We use a towel on our face every day, yet rarely stop to consider what makes it soft, absorbent or quick to dry. Japanese manufacturer OBORO has been exploring these questions for more than a century. Fine cotton yarns, thoughtful fabric construction and careful processing give its towels their distinctive qualities. Here is a closer look at the brand’s history and what to consider when choosing a towel for your face or body.
A story that began with an artist’s idea
OBORO was founded in 1908 in Tsu, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Its founder, Shozaburo Morita, was both a businessman and a master of Japanese painting. His wish to decorate everyday fabric with illustrations led him to develop a distinctive dyeing technique called Oboro-zome. From the outset, aesthetics went hand in hand with a towel’s practical purpose: absorbing water, being comfortable to wash with and easy to wring out.
Another important part of the story involves the medical gauze used by geisha. According to the manufacturer, its absorbency alone was not enough, so after several years of experimentation, gauze was combined with terry towelling. In 1927, OBORO began mass production of this double-sided construction. Two different surfaces came together in a single towel, with careful attention to how the fabric felt against the skin.
What makes a towel soft and light
A towel’s feel depends on yarn thickness, weave density and surface structure. Terry fabric uses pile yarns alongside the lengthwise and crosswise yarns that form its base. During weaving, the pile yarns form loops that rise above the base. These give the fabric its fluffy feel and increase the surface area that can come into contact with water.
Many OBORO products use fine yarns and a more open fabric structure. Space between the yarns allows air to circulate, helping the towel feel both soft and light. The manufacturer associates this construction with easier wringing and faster drying. Actual drying time also depends on room humidity, ventilation and how the towel is hung.
Each range puts this principle into practice in its own way. Suhada stands out for its exceptionally fine yarns and light, gentle touch. All in One features a Wave Pile surface: alternating fine yarns of different thicknesses create undulating loops that give the fabric a fluffy feel and subtle texture. When choosing, consider which texture feels most comfortable to you.
Oboro-zome patterns and moonlight through mist
The Oboro-zome technique adds colour to the crosswise yarns of the fabric, known as the weft. Yarns prepared in different ways absorb dye differently, creating a soft pattern in the woven fabric that seems to appear through mist.
The pattern looks muted when the towel is dry and becomes clearer when wet. The manufacturer compares this change to moonlight emerging from mist, explaining the origin of the OBORO name. This dyeing method was patented in 1908.
You can experience this tradition in the Omotenashi towel. One side is light gauze and the other is terry, so the same pattern looks different on each surface. Kimono-inspired packaging complements the design. Oboro-zome applies to models patterned using this technique; the plain-coloured Suhada and All in One ranges have their own distinctive qualities.
Care at every stage, from weaving to final inspection
OBORO pays close attention to fabric preparation. The manufacturer bleaches the fabric after weaving to remove impurities and substances used in the weaving process. The aim is to bring out cotton’s natural absorbency. According to the manufacturer, bleaching takes around two days; properly prepared fabric then takes up colour more evenly.
After dyeing, the fabric is washed repeatedly in hot and cold water to remove residual dye and other substances used in production. Once dry, it is cut, the towel edges are hemmed and labels are attached. Final checks cover dimensions, weight, fabric defects and thread finishing. Before dispatch, the products also pass through a needle detector.
What we saw during our visit to the OBORO factory
The Beža team had the opportunity to see this production process first-hand. In Mie Prefecture, we were welcomed by the founder’s great-grandson and the factory managers. We watched the weaving, fabric processing and final inspections, and discussed yarn structure and colour development.
Alongside newer equipment, we saw older looms and, at the end of the production process, people carefully inspecting each towel. The visit helped us understand how many individual decisions go into the light, soft fabric we hold in our hands every day.
How to choose an OBORO towel
Start by deciding how you will use it: to dry your face, hands, body or hair, to wash with, or to carry with you every day. Then compare the dimensions and surface texture. Small and large models from the same range serve different purposes, even when they share the same approach to fabric construction.
| Model and dimensions | Use and fabric feel |
|---|---|
Suhada Face Towel
30 × 85 cm |
For drying your face every day. Exceptionally fine yarns give it a soft, lightweight feel. |
Suhada Bath Towel
65 × 130 cm |
For use after a shower or bath. A larger, lightweight towel for gently drying the body. |
All in One Face Towel
32 × 90 cm |
For the face when you prefer a fluffy terry surface. The Wave Pile structure combines a plush feel with lightness. |
All in One Bath Towel
60 × 120 cm |
For drying the body after washing. The soft, fluffy surface absorbs moisture when gently pressed against the skin. |
Omotenashi
32 × 90 cm |
For the hands or face. Choose between the gauze and terry sides; a traditional pattern and kimono-inspired packaging complete the design. |
Senpatsu Hair Towel
33 × 100 cm |
For drying hair after washing. The fluffy Fuwafuwa surface absorbs moisture, while its long shape makes it easy to wrap around the head. |
Senshin Wash Towel
33 × 90 cm |
For washing the face and body with a cleanser. Three-layer Harmony Gauze helps create a lather. Use a separate towel to dry your skin afterwards. |
Hyakunen Kiwami Hand Towel
32 × 32 cm |
For drying your hands every day. Exceptionally fine yarns and Double Pile construction give it a fluffy, lightweight feel, while its compact size is convenient for travel. |
Pocket Towel
10 × 30 cm |
For drying your hands or wiping away perspiration when out and about. Its narrow shape folds into thirds to fit neatly into a pocket or handbag. |
Smart Towel Scarf
25 × 110 cm |
A lightweight, absorbent scarf for walks, travel or exercise. Three-layer cotton gauze and a crinkled texture provide softness and breathability. |
All models in the table are made in Japan from 100% cotton. If you are choosing a towel as a gift, consider the recipient’s preferences as well as the colour and packaging: would they enjoy a fluffy touch or a lightweight, double-sided texture?
Everyday use and care
After washing, gently press the towel against your skin and let it absorb the moisture. There is no need to rub vigorously. It is useful to keep a separate towel for your face and spread it out after use so the fabric can dry.
- Follow the care label. The washing and drying instructions on the label are the main guide to caring for your particular model.
- Wash separately at first. New fabric may release some lint or a little dye.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Fabric softeners can reduce absorbency.
- Use a laundry bag. This is recommended in the care instructions for these products.
- Hang up immediately after the spin cycle. Spread the towel out in a well-ventilated place and follow the instructions on the label.
The best way to appreciate an OBORO towel is to use it: notice how it feels against your skin, absorbs moisture and fits into your daily routine. Choosing the right size and a texture you enjoy will help you find a towel that is comfortable to use every day.
Compare OBORO towel sizes, colours and fabric qualities.
Explore the OBORO CollectionProduct features and care instructions are provided in the individual product descriptions.