Elys Wimbledon: Official retailer of Christy Wimbledon Towels
Official retailer of Christy Wimbledon Towels
At Elys we’ve been an official retailer of Christy and their AELTC Championships Wimbledon towels for over 20 years with Christy producing the towels used by tennis royalty for over 30 years.
The Official Wimbledon Towels have achieved iconic status at The Championships where they have featured in some of the biggest matches in memory. Instantly recognisable, the classic colouring of the green and purple championships towel is as at home on the beach as it is the tennis court.
Why our staff love the Championship Wimbledon towels
Tony, Sales Assistant Bedding
“They are very very collectable and make fantastic gifts. It’s also great to be celebrating over 100 years of Centre Court. Customers always ask us when the next Wimbledon towel is coming in. It’s two great British brands working together. Anyone for Tennis?”
Carole, Sale Assistant Linens
“I love the Wimbledon towel because it reminds me of over 100 years of Centre Court. I love the colours, they are so vibrant and it's great value.”
Michael, Sales Assistant Linens
“The Wimbledon Championships Towel makes me think of the local culture, success and fitness.“
Verity, Head of Ecommerce at Elys
“I love the Championship towels, they are so fluffy and wash so well. They are quick-drying and have high absorbency - they’re really great quality! Andy Murray won the men's singles at Wimbledon twice (in 2013 and 2016) and those towels are such a great, great reminder of such a historic event.”
The History of Christy
In the late 1840s, a man named Henry Christy returned from a remarkable visit to Turkey. While away, he had managed to obtain permission to go through the Palace of the Sultan in Constantinople and visit some of the most exotic baths in the world.It was from these baths that Henry Christy procured a sample of pile fabric which was destined to change the way the world dried itself. With the help of his brother Richard, Henry Christy began to mechanically produce the first Turkish towels seen in the Western World.
They were introduced at the Great Exhibition in 1851 and a set was subsequently sent to Queen Victoria who immediately ordered more.
THE AELTC CHOSE CHRISTY
Nearly 150 years later, Christy are known as the finest towel makers in the world. It was, in fact, this reputation which prompted the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to commission them a special set of towels for the Wimbledon Championships. Each year, two towels are produced by Christy (one for the men and one for the women) which are supplied court-side to each championship competitor.
Each soft and fluffy Wimbledon towel features the Wimbledon Championship seal along with a coloured border reading “The Wimbledon Championship” coupled with the year and the famous Christy name.The Men's Championship Wimbledon towels have a very special status amongst tennis players; they come in the classic Wimbledon colours of green and purple, and are highly sought after year after year. Wimbledon tennis towels are the real thing. They are made out of fine cotton of the highest quality and are pretty smart and stylish.
The Wimbledon Towels of Today
Image from independent.co.uk, 2022 was the first year that Wimbledon done away with different coloured towels for men and women in a move towards gender equality. Traditionally, male players received the classic green and purple “Championship” towels, while women received “Seasonal” towels of different colours. Now the ungendered colours for the Seasonal Wimbledon towels are of a striking turquoise and navy variety. At the end of a match, players are traditionally expected to leave the towels behind to be laundered. Court attendants politely ask for them, but enjoy only 20 per cent success in the reclaim procedure. Wimbledon towels have become so coveted as mementos that the vast majority leave the court casually slung around the neck of a player, or scrunched up inside their zipped bag..
The 2023 Wimbledon Championship Towels
Used by the biggest names on Centre Court and instantly recognisable, the classic colours of the green and purple Championships Wimbledon towel is great for home, on the beach AND on the tennis court. It is woven from superior quality hygro cotton for excellent absorbency, better durability, a soft handle and lower linting. It is sized at 70 x 133 cm. Christy are proud members of the Better Cotton Initiative, promoting better standards across the cotton farming industry.
