· 6 min read
Choosing Hotel Towels: GSM, Ply and Sizes Explained
GSM is the first number every towel buyer asks about. Here is what it means, and the other specifications that matter.
Towels are one of the most visible items in a hotel room and one of the most frequently replaced. A clear specification helps you get towels that feel right to guests and survive commercial laundry.
What is GSM?
GSM means grams per square metre. It measures the density of the towel. Higher GSM towels feel thicker and more absorbent, but take longer to dry and cost more to wash. Lower GSM towels are lighter and dry faster.
- Lighter towels suit gyms, hospitals and budget properties.
- Mid-weight towels are common in mid-scale hotels.
- Heavy towels are used in premium hotels and spas.
Ply and yarn
Towels can be made with single-ply or two-ply yarn. Two-ply yarn is stronger and more durable. Ring-spun cotton is soft and absorbent, while combed cotton has fewer short fibres and sheds less lint.
Standard hotel towel types
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Bath towel / bath sheet | Body drying after a shower |
| Hand towel | Washbasin |
| Face towel / face cloth | Face washing |
| Pool towel | Poolside and beach, often striped or coloured |
| Bath mat | Floor beside the shower |
Sizes differ between properties; share yours with your supplier, or ask for recommended sizes.
Borders and branding
A dobby border is a woven band across the towel, giving a neat, finished look. Logo embroidery adds your hotel's name or crest and reduces theft. Both affect MOQ, so plan quantities across your properties.
Colour
White remains standard because it can be bleached. Pool towels are often striped or in brand colours.
Your towel specification
- Type and size of each towel
- GSM and cotton type
- Border and embroidery details
- Colour
- Quantity per type and destination port
Send us your current towels or specification and we will quote and make samples to match.
