Most bulk towel enquiries come down to one early choice: pure cotton, or a polyester and cotton blend, usually called polycot. Neither is better in every case. The right answer depends on who uses the towel, how often it is washed, and what your buyers expect to feel when they pick it up.
How terry towels are made
Terry fabric is woven with two sets of warp yarns. One forms the flat base of the towel. The other is woven slack so it stands up as loops on the surface. Those loops are what make a towel absorbent: they add surface area that draws water away from skin.
The fibre in those loops decides how the towel behaves. This is where cotton and polycot part ways.
100% cotton terry
Cotton is a natural fibre that absorbs water readily and feels soft against skin. It is the standard for bath, hand, and face towels wherever comfort is the main concern.
- Absorbency: high. Cotton takes up water quickly and holds it.
- Hand feel: soft and natural, and it tends to stay that way with correct laundering.
- Heat tolerance: cotton withstands hot washes, which matters for hotels and healthcare laundries.
- Drying: slower than a blend, because the fibre holds more water.
- Shrinkage: some shrinkage in early washes is normal and should be allowed for in the size.
Polycot terry
Polycot blends polyester with cotton. Polyester is a strong synthetic fibre that absorbs very little water. Blending it with cotton changes the balance of the towel.
- Durability: polyester adds strength, so the towel stands up to frequent washing and heavy use.
- Drying: faster than pure cotton, on the line and in the dryer.
- Dimensional stability: blends generally shrink less and keep their shape.
- Absorbency: lower than pure cotton. The more polyester in the blend, the less water the towel takes up.
- Hand feel: a little less soft than pure cotton, though a good blend remains comfortable.
Which suits which buyer
Hotels, resorts, and spas usually specify pure cotton for guest-facing towels. Guests notice softness and absorbency first, and cotton delivers both.
Gyms and fitness chains often prefer polycot or a lighter cotton. Towels are used briefly, washed constantly, and need to dry fast between sessions.
Institutional buyers such as hostels, staff facilities, and large-volume laundries often choose polycot for its longer service life per towel.
Retail and private-label brands choose according to their positioning. A premium home range is normally pure cotton. A value or sports range may suit a blend.
Kitchens generally do best with cotton, which absorbs spills quickly, though polycot is used where durability is the priority.
Questions to ask before you decide
- How many wash cycles should the towel last?
- Will it be washed at high temperature or with bleach?
- How quickly must it dry between uses?
- What does the end user expect it to feel like?
- What must appear on the care label in your market? Fibre content must be declared accurately.
Test both
If you are unsure, ask for a sample of each in the same size and weight. Wash them several times, compare drying time and feel, and let the result decide.
Mansa Exim International supplies terry towels in both cotton and polycot, in the weight, size, and colour you specify. Explore our towel range or send us your requirement and we will quote on both options.
