on the floor!
Am I one step behind? (Quite possible) --
I googled Marimekko the other day and came up with a website called Finnstyle.com, based in Minneapolis. They carry a great selection of Marimekko everything, and also have hanging clips for towels, wraps, laundry, whatever. Are these the Aarika clips you mentioned, or something else?
Anyway, I plan to get some from Finnstyle.com a.s.a.p. to accomodate a coming raft of guests.
A related question -- does anyone have a good idea for a small laundry bag for a guest bathroom and a tactful way to encourage people to put towels and washclothes that they want washed in it? Not enough floor space for a hamper, and if there is anything I personally like, it's a clean towel, so I'd like to keep my guests supplied.
Yes, I was one step behind. The Aarika clips are the same I found on my own.
Haha, I like how 3 people have already mentioned the genius of Ikea handtowels having loops!
It's one of the main reasons I keep buying them instead of the more expensive, fluffier ones...I hate the thought of them slipping off the hook and falling to the floor. Eww!
Interesting.
I live in Europe and I have hardly ever seen a towel without that thing. I was suprised to learn that it was not standard all over the world, but at least that explains why you would find it on Marimekko (finish) and IKEA (swedish):
quick DIY project for lacking towels
austinsarah, ikea used to have a super cute laundry bag that even has a hanging loop. it's white canvas with green detailing. i can't seem to find it so maybe it's discontinued but their website isn't always perfect. good luck.
There is a pattern in the Amy Butler sewing book " In Stiches" that adds a band of fabric and loop to towels. They are super cute and look pretty easy to make!
I had laundry labels made with our last name on them back when my kids were swimming and going to camps. etc. They came in a ribbon-like roll.
I sewed all the tags in the camp clothes and towels so they could be hung on hooks. Everything dried and stayed off the floor of locker rooms and sandy platform tents. It was also a good way to have a chance at getting their towel returned if it was left behind.
I had a bunch left over and used them for college towels, too. Who wants your towel to fall onto a dorm shower room floor? eeewww.
What is the benefit to towel loops? Saving space? I get that you can then use pegs instead of towel bars, but does that provide better drying? I used to hang my towels from a hook and found that parts of it took about a day to dry-- bars seem to do a better job.