A through air dryer (TAD) fabric having a composite configuration whereby side fabric portions made of a more resistant material are woven to the main body portion of the fabric. Side fabric portions that are not protected from the paper web, and therefore exposed to harsher environmental conditions than the portion of the fabric covered by the paper web, deteriorate faster. By replacing the side portions that are exposed to harsher environment with more resistant material, the TAD fabric will last longer.