Dobby Borders vs. Cam Borders on Towels: What’s the Difference & Which Is Better?

When you’re sourcing towels for hotels, vacation rentals, gyms, or healthcare facilities, every detail matters — including the border. Two of the most common finishes you’ll find in commercial-grade towels are dobby borders and cam borders. While they may seem like small design elements, each border affects durability, laundering performance, aesthetics, and long-term value.

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the right towel style for your property.

What Is a Dobby Border?

A dobby border is a decorative woven band near the edge of a towel, created using a specialized dobby loom. It typically features subtle geometric patterns or textures.

Key Characteristics of Dobby Borders

• Decorative look — geometric or textured designs

• Soft, premium feel

• Adds visual appeal for upscale environments

• Slightly more susceptible to shrinkage or distortion over time

• Commonly found in hotel guestroom towels, spa towels, and higher-end linens

Pros of Dobby Borders

• Enhances the perceived quality of your towel

• Ideal for properties where presentation matters

• Works well with luxury branding and modern interiors

Cons of Dobby Borders

• Can ripple or pucker after repeated industrial laundering

• Not as stable as cam borders during heavy-duty use

What Is a Cam Border?

A cam border is a flat, smooth woven band with no intricate design. It’s simpler, sturdier, and built to withstand high-turnover environments.

Key Characteristics of Cam Borders

• Flat and linear — plain, clean design

• Extremely durable and stable through industrial laundry cycles

• Resists shrinkage, puckering, and warping

• Common in motels, hospitals, correctional facilities, and long-term care

Pros of Cam Borders

• Best long-term durability

• Maintains shape after hundreds of wash cycles

• Usually more cost-effective

• Ideal for institutional settings where longevity matters

Cons of Cam Borders

• Less decorative than dobby

• Not designed for luxury presentation

Which Border Style Should You Choose?

The right choice depends entirely on your property type and priorities.

Choose Dobby Borders If:

• You want a polished, upscale look

• Your guest experience places value on design and presentation

• Towels are used in guestrooms, suites, vacation rentals, or spa settings

• You want a softer, more premium texture

Choose Cam Borders If:

• You need hard-wearing towels for housekeeping turnover

• You’re operating a hospital, senior care facility, gym, or dormitory

• Industrial washing is part of your everyday workflow

• Durability and cost-control are the top priorities

The Linen Factory’s Recommendation

For hospitality properties, we typically recommend a dobby border for guest-facing towels and a cam border for back-of-house, utility, gym, and pool applications. This gives you the perfect balance of presentation, performance, and budget control across your entire linen program.

As a U.S. manufacturer and wholesale supplier, The Linen Factory provides both dobby and cam border towels built for heavy-duty commercial use — always engineered to perform in industrial laundry environments.

Final Thoughts

The border on a towel is more than a design choice. It affects your towel’s durability, stability, and overall appearance over time. By understanding the difference between dobby and cam borders, your property can select the towel style that best supports your brand standards, operational demands, and long-term cost goals.