Percale: A classic "one-over, one-under" weave. It is highly breathable, durable, and has a crisp, matte finish. Ideal for commercial laundering.
Sateen: A weave structure (usually four-over, one-under) that creates a smooth, lustrous, and silky surface. It drapes beautifully and feels warmer, often used in luxury hospitality.
Thread Count (TC): The number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch of fabric. While often used as a proxy for quality, a high-quality 200TC percale is often superior (and more durable) for contract use than a cheaper 400TC.
Measurement and Performance
GSM (Grams per Square Metre): The standard measurement for towel and bathrobe weight. A 400-500 GSM towel is standard lightweight/quick-dry; 500-600 GSM is the hospitality standard for plushness; 600+ GSM is ultra-luxury but takes significantly longer to launder and dry.
Tog: A measure of thermal resistance (warmth) used for duvets. Summer weights are typically 4.5 tog, spring/autumn is 9.0 tog, and winter is 10.5 to 13.5 tog.
Thermal Disinfection: A laundering process (often required in care or hospital settings) where linen is washed at high temperatures (e.g., 71°C for 3 minutes or 65°C for 10 minutes) to eliminate pathogens. Contract textiles must be manufactured to withstand this without excessive shrinkage or degradation.
Compliance Terms
Crib 5 (Source 5): A UK fire safety standard (BS 7175) required for contract bedding in most commercial environments like hotels and care homes.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: An independent certification system ensuring textiles are tested for harmful substances and are safe for human health.