The Perfect Towel: A Hotelier's Guide to Choosing Terry Towels

Terry towels are a fundamental element of the guest experience, but selecting the right ones involves more than just picking a color. The ideal hotel towel balances quality, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Here are the critical factors every hotel should consider when stocking their linen closets:

1. The Core Functions: Absorbency and Comfort

The primary function of a towel is to dry the skin. Absorbency and softness are non-negotiable quality indicators.

Quality Aspect	Recommendation	Rationale
Material	100% Cotton	Offers the best absorbency and is the most skin-friendly option. Towels with synthetic materials (like polyester) absorb significantly less water.
Loop Length	Medium Length	Longer loops are softer and more absorbent, but they easily snag on jewelry or sharp objects, leading to pulled threads and rapid wear. Very short loops lack absorbency. Medium length provides the optimal balance of softness, absorbency, and durability.

2. Design, Color, and Maintenance Efficiency

The visual choice of a towel has major implications for laundry management and replacement costs.

A. Color and Dyeing

• Default Choice: White: Hotels overwhelmingly use white terry towels because cleanliness is immediately visible, and laundry maintenance (washing all textiles together) is much more efficient.
• Colored Towels: These can underline a spa or hotel's individuality. However, most colored towels are reactive dyed and can be washed up to 60°C , but the color will fade over time. To maintain vibrant color permanence, you need more expensive cotton-dyed towels (up to a 30% price increase). Be aware that towels purchased at different times will eventually have different tones.

B. Decorations and Design

• Keep it Simple: We recommend towels without additional borders or patterns . Decorations often shrink or warp differently than the rest of the towel fabric, causing the entire towel to lose shape and become unfit for use much earlier (eg, after 2–4 years).

3. Durability and Future Procurement

For high-volume use, durability and the ability to consistently re-order the same towel are crucial.

• Testing is Key: Before a large purchase, ask your supplier for a sample. Wash the sample towel at least five times (ideally 30 times) in your hotel's laundry to see how it holds up to prolonged, rigorous use.
• Standardization: The safest option is to buy standard white terry towels from a specialized supplier who commits to stocking the same towel (type, density, loop length) for a long period. Hotels must supplement their inventory by about 30% annually, and running out of a custom or unique design can force the replacement of the entire stock.
• Supplier Expertise: Always contact specialized hotel suppliers who have deep experience in handling the wear-and-tear of commercial laundry.

4. Theft, Logos, and Loss Prevention

Hotels need to account for product loss, as towels are one of the most common items guests take as souvenirs.

• The Attraction Factor: The more attractive and expensive the towel (especially colorful or luxurious designs), the higher the likelihood of theft.
• Logo Use: Adding a logo can serve as a small advertisement if stolen.
  • Embroidered Logo: Best for smaller logos on stock towels, but the cost can become disproportionately high for large designs.
  • Woven Logo: Required for a large logo covering the entire towel; must be woven during production.
• Theft Risk: Hotels that switch to beautiful, colorful towels often report a significant increase in lost inventory, especially if the towels feature an attractive logo.

5. Density and Size Standards

Terry towel density is measured in grams per square meter ( (g/ ^m2 ).

Density Range	Typical Use	Notes
400 g/ m2	Not Recommended	Too thin for hotel use.
400 g/ m2	Standard Hotel Towel	Optimal choice balancing absorbency, softness, price, and washing cost.
550-600 g/ m2	Luxury Hotels	Provides maximum softness and plushness.
1000 g/ m2	No Practical Purpose	Too heavy and unnecessary.

Standard Hotel Towel Sizes:

• 30x30cm – Face Towel (often used in luxury settings)
• 50x70cm – Hand Towel / Bath Mat (also 50x100cm)
• 70x140cm – Bath Towel (also 70x150cm)
• 100x200cm – Terry Blanket or Massage Table Cover

Note on Shrinkage: Always account for shrinkage in washing. Terry towels typically shrink 1-2% in width and 5-10% in length.