What is a good towel for use in promotions

 

This segment teaches all that you should know while buying towels.

Are you confused by the difference in Egyptian cotton and Turkish cotton? We've got you covered. What's the meaning behind GSM and low twist? It's all here. After the course you'll know how to discern the major designs, styles and the fibers you'll need with ease!

We'll examine the most common terms you'll typically find when shopping for towels. We've selected words that are commonly used in ads or descriptions, whether in the labels or shopping websites. Understanding these terms will allow you to understand what you're getting when exploring different brands and lines.

 

Let's get started with the basics.

 

The towel's weight and GSM

One word that you'll come across frequently when researching the quality of towels is GSM.

GSM is a shorthand for grams for every square inch which is a common measurement of the weight of fabric. GSM for towels usually ranges between 300 to 900 and 900, which is 300 GSM towels being thinner and lighter, while the 900 GSM towels are the most thick and heavy. As a rule of thumb that a greater GSM indicates a towel has greater absorbency.

GSM isn't just a towel measurement It's a standard to describe the amount of weight in any material. While towels typically fall located between 300-900 pounds the weight of a cotton shirt or summer dress will fall within the 100's, while jeans might be within the 400-600 range.

 

Traditionally, the towels are classified into three GSM categories:

• 300-400 GSM 300-400 GSM: These towels are lighter and thinner, meaning they dry quicker. This is the most common weight for gym or kitchen towels.
• 400-600 GSM: The towels in this category are more absorbent, and therefore are considered moderate weight. The majority of beach towels and bath towels are in this category.
• 600-900 GSM 600-900 GSM: These are the largest and absorbent towels. They take longer drying out, but they have an exquisite, luxurious feeling. You'll find a variety of luxurious bath towels available in this GSM collection.

 

GSM can be useful as a general standard to look at different options for your towels. Many other terms are employed to make a towel seem impressive, but looking at different GSM for similar towel from different brands can provide a general understanding of what they are like.

 

Cotton terms

In previous segment, you learned about the most popular kinds of cotton that are utilized in towel making. When a specific type of cotton is chosen and is selected, it has to be treated prior to its use before it can be weaved. Different treatments are known by various names, which you'll typically find in descriptions of towels and reviews.

Here are a few of most commonly used terms you'll encounter while shopping for towels and what they translate to.

 

Cotton with a low twist

In our earlier segment, you were also taught about the distinction between fibers with short-staples and long-staples. Most cotton yarns are created from short-staple fibres that need to be twisted numerous times before they form thread. The twisting process causes the yarn to become harder and creates a more stiff and less absorbent end product.

Contrary to this, low twist cotton is created with long-staple fibers that do not require twisted enough to make yarn. This means that towels made from low twist threads tend to be softer and absorbent. There are a lot of low twist cotton being used in bath towels made of terry cloth. It's an excellent choice because the more absorbency will dry quickly, and its low density ensures that the towel won't remain damp for long.

 

Zero twist cotton

Zero twist yarns do not undergo normal twisting or twisting. When using the zero twist method these cotton fibres are sewed together with a specific wrapping thread that permits weaving without breaking. The thread is removed following weaving and leaves the staple in its natural soft, dense state. Zero twist creates fluffy and absorptive yarn. This is ideal for luxurious toweling, however it it comes at an extra cost.

 

Double yarn

Double yarns, often referred to as two-ply, result from twisting two yarn strands together to make a stronger and stronger yarn. Double yarns make towels for terry more durable and offer greater absorbency and a more plush appearance.

Ring-spun cotton

 

The process of spinning rings is an added step in the production process. It happens after staple cotton is spun into yarn, and then it is woven into fabric. Ring-spun cotton is spun quickly around a specially designed rings before being wound around an Bobbin. The process produces a finer thread and turns it all along the same way, resulting in soft and durable fibers. Ring-spun cotton is ideal for washcloths and hand towels or other towels that require a soft feel.

 

Combed cotton

Combed cotton is a different process in the cotton yarn manufacturing. Once the cotton has been collected, it is then pushed into small brushes (combs) to eliminate all impurities and shorter fibers. The result is straight and long fibers which are turned into threads to make an incredibly soft, durable weave. Because the process of combing leaves cotton extremely soft it is common to find combed cotton in hand towels and washcloths. It's also great for bedding sheets and top quality T-shirts.

All of these treatments can be used to enhance the quality of cotton, often together. The best combination is combed ringspun cotton that has double yarns which results in extremely soft and long-lasting bath towels.

 

Standards of quality

High-quality towels are produced across the globe however, the industry has some brands that stand out from others to guarantee top quality manufacturing methods. These labels are often prominently displayed on websites when buying towels from a retailer or wholesaler

 

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

The OEKO-TEX label is an independent international label that is able to be applied to products for towels that meet certain criteria. Certain towels have been certified as OEKO-TEX Standard100 certified, which indicates that the materials used included in the towels are examined for hazardous substances and are not harmful to the human body.

 

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

When you're talking about organic cotton it may be difficult to determine if the product is truly organic or is a mix with organic as well as non-organic fibres. This is because the Global Textile Organic Standard (GOTS) is an internationally accepted standard certifying that a product is made of organic material as stated in the label.

The GOTS label on textiles are made from 95% organic materials and must meet strict environmental standards in processing as well as dyeing. The GOTS label also provides social standards to the treatment of workers by the manufacturer who is certified.

Other labels

There are a myriad of other quality initiatives that are involved in the certification of towels and textiles. Some are focused on standards in the workplace like those that are based on the Fairtrade Textile Standard that safeguards workers' rights and others verify the level of craftsmanship and quality of the product for example, like Japan's famed Imabari brand..