[1][2] Fabrics with a pile formed from loops of loosened, uncut warp threads were woven in ancient Egypt and pre-Columbian Peru; there is linen terrycloth from 4000 BCE.
The English towel manufacturer Christy started industrial production in 1850, based on observations of handwoven terrycloth in Turkey, and produced using a machine designed by one of their staff, Samuel Holt.
Items that may be made from terrycloth include babies' reusable diapers (or "nappies" in British English), towels, bathrobes, and sweatbands for the wrist or head.
Terry-toweling hats with a shallow brim were once popular with cricketers (like English wicketkeeper Jack Russell), but are no longer in fashion.
A slow method of machine-making French terry results in a soft, sturdy variety called loopwheel.