From Gujarat to Centre Court: The story behind Wimbledon’s iconic towels.

How India became the home of tennis’s most coveted souvenir

When tennis fans think of Wimbledon, images of strawberries and cream, pristine grass courts, and legendary matches often come to mind. Yet, one accessory has quietly become just as iconic, the official Wimbledon towel. Draped over players’ shoulders, clutched between points, and often spirited away as keepsakes, these towels have a fascinating journey that leads straight to India.

Since 1987, luxury brand Christy has produced the tournament’s towels. Originally crafted in Britain, their production shifted to Vapi, Gujarat, after Indian textile giant Welspun acquired Christy more than 15 years ago. Today, every towel used at Wimbledon is woven in India, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

The creative process begins nearly 18 months before the Championships. Christy’s design team studies seasonal palettes and global trends before finalizing the look. Each towel takes about a week to produce, using premium cotton yarn and Christy’s signature short-loop terry weave, which ensures softness, absorbency, and durability. For 2026, the collection features a heritage green-and-purple design alongside a playful strawberry-inspired version, paying homage to Wimbledon’s most famous treat.

But these towels are more than functional, they’re prized souvenirs. Although players are expected to return them after matches, only about 15 percent make their way back. The restaround 2,500 each yearare tucked into kit bags, gifted to ball kids, or tossed into the crowd. Polish star Iga Swiatek has even earned the nickname “Wimbledon towel thief” for gleefully collecting them, while Novak Djokovic has joked about taking them home for family and friends.

Beyond the courts, Christy repurposes surplus towels into tote bags and robes through its heirloom collection, which often sells out quickly. Meanwhile, official Championship towels remain available online for around £40 (₹5,114), making them accessible to fans worldwide.

Wimbledon’s connection with India doesn’t end with textiles. The tournament has embraced its Indian fanbase by pairing viral Instagram clips with Bollywood tracks and even collaborating with Delhi’s century-old Kuremal Kulfi to create a limited-edition strawberries-and-cream kulfi.

From Gujarat’s looms to Centre Court’s spotlight, Wimbledon’s towels embody a unique cultural crossoverwhere Indian craftsmanship meets global sporting tradition, turning a simple accessory into a cherished symbol of tennis history.