Why is towel construction important? Which towel is right for me?
Why is towel construction important, and which towel is right for me? If this is your first time purchasing wholesale towels for your business, you will notice most places use phrases such ring spun cotton, open end cotton, single, or double. While choosing from these many options is vital to helping you match with the towel that will work best for you, we understand that many people may not be familiar with this specific terminology at the outset. So we’re here to outline a few towel particulars in the hopes that this makes your buying process easier!
Weight
First and foremost, notice the size of the towel in relation to the weight. The listed weight always pertains to the weight per dozen towels. For example, if someone references 15 lbs., they’re referring to 15 lbs. per dozen towels. If you’re looking at two towels that are each 15 lbs. per dozen but one towel is 24”x48” and one is 27” x 52”, you will notice that the smaller size has a plusher feel than the larger size. Pay attention to the weight and size of a towel. An example: Even though Magellan is bigger than Admiral, it is also heavier, so you must figure out the GSM of the towel to calculate the plushness. (see: monarchbrands.com/gsm-calculator)
Ring Spun Yarn vs. Open End Yarn
The construction of the yarn is also significant. Most towels are made with either ring spun yarn or open end yarn. Ring spun refers to yarn that’s spun on spindles and twisted uniformly to the core during production. That uniform twist makes ring spun towels softer and optically whiter like our Magellan Collection, and the yarn will have a higher tensile strength than open end yarn. Open end yarn is used to create most institutional towels; while it leads to a harsher feel and lower strength than ring spun yarn, it is a cost-effective option (e.g. our Basic Arctic Collection).
Single vs. Double
Yarn of a higher quality is comprised of long-staple fibers which are spun for additional strength. You may see towels described as 10 single verses 20 double, for example. A 20 double consists of two strands of yarn that are spun together for a higher tensile strength while a 10 single means that the yarn will be thicker and less durable.
Cotton vs. Blend
Another factor to consider is whether you will need 100% cotton or a cotton/poly blend. While 100% cotton towels are more absorbent and softer than blended towels, they’re not as durable. Blended towels such as our Admiral Collection will last for approximately 30 washes more than your traditional 100% cotton towel. However, when shopping for color towels, you’ll need them to be 100% cotton because polyester does not retain dyes evenly.
These are the basics of cotton construction that will affect both the durability and the feel of your towels. Hopefully you’ll be able to use this knowledge to decode the jargon and discover the perfect towel for your needs!
Author: Lynette Salas
