Served with Style: Wimbledon’s Iconic Towels Are Made in India

While tennis stars battle on the grass courts of London, the tournament’s most recognizable accessory is being crafted in the textile hubs of Gujarat.

VAPI, India — Every year, as the world’s elite tennis players drape iconic purple-and-green towels over their shoulders during the Wimbledon Championships, few spectators realize that this quintessentially British sporting accessory is a product of Indian craftsmanship. For the past 17 years, the official towels of the All England Lawn Tennis Club have been manufactured in the state of Gujarat, representing a quiet but significant triumph for India’s textile industry.

The production of these coveted items is overseen by the Indian textile giant Welspun Living Limited. Following its 2006 acquisition of the heritage British brand Christy—which has served as Wimbledon’s official towel supplier since 1987—the manufacturing process was gradually transitioned from Manchester to Welspun’s state-of-the-art facilities in Vapi and Anjar.

A Global Collaboration of Quality

The journey of a Wimbledon towel begins nearly 18 months before a single serve is struck at the Championships. The design process is a high-stakes collaboration between Christy’s creative team in the UK and the production experts in India. Every detail, from the signature short-looped terry weave to the specific color saturation of the "Championship" palette, is meticulously reviewed to meet the rigorous standards of the Grand Slam tournament.

"Organizers stated that the collaboration requires a unique blend of heritage and precision," according to industry reports. The manufacturing process involves multiple stages—weaving, dyeing, finishing, and quality testing—with each towel taking approximately one week to produce. The result is a high-absorbency, durable product capable of withstanding the intense physical demands of professional tennis.

Sustainability at the Core

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the towels have become a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing in the textile sector. The production facilities in Gujarat have achieved notable milestones, including the Oeko-Tex MADE IN GREEN certification, which ensures products are manufactured without harmful substances.

Welspun Living has further distinguished itself by implementing water-sustainability initiatives. The manufacturing plant in Anjar has achieved complete independence from freshwater usage, utilizing advanced sewage treatment technology to close the loop on its resource consumption. Furthermore, the company has eliminated unnecessary plastic packaging, transitioning to FSC-certified card packaging to reduce its environmental footprint.

Why It Matters

The story of the Wimbledon towel is a testament to the global integration of India’s manufacturing prowess. By successfully maintaining the quality of a 176-year-old British heritage brand, Indian manufacturers have positioned themselves as essential partners to the world's most prestigious sporting events. For the millions of fans who collect these towels as souvenirs—with an estimated 2,500 leaving the grounds annually despite being technically "on loan" to players—the item represents a seamless fusion of traditional British legacy and modern Indian industrial innovation.

Key Facts at a Glance

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

• Legacy: The collaboration between Christy and Wimbledon dates back to 1987; Indian production began in 2009.

• Design Logic: Men’s towels maintain the classic green, purple, and gold palette, while women’s towels feature refreshed seasonal designs annually.

• Sustainability: The towels are Oeko-Tex certified, use BCI-sourced cotton, and feature plastic-free packaging.

FAQ

Why do the towel designs change every year?

While the men’s towels retain the traditional club colors, the women’s towel designs are refreshed annually by the Christy design studio to reflect contemporary aesthetics and seasonal trends.

Can fans buy these towels?

Yes, the official Wimbledon Championships towels are available for purchase through the official Wimbledon Shop and at select retail outlets globally.

How many towels are used during the tournament?

While players are expected to return them, an estimated 2,500 towels leave the grounds each year, largely as souvenirs kept by players, ball boys, or lucky fans.

Source: Welspun Living Blog, Economic Times, Christy Official