How to Choose the Right Linen for Your Hospitality Business: A Guide to Quality, Comfort, and Durability

When it comes to hospitality, first impressions matter — and nothing speaks louder than the linens your guests interact with every day. Whether it’s the crisp sheets on their bed or the plush towels in the bathroom, quality linen plays a crucial role in guest satisfaction and your business reputation.

At Gleaming Services, we understand the importance of selecting the right linen to balance comfort, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s our guide to help you make the best choice for your hospitality business.

1. Consider the Fabric Composition

The fabric type affects feel, breathability, and longevity:

For instance:

• Cotton Rich Blends: Often mixed with polyester to increase wrinkle resistance and reduce cost while maintaining comfort.

• Cotton: Known for its softness and breathability. There are also premium options prized for durability.

  
  

2. Thread Count Matters — But Don’t Overdo It!

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven per square inch of fabric. Generally:

• A thread count between 130–400 can offer excellent durability and comfort, especially when paired with high-quality cotton or cotton-rich blends.

• 130 thread count linens are often favoured in hospitality for their resilience, breathability, and easy laundering — making them a practical, long-lasting choice for busy environments!

• Very high thread counts (600+) can feel luxurious, but may be less breathable and far slower to dry. Not typically ideal in the hospitality sector!

  
  

3. Weight and Composition Durability

• Weight (gsm - grams per square meter): Heavier linens tend to be more durable but might feel less breathable (not always a practical choice).

  
  

• Weave styles & Composition - Example: Sateen weaves are silky and smooth, ideal for luxury beds; percale is crisp and breathable, great for durability and everyday use.

  
  

• 100% Cotton: A natural, breathable fabric known for its softness and comfort. Also naturally hypoallergenic! Ideal for guests who value a traditional, fresh feel. Durable and suitable for regular laundering. A great option!

• Cotton Rich: A practical blend of cotton and polyester, cotton-rich fabric provides the softness of cotton with added strength and reduced creasing from the polyester. It’s durable, cost-effective, and easy to care for - perfect for busy hospitality settings.

• 100% Cotton Percale: Known for its crisp, cool finish, percale is a plain weave using high-quality cotton. It has a matte look and a fresh, lightweight feel - ideal for guests who love a traditional, "hotel-style" bed linen experience.

• 50/50% Polycotton: An even blend of polyester and cotton that’s cost-effective, quick to dry, and easy to care for. Slightly less soft than pure cotton, but extremely durable and ideal for high-traffic use.

• 100% Cotton Sateen: A luxurious weave with a silky, smooth finish. The sateen weave uses a one-under, multiple-over technique, giving it a subtle sheen and soft touch — perfect for boutique and high-end hospitality.

  
  

4. Choose Colours and Styles that Fit Your Brand

While white remains the classic hotel linen choice — it’s easy to bleach and looks pristine — coloured linens and patterns can enhance your branding and guest experience. And with Gleaming Services, you can rest assured they’ll be cleaned and maintained to the highest standard!

5. Easy Care is Key

Hospitality linens go through frequent washing, so opt for fabrics that can withstand high-temperature washes and industrial cleaning without losing softness or shape. At Gleaming Services, we ensure your linens are cleaned at high temperatures using professional-grade equipment - keeping them fresh, soft, and looking their best wash after wash.

6. Don’t Forget Towels and Bath Mats

Soft, absorbent towels and non-slip bath mats complete the guest experience. Look for 100% ring-spun cotton towels with a GSM between 450-650 for the perfect mix of absorbency and plush feel. Often, with a weight of 450gsm, towels strike the perfect balance between absorbency and quick drying, making them ideal for busy hospitality environments.

Why Choose Gleaming Services for Your Linen Needs?

We supply and maintain hotel-quality linens designed to meet the highest hospitality standards. With a 48-hour turnaround and a wide range of premium products, Gleaming Services is your trusted partner in delivering comfort and style to your guests.

Ready to upgrade your linen? You'll soon be able to browse our shop (coming soon!), or in the meantime, get in touch for a personalised quote.