Institutional Towels Manufacturer and Supplier

What are institutional towels? Who uses and imports the institutional towels in bulk quantities?

Towels that are intended for use in high-traffic or institutional settings, such as hotels, hospitals, spas, and gyms, are known as institutional towels. To satisfy the demands of these larger-scale businesses, these towels are frequently offered in bulk numbers and are typically produced from sturdy materials that can endure regular use and cleaning.

Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, and pool towels are just a few of the many sizes and designs of institutional towels that are available. Depending on the intended function and required level of absorbency, they may be constructed from a variety of materials, including cotton, microfiber, or hybrid textiles.

In terms of importing and purchasing institutional towels in bulk quantities, this is typically done by businesses and organizations that require a large supply of towels on a regular basis. This may include hotels, resorts, spas, hospitals, fitness centers, and other institutional settings. Importers and suppliers of institutional towels may be located around the world, depending on the desired quality, cost, and availability of the towels.

What are the different types of institutional towels required by different institutions?

To satisfy the needs of various institutions, institutional towels are available in a range of shapes and styles. They are intended for usage in high-traffic or institutional settings. Below are a few of the most typical styles of towels used in institutions:

1. Bath towels: The biggest kind of towel, bath towels are often used to dry off after a shower or bath. They can be constructed from cotton, microfiber, or other materials and come in a variety of sizes, weights, and compositions.
2. Hand towels: Hand towels are smaller than bath towels and are typically used for drying hands in bathrooms and kitchens. They may be made from similar materials as bath towels and are available in a range of colors and styles.
3. Washcloths: Washcloths are small towels that are used for washing the face, hands, and body. They are often sold in bulk quantities and may be made from cotton or other materials.
4. Pool towels: Pool towels are larger and more durable than regular bath towels and are designed for use in pool and spa settings. They may be made from quick-drying materials such as microfiber or cotton-polyester blends.
5. Gym towels: Gym towels are smaller than bath towels and are designed for use in fitness centers and gyms. They may be made from absorbent materials such as cotton or microfiber, and may be sold in bulk quantities for institutional use.
6. Kitchen towels: Kitchen towels are smaller towels that are used for cleaning and drying dishes, counters, and other surfaces in kitchens. They may be made from cotton or other materials and are available in a range of colors and designs.
7. Spa towels: Spa towels are typically made from soft, fluffy materials such as cotton or bamboo and are used in luxury spa settings for drying off after massages, facials, and other treatments.
8. Salon towels: Salon towels are used in hair salons for drying hair and protecting clothing during haircuts and other treatments. They may be made from absorbent materials such as cotton or microfiber and are often sold in bulk quantities.
9. Surgical towels: Surgical towels are used in medical settings during surgeries and other procedures. They are typically made from sterile materials and are designed to be highly absorbent and lint-free.
10. Beach towels: Beach towels are similar to pool towels in that they are designed for use in outdoor settings. They are typically larger than regular bath towels and may be made from quick-drying materials such as microfiber or cotton-polyester blends.

Certifications required to ensure quality of material for Institutional towels

There are several certifications that may be required or recommended when importing institutional or hotel towels. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. OEKO-TEX Standard 100: This is a global certification that indicates a textile product has been tested for harmful substances and found to be safe for human use.
2. ISO 9001: This is a quality management certification that ensures a company’s products meet certain standards and are produced using consistent, reliable processes.
3. ISO 14001: This is an environmental management certification that indicates a company is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment.
4. BSCI: This is a social compliance certification that ensures a company’s products are produced in factories that meet certain ethical standards related to working conditions, wages, and other factors.
5. GOTS: This is a certification for organic textiles, indicating that the product is made from organic fibers and meets certain environmental and social standards.

What is the material, yarn construction and GSM required for institutional towels?

100% cotton is the material of choice for creating hotel towels because it is incredibly absorbent, long-lasting, and simple to maintain. In terms of technical specifications, the GSM (grams per square meter) range for hotel towels can vary, but typically falls between 400-700 GSM. The yarn count range for hotel towels is typically between 16s-32s.

As it is farmed without the use of hazardous chemicals and pesticides, organic cotton is also growing in popularity as a material for hotel towels. This makes it a sustainable and environmentally responsible alternative. Organic cotton towels may have a slightly higher price point than conventional cotton towels, but many hotels are willing to invest in sustainable options to align with their values and appeal to eco-conscious guests.

Other materials that may be used for hotel towels include bamboo, which is highly absorbent and has natural antimicrobial properties, and microfiber, which is lightweight and quick-drying.

It’s important to note that the specific technical specifications for hotel towels may vary depending on the needs and preferences of the hotel. A reputable supplier will be able to provide guidance on the best options for a hotel’s specific needs.

What other material are used in manufacturing of Institutional Towels?

Here’s an overview of the different qualities used in institutional towels:

• Ring spun: Ring spun cotton is made by twisting and thinning cotton strands to make a very fine, strong, and soft rope of cotton fibers. The resulting yarn is more durable, smoother, and softer than open end yarns.
• Open End: Open end yarn is made by twisting and binding fibers together to create a continuous thread. This type of yarn is generally less expensive and less durable than ring spun yarns.
• Combed cotton: Combed cotton is made by using a fine-toothed comb to remove short fibers and debris from the cotton fibers, resulting in a smoother, stronger, and more uniform yarn.
• Zero Twist: Zero twist cotton is made by using a special spinning process that eliminates the twisting step, resulting in a towel that is extremely soft, fluffy, and absorbent.
• Egyptian cotton: Egyptian cotton is a premium, long-staple cotton that is known for its strength, softness, and durability. It is often used in luxury hotel towels because of its superior quality.
• Auto Coro: Auto Coro refers to a process of spinning yarn using automated machines. This type of yarn is often less expensive than ring spun yarns, but may be less durable.
• Pima: Pima cotton is a type of long-staple cotton that is similar to Egyptian cotton in terms of its strength, softness, and durability. It is often used in high-end hotel towels because of its superior quality.

Each of these qualities offers different benefits and trade-offs in terms of cost, durability, and performance. The choice of quality will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the institution.

Hotel Towel Printing and Dyeing

Hotel towels are usually dyed using the following techniques:

• Piece Dyeing: In this technique, the entire fabric is dyed in a single color after it has been woven or knitted. This is the most common dyeing method used for white towels.
• Cross Dyeing: This technique is used to create multicolored towels by dyeing different fibers or yarns in different colors before they are woven or knitted together.
• Yarn Dyeing: In this technique, individual yarns are dyed before they are woven or knitted together to create patterns or stripes in the fabric.
• Reactive Dyeing: Reactive dyes are the most commonly used dyes for cotton towels. They are known for their ability to produce bright and vibrant colors that are long-lasting.
• Disperse Dyeing: Disperse dyes are used for synthetic fibers such as polyester. They are known for their ability to produce deep, saturated colors that are resistant to fading and bleeding.
• Vat Dyeing: This technique is used for dyeing cotton towels in dark or deep shades, such as navy blue or forest green. The dye is absorbed into the fabric through a reduction process and then oxidized to produce the final color.
• Pigment Printing: This technique is used to create printed designs on white towels using pigmented inks. The ink sits on top of the fabric rather than penetrating the fibers, resulting in a softer and more breathable fabric.
• Direct Printing: In this technique, the design is printed directly onto the fabric using dyes that are absorbed into the fibers. This produces vibrant and long-lasting colors that are resistant to fading and bleeding.
• Digital Printing: This is a newer technique that uses digital printers to print designs directly onto the fabric. This allows for more intricate designs and patterns, as well as the ability to print small quantities of towels at a time.

Institutional Towels Sizing

The sizes and types of institutional towels used across the globe may vary slightly depending on the region or country. However, here are some common sizes and types of institutional towels used worldwide:

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

It’s important to note that the sizes and types of institutional towels used may vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the institution, such as hotels, hospitals, and spas.

Most Common Designs used for manufacturing of institutional towels

There are various designs used for manufacturing institutional towels, including:

• Solid color towels: These towels come in a wide range of colors and have no pattern or design on them.
• Striped towels: These towels have a striped pattern in various colors. The stripes can be narrow or wide and can be horizontal or vertical.
• Jacquard towels: These towels have a raised pattern woven into them. Jacquard patterns can be intricate and highly detailed.
• Embroidered towels: These towels have a design embroidered onto them. The design can be a logo, monogram, or other custom design.
• Dobby towels: These towels have a small, repeating pattern woven into them. The pattern can be geometric, floral, or other designs.
• Border towels: These towels have a contrasting colored border along one or more sides of the towel.
• Waffle weave towels: These towels have a textured waffle pattern woven into them.
• Herringbone towels: These towels have a distinctive zigzag pattern woven into them.
• Checkered towels: These towels have a pattern of squares or rectangles in alternating colors.
• Printed towels: These towels have a design printed onto them using a special printing process. The design can be anything from a simple pattern to a photographic image.

What hems and selvedges are used in making of towels?

Hem and Types

The hem of a towel refers to the edge that is folded over and sewn to prevent fraying and give the towel a finished look. In institutional settings such as hotels, hospitals, and gyms, towels are subjected to frequent use and washing, so it’s important that the hems are strong and durable to withstand the wear and tear. Here are the top 10 hems commonly used for institutional towels:

1. Folded Hem: This is the most common hem used for towels, where the edge is simply folded over and sewn. It’s a simple and cost-effective method that provides a clean and finished look.
2. Self-hemmed Edge: In this type of hem, the edge of the towel is folded over and sewn to create a double layer of fabric. This makes the hem stronger and more durable.
3. Bias Binding: A bias binding hem is created by cutting a strip of bias tape and sewing it around the edge of the towel. This type of hem is more decorative and can add a pop of color to the towel.
4. Hemstitch: A hemstitch is a decorative hem that is created by pulling out a few threads from the edge of the towel and then sewing the remaining threads in a pattern.
5. Satin Stitch: A satin stitch hem is a decorative edge that is created by sewing a zigzag stitch over the edge of the towel. This gives the towel a more polished and luxurious look.
6. Piped Hem: A piped hem is created by sewing a narrow cord or piping into the folded edge of the towel. This adds a decorative touch and can also help reinforce the hem.
7. Rolled Hem: A rolled hem is created by rolling the edge of the fabric under twice and sewing it in place. This type of hem is very narrow and provides a subtle finish to the towel.
8. Fringe Hem: A fringe hem is created by leaving the edge of the towel unfinished and allowing the threads to fray. This creates a decorative and rustic look, but it may not be as durable as other types of hems.
9. Mitered Hem: A mitered hem is created by folding the corners of the towel at a 45-degree angle and then folding the edge over to create a diagonal seam. This creates a neat and precise finish to the towel.
10. Lace Hem: A lace hem is created by sewing a strip of lace around the edge of the towel. This adds a decorative touch and can make the towel look more feminine or delicate.

Overall, the choice of hem for institutional towels depends on the desired look, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Folded hems and self-hemmed edges are the most common choices for their simplicity and strength, while more decorative hems like bias binding, hemstitch, and satin stitch are used for special occasions or to add a touch of elegance.

Selvedge and Types

The selvedge of a towel refers to the self-finished edge on each side of the fabric that prevents fraying and unravelling. The selvedge is created during the manufacturing process by weaving the edges of the fabric with a special technique. In institutional settings such as hotels, hospitals, and gyms, towels are subjected to frequent use and washing, so it’s important that the selvedges are strong and durable to withstand the wear and tear. Here are the top 10 selvedges commonly used for institutional towels:

1. Plain Selvedge: A plain selvedge is the simplest type of selvedge, created by weaving the edge of the towel with a plain stitch. It provides a clean and finished look and is a cost-effective option.
2. Reinforced Selvedge: A reinforced selvedge is created by weaving a thicker yarn into the edge of the towel to make it stronger and more durable. This type of selvedge is ideal for towels that are subjected to heavy use.
3. Fringed Selvedge: A fringed selvedge is created by leaving the edge of the towel unfinished and allowing the threads to fray. This creates a decorative and rustic look, but it may not be as durable as other types of selvedges.
4. Piped Selvedge: A piped selvedge is created by sewing a narrow cord or piping into the selvedge of the towel. This adds a decorative touch and can also help reinforce the selvedge.
5. Embroidered Selvedge: An embroidered selvedge is created by adding an embroidery design to the selvedge of the towel. This adds a decorative touch and can make the towel look more elegant and personalized.
6. Woven Selvedge: A woven selvedge is created by weaving a different pattern or color into the edge of the towel. This adds a decorative touch and can make the towel look more unique and interesting.
7. Picot Selvedge: A picot selvedge is created by folding the edge of the towel over and then sewing it with a small zigzag stitch. This creates a decorative and delicate edge that is often used for hand towels and guest towels.
8. Lace Selvedge: A lace selvedge is created by sewing a strip of lace onto the edge of the towel. This adds a decorative touch and can make the towel look more feminine or delicate.
9. Crochet Selvedge: A crochet selvedge is created by crocheting a trim onto the edge of the towel. This adds a decorative touch and can make the towel look more unique and interesting.
10. Braided Selvedge: A braided selvedge is created by braiding several strands of yarn together and then sewing the braid onto the edge of the towel. This adds a decorative touch and can make the towel look more interesting and textured.

Overall, the choice of selvedge for institutional towels depends on the desired look, durability, and cost-effectiveness. For their robustness and simplicity, plain and reinforced selvedges are the most popular options, while more adorning selvedges like fringed, piped, and embroidered selvedges are employed on special occasions or to lend a touch of class.