Institutional Towels Manufacturers Sourcing

As exporters of institutional towels, we provide high-quality, highly absorbent towels that are designed to endure the demands of institutional laundering.

You can choose from 100% cotton or a poly-cotton blend. These towels are thick and ultra-absorbent, making them ideal for institutions such as hospitals, hotels, motels, health clubs, schools, kitchens, and other facilities.

Available in a classic white color, they seamlessly complement any environment and offer a fresh look. We also offer customized color options and Jacquard weaves upon customer request.

Our towels come in two types:

  • Hemmed Selvedge
  • Fast Tucking Selvedge (a popular variant in the USA known for its ability to withstand repeated washes without the selvedge opening).

What are institutional towels? Who uses and imports them in bulk?

Institutional towels are specially designed for use in high-traffic settings like hotels, hospitals, gyms, and spas. These towels are typically available in bulk and are made from durable materials that can withstand regular use and cleaning.

They come in various sizes and styles, such as bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, and pool towels, and can be made from cotton, microfiber, or hybrid materials.

Businesses and organizations that need a consistent supply of towels—such as hotels, resorts, spas, hospitals, and fitness centers—typically import institutional towels in bulk. Importers and suppliers can be found worldwide, depending on factors like quality, cost, and availability.

Different types of institutional towels for various settings

  • Bath towels: The largest towels, ideal for drying off after a shower or bath. They come in various materials and sizes.
  • Hand towels: Smaller than bath towels, often used for drying hands in bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Washcloths: Small towels for face, hand, and body washing, often sold in bulk.
  • Pool towels: Larger and more durable than bath towels, designed for pool and spa use.
  • Gym towels: Smaller towels used in fitness centers, made from absorbent materials like cotton or microfiber.
  • Kitchen towels: Used for cleaning and drying dishes, counters, and other kitchen surfaces.
  • Spa towels: Soft towels made from cotton or bamboo, used in luxury spas after treatments.
  • Salon towels: Used in hair salons for drying hair and protecting clothing.
  • Surgical towels: Lint-free, highly absorbent towels used in medical procedures.
  • Beach towels: Similar to pool towels, larger in size and made from quick-drying materials for outdoor use.

Certifications for quality assurance in institutional towels

Several certifications ensure the quality and safety of institutional towels:

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Confirms that a textile product is free from harmful substances.
  • ISO 9001: A quality management certification for consistent product standards.
  • ISO 14001: Indicates a commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
  • BSCI: Ensures ethical standards in factory working conditions.
  • GOTS: Certifies organic textiles that meet environmental and social standards.
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Material, yarn construction, and GSM for institutional towels

100% cotton is the preferred material for towels due to its absorbency, durability, and ease of care. Hotel towels typically fall within a GSM range of 400-700 and use yarn counts from 16s-32s. Organic cotton is also gaining popularity as an eco-friendly option.

In addition to cotton, bamboo and microfiber are also used for their absorbent and quick-drying properties.

Other materials used in institutional towel manufacturing

  • Ring spun cotton: Offers durability, smoothness, and softness.
  • Open end cotton: Less durable but more affordable.
  • Combed cotton: Smoother and stronger due to fine-toothed combing.
  • Zero twist cotton: Extremely soft and fluffy.
  • Egyptian cotton: Known for superior strength, softness, and durability.
  • Auto Coro: A less expensive spinning process for yarn, but less durable.
  • Pima cotton: Similar to Egyptian cotton, offering superior quality.

Hotel towel printing and dyeing techniques

  • Piece dyeing: Entire fabric is dyed after weaving, common for white towels.
  • Cross dyeing: Creates multicolored towels by dyeing different fibers before weaving.
  • Yarn dyeing: Yarns are dyed before weaving to create patterns.
  • Reactive dyeing: Used for bright and long-lasting colors.
  • Disperse dyeing: Used for synthetic fibers like polyester, resistant to fading.
  • Vat dyeing: Ideal for deep shades like navy blue or forest green.
  • Pigment printing: Creates designs using pigment inks that sit on top of the fabric.
  • Direct printing: Design is printed directly onto the fabric, creating vibrant colors.
  • Digital printing: Allows intricate designs and small batch printing.

Institutional Towel Sizing Overview

The sizes and types of institutional towels used around the world can slightly differ depending on the region or country. However, here are some of the most common sizes and types of institutional towels used internationally:

  • Bath Towels: These are the largest towels, usually measuring about 27 inches by 54 inches (70 cm x 140 cm), used for drying off after a shower or bath.
  • Hand Towels: Smaller than bath towels, typically measuring around 16 inches by 30 inches (40 cm x 75 cm), these towels are designed for drying hands and faces.
  • Washcloths: The smallest towels, usually measuring about 13 inches by 13 inches (33 cm x 33 cm), are used for washing the body or face.
  • Bath Sheets: Larger than bath towels, usually measuring 35 inches by 60 inches (90 cm x 150 cm), ideal for those needing extra coverage when drying off.
  • Pool Towels: Larger than bath towels, measuring about 30 inches by 60 inches (76 cm x 152 cm), they are thicker and more absorbent, used after swimming.
  • Kitchen Towels: Typically smaller than hand towels, measuring around 18 inches by 28 inches (45 cm x 70 cm), used for cleaning spills and messes in the kitchen.
  • Salon Towels: Smaller than hand towels, usually around 15 inches by 26 inches (38 cm x 66 cm), used in salons and spas for hair and beauty treatments.
  • Bar Towels: Small towels, around 12 inches by 12 inches (30 cm x 30 cm), used in bars and restaurants for cleaning spills and wiping surfaces.

The size and type of towel used can vary depending on the institution’s specific needs, such as in hotels, hospitals, and spas.

Common Designs for Manufacturing Institutional Towels

Various designs are used to produce institutional towels, including:

  • Solid Color Towels: These towels come in a wide range of colors without any patterns or designs.
  • Striped Towels: Featuring horizontal or vertical stripes, these towels can have narrow or wide stripes in various colors.
  • Jacquard Towels: Known for their intricate, raised patterns woven into the fabric, these towels feature detailed designs.
  • Embroidered Towels: These towels have custom designs, logos, or monograms embroidered onto them.
  • Dobby Towels: Characterized by a repeating woven pattern, these towels can feature geometric, floral, or other designs.
  • Border Towels: These towels have contrasting-colored borders along one or more sides.
  • Waffle Weave Towels: These towels have a textured, woven waffle pattern.
  • Herringbone Towels: Featuring a distinctive zigzag pattern, these towels are recognizable by their unique weave.
  • Checkered Towels: Featuring a pattern of alternating squares or rectangles in different colors.
  • Printed Towels: These towels have a design printed directly onto them using a special printing process, which can range from simple patterns to more complex images.

Hems and Selvedges Used in Towel Manufacturing

The hem of a towel refers to the edge that is folded over and sewn to prevent fraying and to create a finished appearance. Here are the most common hems used for institutional towels:

  • Folded Hem: A basic, cost-effective hem where the edge is folded and sewn.
  • Self-Hemmed Edge: The edge is folded over and sewn to create a double fabric layer, providing added durability.
  • Bias Binding: A decorative hem made by sewing a strip of bias tape around the towel’s edge.
  • Hemstitch: A decorative hem created by pulling a few threads from the edge and sewing the rest into a pattern.
  • Satin Stitch: A polished hem made with a zigzag stitch for a luxurious finish.
  • Piped Hem: A narrow cord or piping sewn into the folded edge, providing a decorative touch.
  • Rolled Hem: A narrow hem created by rolling the fabric under twice and sewing it into place.
  • Fringe Hem: An unfinished hem where the threads are allowed to fray, creating a rustic, decorative look.
  • Mitered Hem: A clean, precise hem created by folding the towel’s corners at a 45-degree angle.
  • Lace Hem: A decorative hem made by sewing a lace trim along the towel’s edge.

The choice of hem depends on the desired look, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Selvedges and Types Used in Towel Manufacturing

The selvedge refers to the self-finished edges of the towel that prevent fraying and unraveling. Here are the most common types of selvedges:

  • Plain Selvedge: A basic selvedge made with a plain stitch, providing a clean and simple finish.
  • Reinforced Selvedge: Created by weaving a thicker yarn into the edges to add strength and durability.
  • Fringed Selvedge: The edge is left unfinished, allowing threads to fray, creating a rustic look.
  • Piped Selvedge: A narrow cord or piping is sewn into the edge, offering both decorative and reinforcing features.
  • Embroidered Selvedge: The selvedge is decorated with an embroidery design, adding elegance to the towel.
  • Woven Selvedge: A different pattern or color is woven into the selvedge for a decorative touch.
  • Picot Selvedge: A small zigzag stitch is used to create a delicate edge, often used on hand towels and guest towels.
  • Lace Selvedge: A lace trim is sewn onto the selvedge for a feminine or delicate appearance.
  • Crochet Selvedge: A crocheted trim is sewn onto the edge, adding texture and style.
  • Braided Selvedge: Several strands of yarn are braided together to create a textured edge.

Plain and reinforced selvedges are often favored for their durability, while more decorative options are used to enhance the towel’s visual appeal.

Different fabric types used in institutional towels offer distinct qualities that are important for bulk buyers to understand. Cotton towels, prized for their softness and absorbency, are commonly found in hotels and spas. Microfiber towels, known for their quick-drying capabilities, are ideal for gym and pool environments. Bamboo towels are gaining popularity for their eco-friendly properties and natural antibacterial qualities. By sourcing from leading textile-producing countries such as the UAE, Australia, and the United States, buyers can ensure high-quality towels that meet their needs.

Get In Touch

Whether you’re looking for high-quality textiles or a reliable partner for your sourcing needs, Taha Textile is here to help.

Contact Us

Head Office (UK): +44 774 722 3631

Sub-Office (Pakistan) : +92 333 030 2653

US & Canada Toll Free : +1 (888) 850 4740

enquiries@tahatextiles.co.uk

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