How to Save More when Buying Towels in Bulk

Ever wonder how to save more when buying towels in bulk? Many different elements contribute to the cost and the construction of wholesale towels for hotels, resorts, and other businesses in the hospitality industry. Budgets are tighter than ever, which means that businesses are looking for more ways to save money on wholesale towels without sacrificing any quality. If that sounds like a near-impossible balancing act, read on to learn what to look for in a towel, you can make the most cost-effective choices.

Make “Cost-Effective Choices” when Buying Towels in Bulk

We say “cost-effective choices” because it’s not always about buying the cheapest towels you can find. It’s about getting the supplies that are cost-effective over time. If you purchase cheap towels that require replacement after a dozen washes, you won’t be saving much money at all. Cotton construction in a towel affects the durability, feel, and price of your towels, so let’s take a closer look at your options.

Ring-Spun vs. Open-End vs. Zero-Twist

The process used to construct the yarn for towels is a significant part of this equation.

• Ring spun yarn – This type of yarn is spun on spindles and twisted uniformly to create a component that has a higher tensile strength than open-end yarn while producing a very soft towel.
• Open-end yarn – Many institutional towels are constructed with open-end yarn, made from short cotton fibers, and feel somewhat rougher than ring spun yarn, but it is a cost-effective option.
• Zero-twist yarn is a more costly option because instead of twisting the fibers, they are held together with a special thread during the weaving process. The thread, removed later, creates a very soft, thick, and plush result.

GSM and Weight

We measure the weight of a towel in grams per square meter (GSM). GSM represents more than just physical weight, also referring to the density of the towel. Most wholesale bath towels range between 400 and 900 GSM. The higher the number, the more costly it will be, so make sure you get the appropriate towel weight for its application.

• Less than 400 GSM = Very thin and lightweight. Suitable for a gym bag towel, i.e., something that can fit anywhere and dry out quickly.
• 400 to 500 GSM = Lightweight towels that dry quickly, though they won’t feel as soft as other towels.
• 500 to 650 GSM = The most common choice for guest/bath towels. They are soft and absorbent.
• 650 to 900 GSM = Luxury towels. A weight like this will come with a higher price tag. 650 to 900 GSM towels are popular in upscale resorts and hotels.

Need help calculating GSM? use our GSM calculator located here.

Single vs. Double Fibers Explained

Long-staple fibers yield higher-quality yarn which can be spun together to add more strength. Described in terms like ten single or 20 double, where a 20 double is two strands spun together to provide higher tensile strength. A 10 single yarn, on the other hand, isn’t spun with other threads and is, therefore, less durable.

100% Cotton vs. Cotton/Poly Blend

While 100% cotton towels are absorbent and softer than blended towels, they’re not quite as durable. The longer your towels last, it follows, the more profitable your investment becomes. So, when buying towels in bulk you can save by buying in quantity, but also by choosing a poly blend towel that can last through dozens of washes. On the other hand, if you are going with colored towels, the opposite holds. Cotton towels can hold onto dyes better than polyester, which makes them a more cost-effective choice in this case.

Dobby vs. Cam Borders

A cam border is a simple flat woven border on a hand towel or bath towel an inch or two in from the edge. Every mill produces a Cam border towel, so hotels are not tied to one supplier. Cam border towels are less expensive so work well for budget-conscious hotels.

The dobby border has patterns or designs (usually geometric forms) in the flat weave part of the towel. There are several standard dobby borders but you may get as fancy as your budget allows.

Introducing Color, Stripes, and Decoration

Any added colors, stripes, or other decorations will add to the cost of your wholesale microfiber towels, but it may be a necessity depending on the hotel’s branding. These are, of course, optional extras, and if you’re looking for ways to save money, this is one of the features you may choose to skip.

Buying Towels in Bulk at the Right Price

It’s important to know what makes a great bath towel to make the most cost-effective choice. At Monarch Brands, we can help you explore your options and find the wholesale bath towels that will fit your budget while providing the feel, look, and durability that your customers expect.

About Monarch Brands

With roots established in 1947, Monarch Brands delivers high quality and value-priced textiles from manufacturers around the world. By leveraging deep sourcing relationships and purchasing power, Monarch Brands works with distributors to design hospitality programs that work for each client.

If you would like more information about this topic, please email Andrew Moore at andrewm@monarchbrands.com