From Gujarat to Centre Court: The Story of Wimbledon’s Iconic Towels

For 17 years, the prestigious towels used by tennis stars at the Wimbledon Championships have been manufactured in India, blending heritage with modern production.

LONDON/VAPI — As the world’s top tennis players compete on the pristine grass courts of the All England Club during the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, a familiar accessory remains at the center of the action. While spectators often focus on the powerful serves and intense rallies, the iconic, highly absorbent towels used by athletes between points represent a quiet but significant global success story for Indian manufacturing.

For 17 years, these legendary Wimbledon towels have been produced by Welspun Living Limited, one of India's leading home textile companies. Operating through its heritage British subsidiary, Christy, the company has turned its manufacturing facilities in Vapi (Valsad district) and Anjar (Kutch district), Gujarat, into the primary production hub for what has become one of the most coveted souvenirs in world sports.

A Legacy of Excellence

The history of the Wimbledon towel dates back to 1850, when the British firm Christy invented the modern terry towel. Christy became the official towel supplier for The Championships in 1988, with production initially based in Manchester, England.

A strategic shift occurred in 2006 when Welspun acquired Christy. Following the acquisition, the company gradually migrated manufacturing operations to its world-class facilities in Gujarat. Despite the relocation, the production standards have remained strictly tied to the tradition and quality expectations of the All England Club.

"The design process begins nearly 18 months before the tournament, with close coordination between designers and Wimbledon officials," according to company reports. "Every detail, from the weave and texture to the dimensions and colours, is carefully reviewed before production begins."

Precision in Manufacturing

Creating a Wimbledon towel involves more than standard textile production. According to Welspun, each towel takes approximately seven days to manufacture, undergoing a rigorous process of jacquard weaving, dyeing, and finishing.

The manufacturing process utilizes HygroCotton® technology, which uses hollow-core yarn to enhance absorbency and fluffiness, making the towels ideal for the demands of high-intensity sports. Furthermore, in line with modern sustainability standards, the towels are OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN certified, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and produced in factories adhering to strict social and ecological criteria.

Impact on Global Branding

The towels have evolved from a functional court accessory into a cultural icon. Following the 2021 tournament, Wimbledon transitioned to a unisex towel policy, providing both the classic green-and-purple design and a new seasonal colorway to all players. These designs are often influenced by trend forecasting—such as the "Hyacinth & Lavender" palette seen in recent years—and are screen-tested to ensure they maintain visual impact on television broadcasts.

The popularity of these towels extends well beyond the professional tour. They are among the most sought-after merchandise at the Wimbledon Shop, often retailing for approximately £60–£70 ($75–$85 USD). Their status is such that event organizers have reportedly dealt with the "disappearance" of hundreds of towels each day during the tournament, as players and fans alike prize them as authentic pieces of tennis history.

Why It Matters

For the Indian textile industry, the partnership serves as a testament to the country’s manufacturing capabilities on a global stage. By integrating traditional craftsmanship with proprietary technology, the collaboration demonstrates how local industrial hubs in Gujarat can sustain a presence in the most elite echelons of international sports. For investors and industry analysts, the 17-year longevity of the contract highlights the stability of long-term strategic supply chain partnerships.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Production Hub: Manufactured by Welspun Living Limited in Vapi and Anjar, Gujarat, India.

• Supplier History: Christy has served as the official supplier to Wimbledon for 39 years; Welspun has managed production for 17 years.

• Quality Standard: Each towel utilizes patented HygroCotton® technology and is OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN certified.

• Design Process: Every annual design requires roughly 18 months of planning, testing, and coordination with the All England Club.

FAQ

Why are these towels considered so iconic?

They are synonymous with the "winning moments" of the sport. Draped over the shoulders of champions like Novak Djokovic and others, they have become a status symbol for both players and fans.

Can fans buy the official Wimbledon towels?

Yes, the towels are sold through the official Wimbledon Shop during the tournament, with various collections released annually.

Are the towels sustainable?

Yes, according to the manufacturer, they are produced using sustainable practices, including the elimination of single-use plastic packaging in favor of FSC-certified card.

What happens to the towels after the tournament?

Many are kept by players as souvenirs or gifted to fans. The company also initiatives like the "Heirloom Collection," which upcycles surplus stock into fashion pieces like bags.

Source: Welspun Living Limited, The Wimbledon Shop, Christy, The Textile Magazine