What does the cryptic crossword clue "Shabby towel about to disintegrate (3,2,5)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of TOWEL + ABOUT = OUTATELBOW The answer is OUTATELBOW.

Shabby towel about to disintegrate (3,2,5)

Guardian Cryptic #23195 | 13 Down | 2004-07-15 flower