Terry fabrics for hotels and spas: how to choose the right quality

In a hotel or spa, textiles are one of the few things every guest touches. A robe that feels thin, a towel that stops absorbing after a few washes or a turban that loses its shape quietly undermine the experience a property has worked hard to create. Choosing the right terry is therefore less about a catalogue page and more about matching fabric, weight and construction to how each piece will actually be used.

This guide draws on the fabrics in Somani’s Wellness & Spa range, woven and finished in-house in Santo Tirso, Portugal.

Start with the weight: what GSM really tells you

GSM (grams per square metre) is the quickest way to compare towelling qualities. As a general rule, a higher GSM means a denser, plusher fabric that feels more luxurious and holds more water — but also takes longer to dry and weighs more in the laundry. Lower weights dry faster and pack lighter, which suits poolside, treatment-room and resort use.

• 150–280 GSM — light and quick-drying: double-layer muslin (100% cotton, 150 GSM) and bamboo terry (280 GSM). Ideal for beach and pool towels, kimonos and summer robes.
• around 385 GSM — versatile everyday comfort: elastane terry (80% cotton, 17% polyester, 3% elastane), soft and stretchy for turbans, headbands and loungewear.
• 470 GSM — hotel-grade bath linen: Sayu Terry, 100% cotton, a balanced choice for guest rooms.
• 700 GSM — the most indulgent handle: Cloud Terry, 100% cotton, for suites, spa towels and signature robes.

Match the fabric to the moment

Robes and kimonos

100% cotton PureSoft Terry gives robes a soft, absorbent face for after the pool or sauna, while European Flax (100% linen, 190 GSM) offers a lighter, breathable alternative for treatment rooms, relaxation areas and warmer climates. Double-layer and stretch constructions add comfort without adding bulk.

Towels and bath linen

For bath towels, the weight should follow the guest profile and the laundry reality of the property: 470 GSM for durable daily rotation, 700 GSM when the priority is an unmistakably premium feel.

Spa accessories

Hair turbans, headbands, slippers, eye masks, cosmetic bags and reusable make-up removal pads complete a wellness range. Here, stretch and snag resistance matter as much as absorbency — which is why elastane and snag-free terries are often the right choice.

Look for snag-free, long-lasting construction

Pulled loops are one of the main reasons hotel towels are retired early. Snag-free knitted terries keep their loops intact and their appearance consistent for much longer; Somani’s knitted terry lasts 2 to 3 times longer than conventional towelling and dries faster, which also reduces water and energy use in the laundry.

Certifications that support your sustainability goals

Hospitality brands increasingly need to document what their textiles are made of and how. Somani’s certifications include GOTS, OCS, GRS and RCS (certificate CU 814501), OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and the SMETA social audit, powered by Sedex — so organic, recycled and blended qualities can be specified with the paperwork to back them.

Why it pays to work with a vertical manufacturer

Because weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, embroidery, quilting and cutting all happen under one roof, a spa collection can be developed around a property’s needs — adjusting weight, colour, embroidery or trims — and reordered with consistent quality. Everything is 100% made in Portugal.

Developing textiles for a hotel, resort or spa? Explore our Terry & Towelling expertise or get in touch to request samples.