What is the difference between 32s/2, 21s/2 and 16s/1 yarns?

In weaving terry towels trade, 32s/2, 21s/2 and 16s/1 yarns are the most used yarns in practice. Here we talk about yarns are only ring spun yarns.

For the sake of simplicity,the difference lies in the yarn count (thickness and fineness) and ply (number of strands). 32s/2 is a fine, 2-ply yarn, 21s/2 is a relatively thicker, 2-ply yarn, and 16s/1 is the thickest and single-ply. A higher ‘s’ number indicates a finer, lighter yarn, while a lower ‘s’ number indicates a thicker, heavier yarn.

32s/2 yarns towels have a great tactile feel and looks delicate. 21s/2 gives a hint of durability, and 16s/1 towels always have a rather longer loops/piles, and with spiral finishing made them plushy and luxury. Long loops obviously improve the absorbency meanwhile dry-quickly.

Technically, 21s/2 yarns towel are strongest, best durable, 32s/2 feel softer, a bit of exquisiteness, and 16s/1 towels are lavish and deluxe.

Towels of different yarns has similar absorbency as long as that they are made of same quality cotton.

And durability generally say, the sequence from high to low is 21s/2, 32s/2 and 16s/1.

So for towels of any count yarns there is no quality difference only various application.

16s/1 yarn towels usually for 5 star hotels and above, 32s/2 for 4 Star hotels generally, and 21s/2 towels largely for BnB, Motelse Etc.

Our king towel are woven by high-speed air-jet terry looms that require high strength yarns, that means high quality cotton too.