Towel Sourcing Glossary

Common terms used across our spec sheets, quotes and product pages.

GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

The standard unit for towel weight/density. Lighter towels (300-400 GSM) dry faster and cost less to launder; heavier towels (500-700+ GSM) feel plusher but take longer to dry.

Combed Cotton

Cotton yarn that has been combed to remove short fibers and impurities before spinning, producing a smoother, stronger, more lustrous yarn than standard carded cotton.

Zero-Twist Yarn

Yarn spun with minimal twist so more fiber surface is exposed, giving towels an especially soft, high-loft hand-feel at the cost of some durability versus twisted yarn.

Terry Loop

The looped pile that gives towelling fabric its absorbency; loop height and density affect both softness and drying speed.

Jacquard Weave

A weaving method that creates a pattern or logo directly in the fabric structure (as opposed to printing on top), so the design survives the life of the towel.

Dobby Border

A woven border pattern (stripes, checks) created on a dobby loom attachment, commonly used for hotel-towel trim detailing.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

A sourcing model where the buyer supplies detailed specifications and the mill manufactures exactly to that brief.

ODM (Original Design Manufacturer)

A sourcing model where the mill develops the product specification based on the buyer\’s brand and target price point, then applies the buyer\’s logo and packaging.

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

The smallest quantity a mill will produce per design/color in a single order, generally set by fixed costs like loom setup and embroidery digitizing.

AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit)

A statistical sampling standard used in final inspection to define the acceptable number of defective units in a batch.

Digitizing Fee

A one-time setup charge to convert a logo or monogram into an embroidery-ready file; reorders of the same design typically skip this fee.

FOB (Free on Board)

A shipping term meaning the seller\’s pricing covers goods loaded onto the vessel at the origin port; the buyer arranges and pays for freight from there.