Hotel Linen Specifications Guide 2026
Thread count · GSM · Sizes by star category · Certifications · What to specify when ordering hotel linen
How to Specify Hotel Linen
Hotel linen procurement involves specifying the right combination of thread count (for bed linen) or GSM (for towels), fibre quality, weave type, size, certification, and finish for each star category and guest experience goal. This guide covers the standard specifications used by hotel procurement managers worldwide.
Bed Linen Specifications by Star Category
| Category | Thread Count | Weave | Finish | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget / 1–2 Star | 180TC–200TC polycotton or cotton | Plain weave | Wrinkle-resistant | White or light colour |
| Mid-Range / 3 Star | 200TC–300TC cotton percale | Percale (plain weave) | Mercerized, soft finish | Brilliant white |
| Upscale / 4 Star | 300TC–400TC cotton percale | Percale or light sateen | Mercerized, enzyme-washed | Brilliant white |
| Luxury / 5 Star | 400TC–600TC sateen | Sateen (4-over-1 weave) | Mercerized, silky finish | White, ivory, or brand colour |
| Ultra-Luxury / 5★+ | 600TC–800TC Egyptian or ELS cotton | Sateen or jacquard | Finest mercerized, custom | White or bespoke |
Bath Towel GSM by Star Category
| Category | GSM | Pile Type | Size | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 300–400 GSM | Standard terry | 70×130cm | None required |
| 3 Star Hotel | 400–500 GSM | Standard ring-spun terry | 70×140cm | OEKO-TEX preferred |
| 4 Star Hotel | 500–550 GSM | Combed cotton terry | 70×140cm | OEKO-TEX required |
| 5 Star Hotel | 600–650 GSM | Long-staple zero-twist or combed | 70×140cm or 90×180cm bath sheet | OEKO-TEX required |
| Spa/Ultra-Luxury | 650–700 GSM | Zero-twist ELS cotton | 90×180cm bath sheet | OEKO-TEX + GOTS optional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What thread count do 5-star hotels use for bed sheets?
5-star hotels typically specify 400TC–600TC sateen weave for their bed sheets. Ultra-luxury properties (flagship hotels, branded residences) may specify 600TC–800TC Egyptian or ELS (extra-long-staple) cotton sateen. Thread count above 600TC yields diminishing returns in quality unless the underlying fibre quality is genuinely long-staple - a 400TC sheet made from long-staple cotton often feels better than a 600TC sheet made from short-staple cotton.
What GSM should hotel towels be?
Hotel towel GSM by category: Budget/economy hotels use 300–400 GSM. 3-star hotels typically specify 400–500 GSM. 4-star hotels specify 500–550 GSM. 5-star hotels specify 600–650 GSM. Ultra-luxury and spa properties use 650–700 GSM. GSM is the primary quality indicator for towels - higher GSM means more cotton pile, greater absorbency, and a plusher guest feel.
What are standard hotel bed sheet sizes?
Standard hotel bed sheet sizes vary by country. In the UK/EU: Single 90×190cm, Double 140×200cm, King 160×200cm, Super King 180×200cm. In the USA: Twin 38"×75", Full 54"×75", Queen 60"×80", King 76"×80". Most manufacturers supply in both systems. Always specify pocket depth for fitted sheets - hotel beds with thick mattresses and mattress toppers need 35–40cm deep-pocket fitted sheets.
What certifications should hotel linen have?
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is the minimum expected certification for hotel linen today - confirming the fabric is free from harmful substances. For sustainable hotels and properties with ESG reporting requirements: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic cotton claims, BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) for responsible cotton sourcing, and ISO 9001 for manufacturing quality system. High-end hotels increasingly require suppliers to hold all three.
100% cotton or CVC (polycotton) for hotel bed sheets - which should I specify?
100% cotton breathes better, feels softer against skin, and is what 4-5 star guests expect - it is the standard choice for hotel sheets. CVC (Chief Value Cotton, usually 50/50 or 60/40 cotton-polyester) resists wrinkling, dries faster in commercial laundry, and costs less, which is why it is common in budget/economy properties, uniforms, and high-turnover commercial laundry programmes rather than guest-facing 5-star bedding. For hotel sheets specifically, specify 100% cotton at 200-400TC; reserve CVC for back-of-house linen or markets where fast-dry, low-iron handling matters more than hand-feel.
How do I read a sheet spec like "40s x 40s, 133 x 72"?
A woven sheet spec is a short code. Read it left to right: warp yarn count, weft yarn count, then ends per inch and picks per inch. Adding the last two gives the thread count.
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Warp yarn | 40s | Yarn running lengthways is count 40 (fine) |
| Weft yarn | 40s | Yarn running across is count 40 |
| Ends per inch | 133 | 133 warp threads in each inch of width |
| Picks per inch | 72 | 72 weft threads in each inch of length |
| Thread count | 205, sold as T200 | 133 + 72 |
Why do some thread counts look too high?
The test method counts threads in the finished cloth. Counting each strand of a plied yarn separately makes a plain weave look much denser than it is. When a number is far above what the yarn count can physically hold, ask how it was counted. Compare fibre and yarn count as well as the headline number.
Read more: Thread count vs GSM · Linen myths
What should a hem spec say?
Name the hem type and the stitches per inch. A double fold hem hides the raw edge, so it frays less in a hotel laundry. Overlocked edges are common on towel sides and on cheaper sheets.
Check hems first on any sample. A weak hem often shows after only a few washes, so it is a quick early test.
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