Soft fabric (5)
I believe the answer is:
terry
'soft fabric' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for terry that I've seen before include "Fabric with piles" , "Towelling material" , "Cloth to make towels" , "Famous actress" , "Cotton pile fabric used for towels and bath robes" .)