OBORO Towels: Japanese Craftsmanship and a Gentle Touch

A towel’s softness begins long before it first touches your skin. It comes from the choice of yarns, the way they are woven and the care taken to finish the fabric. Japanese manufacturer OBORO has been developing this expertise since 1908. During our visit to its factory in Mie Prefecture, we saw how much attention goes into every stage. Join us for a closer look at how these towels are made and what creates the softness you feel every day.

How are OBORO towels made?

From preparing the yarns to the final inspection, OBORO carries out every stage of production at its own factory in Japan. On the looms, yarns become fabric with small loops that give a towel its fluffy texture. Weaving is only part of the process: the finishing stages also shape how the fabric feels and absorbs water.

One of the key stages is cleaning and bleaching the fabric after weaving. This takes around two days. Impurities and processing aids used during weaving are removed to bring out cotton’s natural absorbency. After dyeing, the fabric is washed repeatedly in hot and cold water to remove residual dye.

Drying also helps create the towel’s fluffy feel. A specially developed dryer spreads the loops in different directions, giving the fabric more volume. The fabric is then cut, the towel edges are hemmed and labels are attached. Every towel is inspected individually: its size, weight, fabric and stitching are checked. Before dispatch, the products also pass through a needle detector.

Take a closer look at how OBORO towels are made.

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.

How to choose an OBORO towel

Choose a towel based on how you will use it. Below, all 10 products in the OBORO collection are grouped by purpose: body, face, hair, hands, washing, and everyday outings. Compare the dimensions and fabric textures within each group.

For the body

Larger towels for drying your body after a shower or bath.

Model and dimensions	Use and fabric 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 Bath Towel 60 × 120 cm	For drying the body after washing. The soft, fluffy surface absorbs moisture when gently pressed against the skin.

For the face

For everyday face drying. The reversible Omotenashi towel can also be used for hands.

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.
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.
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.

For hair

For absorbing moisture after washing your hair.

Model and dimensions	Use and fabric feel
Senpatsu Hair Towel 33 × 100 cm	For drying hair after washing. The fluffy Fuwafuwa surface absorbs moisture with gentle pressure, while the towel’s long shape makes it easy to wrap around your hair.

For hands

A compact towel for drying your hands at home or when travelling.

Model and dimensions	Use and fabric feel
Hyakunen Kiwami Hand Towel 32 × 32 cm	For drying your hands at home or when travelling. Exceptionally fine cotton yarns and Double Pile construction give the fabric a fluffy, lightweight feel.

For washing

For washing the face and body with a cleanser.

Model and dimensions	Use and fabric feel
Senshin Wash Towel 33 × 90 cm	For washing the face and body with a cleanser. Three-layer Harmony Gauze cotton fabric helps create a soft lather, while its 90 cm length makes it easier to reach your back.

For everyday outings and travel

A pocket towel and an absorbent scarf for travel, walks and exercise.

Model and dimensions	Use and fabric feel
Pocket Towel 10 × 30 cm	A compact towel for drying your hands or wiping away perspiration. It has a soft Fuwafuwa surface and folds neatly to carry in a pocket or handbag.
Smart Towel Scarf 25 × 110 cm	An absorbent, three-layer cotton gauze scarf for walks, travel or exercise. Its crinkled Harmony Gauze texture and lightweight fabric feel comfortable around the neck, with enough length to wrap easily.

All models shown here 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.

Product features and care instructions are provided in the individual product descriptions.