Linens and Bath Towels Key Terms

Know linens and bath towels key terms for a better understanding of textiles

By Angela King, Freelance Writer

Linens and bath towels come in a variety of styles, sizes and thread counts to fit a wide spectrum of tastes and budgets. While the term "linen" generally refers to bed sheets, genuine linen sheets are made from flax plant fibers.

From organic and luxury linens and bath towels to the difference between Egyptian and supima cottons, learn a few important linens and bath towels key terms to ensure you purchase the linens and bath towels that meet your or your customers tastes, standards and price constraints.

Organic linen

Organic linen is linen made from all-natural materials. The materials, usually cotton fibers or fibers from the flax plant, are fertilized with naturally-occurring composts as opposed to synthetic chemicals.
Try: Natural-Environment.com offers extensive information about organic linen types.

Luxury linens and bath towels

Luxury linens and bath towels are made from the finest 100 percent cotton for optimum softness. Linens with the highest thread counts are deemed "luxury" linens. Higher-quality linens often offer fine details, such as hand-stitched embroidery, for a more luxurious look and feel.
Try: Table & Kitchen Linen offers information on luxury linen types and styles and how to care for linen in general.

Egyptian cotton

Egyptian cotton is cotton that originates from the Nile area in Egypt. Considered the epitome of luxury cotton, Egyptian cotton bath towels and linens are strong, durable and soft due to the long cotton fibers produced.
Try: JWSeason.com offers more information on Egyptian cotton and other types of cotton used in bath towels and linens.

Bath sheets

Bath sheets are a style of bath towel that provide a larger surface area than standard bath towels provide. Bath sheets are generally 6 feet in length or more.
Try: Read more about bath sheets and other styles of bath towels at wisegeek.com.

Thread count

Thread count is the number of threads per square inch in bed linens. A higher thread count indicates a better quality, softer bed linen. A low thread counts produces a stiff, rough bed linen.
Try: Homefurnish.com offers more information on thread count.

Pima or Supima cotton

Pima cotton is a type of quality cotton grown in the United States and in limited other countries. Pima cotton produces a strong cotton thread of at least 1 inch and 3/8 long. "Supima" is the trade name given to pima cotton. If a product is marketed as "supima" cotton, the cotton is made from 100% pima cotton.
Try: Supimacotton.org offers extensive information on the history of pima cotton and the types and styles of pima cotton available.