Towel design has bathroom dignity all wrapped up

STAYING firmly wrapped in a towel after stepping out of the bath can be a difficult task.

But an expert has created a new type of towel designed to stay in place however much you move around.

Most towels, apparently, fail to have the essential qualities to prevent them suddenly coming untucked and potentially exposing the wearer to embarrassment.

The new version, created by Ian Johnston, an expert in technology and design at the Open University, has a number of unique features intended to ensure it stays put.

First, the fabric it is made from is woven diagonally as opposed to straight across to give it more grip when the two ends meet. Second, it has two strips of elastic stitched into the top of the towel, designed to prevent it slipping when the wearer stoops down or leans forward.

Over the top of the elastic are two strips of water-resistant fleece, which are meant to provide additional grip.

Tests using prototypes of the "Stay-Up Towel" showed it remained in place in nine out of ten bathroom situations, including teeth-cleaning, hair brushing and putting on deodorant.

Mr Johnston said: "I specialise in the imaginative application of engineering to everyday problems so it was an exciting design challenge for me. The final prototype not only performs well but, importantly, it looks and makes you feel good too."

He was asked to create the towel by the healthcare product manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.

The company says it will assess the tests on the towel before deciding whether to put it on the market.