Textile Terms Every Towel Buyer Should Know

Construction

GSM: GSM (grams per square meter) measures the thickness and density of a towel's terry cloth. It's a key quality indicator, with higher GSM values often signifying a more plush towel. For example, a towel with a 350 GSM is ideal for institutional settings like correctional facilities, while the luxurious Magellan Towel Collection, with a 650 GSM, is suited for high-end hotels. To easily determine GSM, use our GSM calculator.

Yarn Count: Yarn count refers to the thickness of the yarn used in a towel. Higher yarn counts indicate finer, softer textiles. Towels with a high yarn count are thicker and offer superior comfort, making them ideal for premium hospitality environments.

 

Warp and Weft: Warp and weft are the foundation of fabric weaving. Warp yarns run vertically, while weft yarns run horizontally. Together, they create the towel's base structure. Towels also feature a third component—pile yarn that adds plushness and thickness, enhancing absorbency and softness.

Pile: The pile is what gives towels their soft, plush feel. Pile yarns determine the towel's texture and weight and are woven perpendicular to the warp and weft. For example, blended towels might feature polyester yarn in the warp and weft for added durability, with cotton yarn in the pile for softness.

 

Yarn Manufacturing

Single-Ply Yarn: Single-ply yarn consists of a single strand. It's often noted as "1S," indicating one strand. When strands are twisted together, a new yarn with different characteristics is created. For example, a yarn made from 20 strands is labeled as 20S.

Double-Ply Yarn: Double-ply yarn (D) is created by twisting two single-ply yarns together. This process adds strength and weight to the towel. For instance, two strands of 1S (one-single) yarn form a 1D (one-double) yarn, adding durability.

Ring-Spun Yarn: Ring spun yarn comes from long-staple cotton fibers that undergo combing and carding to stretch the fibers. This extra refinement process creates a softer, more durable fabric for premium textiles. Towels made from ring spun yarn provide superior comfort and longevity.

Ring-Spun Yarn: Ring spun yarn comes from long-staple cotton fibers that undergo combing and carding to stretch the fibers. This extra refinement process creates a softer, more durable fabric for premium textiles. Towels made from ring spun yarn provide superior comfort and longevity.

Open-End Yarn: In contrast, open-end yarn uses shorter cotton fibers, producing a coarser texture. While less expensive, open-end yarn is less soft and durable than ring spun yarn. It's commonly used in institutional towels where cost-efficiency is a priority.

Spun Polyester: Spun polyester is a high-performance fiber that combines softness with durability. It's often used in hospitality linens and blended with cotton to create towels that are easy to launder and wrinkle-resistant. Spun polyester towels offer high efficiency and performance.

Microfiber: Microfiber is an ultra-fine synthetic fiber that's revolutionized cleaning. With moisture-wicking properties and the ability to trap dust and bacteria, microfiber is ideal for personal and professional use. It's also incredibly soft, perfect for bath towels and facial cloths. The versatility of microfiber is evident in our extensive collection of towels and cleaning tools designed to meet various industry needs.

 

Design Techniques

Yarn-dyed: Yarn-dyed refers to a process of dying yarn before it is woven into fabric. This technique ensures vibrant, long-lasting colors. For example, our Cabana towels are yarn-dyed, providing rich hues that stand up to frequent use and laundering

Zero Twist: Zero-twist towels use long-staple cotton yarns that are looped, nottwisted, through the fabric. This process results in softer, more absorbent towels, as the long loops allow greater surface area to capture moisture. Perfect for sensitive skin, these towels offer superior absorbency compared to traditional twisted yarn towels.

Dobby Border: A dobby border adds decorative flair to a towel, often featuring intricate patterns and weaves. Our Magellan collection features a stylish chevron dobby border, adding elegance to any towel presentation.

Cam Border: Cam borders are simpler, featuring minimalistic woven bands. Often found on institutional towels, these borders offer a functional design without the decorative elements of a dobby border. Towels with cam borders can often be mixed in easily with other cam-bordered collections to fill an urgent demand and when the buyer is budget-conscious.

Fun Fact

Run of the Mill: The term "run of the mill" originates from textile mills and refers to surplus textiles produced after fulfilling an order. These excess products are often sold at a discount. Our “run of the mill” bar mops are a great example of these cost-effective options for businesses prioritizing function over form.

Navigate Towel-Buying with Confidence

Understanding these textile terms will help you use the proper teminology and confidently navigate the towel-buying process to ensure you select the right products for your needs. Explore our full range of textiles at Hospeco Brands Group and experience the difference that quality makes. We’re committed to your success.

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