Wimbledon towels made in India are manufactured in Vapi, Gujarat, under the Christy brand. The Centre Court essentials have become prized player souvenirs, connecting Welspun’s textile production with one of tennis’s most recognisable traditions worldwide.
Gujarat factory behind Wimbledon towels
Wimbledon’s official towels, seen on Centre Court and carried by leading players, are manufactured in Vapi, Gujarat. They are produced under the Christy brand, which has supplied the Championships since 1987.
Production was previously based in Britain. Manufacturing later moved to India after Welspun acquired Christy more than 15 years ago and transferred operations to its Gujarat facility.
The towels are shipped to the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London, placing Gujarat’s textile industry behind one of Wimbledon’s most recognisable courtside products.
Designs take months to prepare
Planning for each collection begins about 18 months before the tournament. Designers study colour trends while retaining visual elements associated with Wimbledon.
The heritage towel generally uses the tournament’s green and purple colours. Another version features strawberry-inspired shades linked to its strawberries-and-cream tradition.
An individual towel can take nearly seven days to manufacture. Christy uses premium cotton yarn and a short-loop terry weaving method intended to make the towels soft, absorbent and quick to dry.
Players turn towels into souvenirs
The towels are designed as courtside equipment, but many leave inside players’ bags or are handed to spectators and tournament staff.
About 2,500 towels reportedly leave the All England Club during the Championships each year, while only around 15% are returned. Their limited return rate has helped turn them into unofficial Wimbledon souvenirs.
Iga Swiatek has drawn attention for collecting several towels after matches, while Novak Djokovic has also joked about taking them for friends and family.
Surplus towels get a second life
Christy has reused surplus Championship towels through an heirloom collection. Older or unused designs have been turned into products including tote bags and robes.
Official Wimbledon towels are also sold as merchandise, with prices reported at around £40, although the final cost can vary by retailer and currency conversion.
An Indian-made Centre Court tradition
The journey from Vapi to Wimbledon shows how Indian textile manufacturing supports a product recognised by tennis audiences worldwide.
For players, the towels are practical equipment and personal keepsakes. For Gujarat’s textile industry, they represent a visible role in one of international sport’s most recognisable traditions.
