Fabrics & Fibres
What Is a Waffle Towel?
Published on 11/09/2026
What is a waffle towel? It is one of the questions that comes up most often when comparing bath textiles, especially against cotton terry, the most familiar towel in the home. The weave is also known as honeycomb, a name it owes to the small squares it forms, which resemble the cells of a honeycomb.
What Is Waffle Weave and How Is It Made?
Waffle is a cotton fabric with a structure of small raised squares, created in the weaving itself rather than added afterwards. That structure leaves pockets of air between the fibres, which reduces the weight of the towel without reducing its absorbency.
Where the Name Comes From: a Honeycomb Texture
Its other name, honeycomb, refers to the texture of the cloth, which recalls the cells of a honeycomb. This structure is what sets a waffle towel visibly apart from a terry towel, with its characteristic loops.
The Material: Cotton in a Waffle Weave
Most waffle towels are made in cotton, the same material as traditional terry. What changes is not the material but the way it is woven: a flat, light structure as opposed to the bulk of terry.
What Are the Benefits of Waffle Towels?
Waffle weave has specific advantages over terry in certain situations.
Light and Low in Bulk
With no terry loops, a waffle towel weighs less and takes up less room in a suitcase or a linen cupboard, a clear advantage for travel towels.
Quick Drying
The flat structure of the weave holds less moisture than terry, so the towel dries sooner after each use. This is why it is so often found in beach towels and in spas.
High Absorbency With Less Bulk
Despite its lightness, waffle keeps a high absorbency thanks to the structure of the cloth, which holds moisture at the surface rather than in its depth, as terry does. That is why it is more widely used in summer: it is less heavy and therefore more pleasant against the skin when temperatures are high.
What Is the Difference Between a Terry Towel and a Waffle Towel?
The choice between the two depends on how the towel will be used. These are the main differences:
| Feature | Waffle | Terry |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light | Heavier |
| Drying | Fast | Slower |
| Absorbency | High absorbency | Very high, with more bulk |
| Feel | Smooth, low bulk | Plush and springy |
| Recommended use | Travel, spa, summer | Everyday bathroom use |
For everyday use at home, terry is still the best choice for its plush feel. For travel, for summer or as a pool or beach towel, waffle offers more lightness without giving up excellent absorbency.
What Are Waffle Towels Used For?
Waffle towels are used above all as summer towels, whether for the pool, the beach or simply the warmer months, because their lightness feels more pleasant against the skin when temperatures rise. They are also very common in spas and as a light set for travel. And they serve as hand towels or guest towels in guest bathrooms, where the low bulk of the weave is an advantage over traditional terry when towels are changed often.
How to Care for and Wash Waffle Towels
Waffle can be machine washed at home as easily as cotton terry. It needs no fabric softener to keep its feel, since its lightness depends on the structure of the weave rather than on the bulk of the fibre. Air drying helps it keep its colour and quality over time.
You can see our waffle towel set, with its specifications and personalisation options, or the rest of the bathroom collection in our bath linen section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when a towel is waffle weave?
It means the fabric has a structure of small raised squares, like a honeycomb, instead of the loops that characterise terry. This structure makes the towel lighter, quicker to dry and less bulky than an equivalent terry towel.
Are waffle towels made of cotton?
Yes, most are made in cotton, the same material usually used for terry towels. The difference lies in how the fibre is woven, not in the material: a flat, textured structure as opposed to the bulk of traditional terry.
Which is better, a terry towel or a waffle towel?
It depends on the use. Terry offers more softness and body for everyday bathing at home. Waffle weighs less, dries faster and takes up less space, so it is the better option for travel, summer, the beach or the spa.
Do waffle towels absorb water well?
Yes. They absorb a great deal despite their low bulk, because the structure of the weave holds moisture at the surface.
Are waffle towels good for the beach, the pool or the spa?
Yes. They are one of the most common choices for beach, pool and spa towels because they are light, dry quickly and take up little space when stored, all without compromising their absorbency.
