Wimbledon's official towels that players keep stealing have a surprising India connection

Wimbledon is known for its all-white dress code, strawberries and cream, and world-class tennis. But every year, another courtside essential quietly becomes one of the tournament's biggest talking points, its iconic green and purple towels.

Frequently spotted in the hands of the world's top tennis stars, the official Championship towels have developed a cult following among players and fans alike. What many people may not realise is that these coveted souvenirs are now manufactured in India.

Though the towels were originally produced in Britain, manufacturing moved to Vapi in Gujarat after Indian textile company Welspun acquired British luxury home brand Christy more than 15 years ago. Today, the towels used throughout the Championships are woven in India before making their way to the lawns of the All England Club.

From Britain to Gujarat

Christy has served as Wimbledon's official towel supplier since 1987. While the partnership began with production in the United Kingdom, the manufacturing process gradually shifted to India following Welspun's acquisition of the heritage brand.

The towels are produced at the company's facility in Vapi, Gujarat, combining British design heritage with Indian textile craftsmanship.

Preparations for each Wimbledon collection begin well in advance. Designers reportedly start work around 18 months before the tournament, researching colour trends, seasonal palettes and evolving design influences before settling on the final look. Each towel takes about a week to complete.

This year's heritage edition retains Wimbledon's unmistakable identity, featuring the tournament's signature green base with purple stripes inspired by Centre Court. A second design, finished in a strawberry shade, pays tribute to the Championships' famous strawberries-and-cream tradition.

Why players are obsessed with them

Although every player receives the towels during matches, they are expected to return them after play. In reality, many never make it back.

According to Christy, only around 15 per cent of the towels issued during the Championships are returned. The rest often find their way into players' kit bags, are gifted to ball boys and girls, or are tossed into the crowd as treasured mementoes after memorable victories.

The towels have become so desirable that taking one home has almost become an unofficial Wimbledon tradition.

Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek has openly admitted to doing exactly that. After she was seen stuffing towels into her bag during last year's tournament, fans jokingly dubbed her the "Wimbledon towel thief."

Explaining why she takes them, Swiatek told Reuters, "Every time I come back from a Grand Slam I have like 10 friends and 10 family members wanting towels. So, sorry guys. Sorry Wimbledon. I don't know if I'm supposed to do that."

Novak Djokovic has also joked in the past about taking the official towels home for friends and relatives, highlighting just how sought-after they have become among players.

More than just a match-day accessory

The towels are designed to perform as well as they look. They are woven using Christy's signature short-loop terry construction, making them exceptionally soft while remaining highly absorbent and quick to dry.

Made from premium cotton yarn, they are intended to retain their plush texture even after repeated washing, allowing them to be used long after the tournament has ended.

Their popularity has extended beyond Centre Court. Christy has introduced an heirloom collection that repurposes surplus towels from previous Championships into lifestyle products such as tote bags and robes. The tote bags reportedly sold out soon after they were first released.

The official Wimbledon Championship towels continue to be sold online for about £40, making them one of the tournament's most recognisable pieces of memorabilia.

As Wimbledon has evolved into a global cultural event that celebrates fashion, sport and tradition, its official towels have emerged as one of the tournament's most unexpected icons.