From naturally luxurious silks and comfortable cottons, to synthetic fabrics like microfiber and polyester, textiles are available in so many different varieties that there really is something for everyone. Whether you prioritize breathability, sturdiness, or a range of beautiful colors, every fabric from across the world brings various benefits and advantages with it.
Nevertheless, some are undoubtedly more popular than others. Portuguese textiles, in particular, have experienced a huge rise in popularity in recent years. Want to find out why Portugueses textiles have become so highly prized, and why you should consider adding them to your collection of bathroom linens? Read on…
The Portuguese Textile Industry
The textile industry in Portugal is considered to be the strongest in all of Europe due to exquisite craftsmanship and high quality. This industry is an important part of the Portuguese economy, accounting for around 15% of the country’s total exports. Of all the textiles produced in Portugal, 40% make their way to the United States.
The majority of Portugal’s textile manufacturing processes take place in the Northern region of the country, specifically around Braga and Porto. These production processes are unique and highly effective; modern innovation is combined with traditional practices that have been passed down through many generations, and socially and ecologically responsible methods are also favored.
The positive results speak for themselves: spectacular textiles are expertly manufactured and have become renowned across the globe. Some of the many selling points of textiles produced in Portugal include transparent and responsible labor practices, swift production speeds, incomparable skill, accessibility, and environmental responsibility. The industry manages to impressively align creative craftsmanship with sustainable production.
A Brief History of Portuguese Textiles
Portugal’s cotton industry originally took shape during the 18th century - with production centered around Lisbon - due to colonial influences from Brazil. All the necessary machinery was imported from the South American country, allowing the Portuguese to establish several factories, thus setting the wheels of their economy in motion.
Around the 19th century, Portugal’s textile industry began to expand into another niche. Flax fibers were imported from Hamburg, Germany, giving Portugal yet another upper hand as they explored and sought to specialize in linen production. Northern regions of the country, such as the city of Guimaraes, had the added advantage of ample water supplies from a collection of small rivers situated in the area.
Linen producers in Portugal were highly creative, producing spun fibers and woven fabrics that were extremely popular materials for garments. These fabrics were dyed using natural methods, thus were free from harsh chemicals, which made Portuguese linens exceptionally soft and supple.
Fun fact: did you know that, while the Portuguese cotton industry was factory-based, linen production actually began as a domestic pastime? People used small household looms to weave their own linens!
Portuguese Textiles and Sustainability
The Portugues textiles industry, in line with Portugal’s national policies, maintains a significant focus on sustainability. All Portuguese textiles companies are mandated to comply with environmental legislation, maintaining production methods and processes that are fully aligned with the European Union and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards.
When it comes to corporate social responsibility, the Portuguese textiles industry also steps up to the plate. CITEVE (the Technological Center for Portugues Textiles and Clothing) - a national, private, non-profit organization - offers technical support and innovation ideas. The inter-regional EU program, RESET (Redesigning Equality and Scientific Excellence Together), supports CITEVE’s efforts, with initiatives aimed at helping companies comply with Portugal’s corporate social responsibility standards.
Over the years, RESET has developed six sustainability focus areas for the Portuguese textile industry:
- To improve recycling efforts and effective waste disposal.
- To encourage energy-saving efforts and reduce water consumption.
- To reduce the use and disposal of chemical substances.
- To develop smart textiles and new production techniques.
- To assist with eco-creativity and natural fibers.
- To use new materials and applications that promote sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Why Are Portuguese Textiles So Famous?
“Made in Portugal" has become synonymous with quality and reliability, since Portugal's textiles are known for their quality and exquisite craftsmanship. When someone purchases a product made with Portuguese fabric, they do so with the knowledge that the manufacturing process was socially and ecologically responsible.
Portugal textiles are a dazzling sensory experience. They are pleasurable to touch, behold, and wear. Whether used in home decor, clothing, or accessories, Portuguese textiles are highly coveted as they provide the complete package — sustainability, quality, aesthetic, and comfort.
Portuguese Cotton
While Portugal is now known for manufacturing various luxurious and sustainable fabrics, cotton has been a frontrunner since the 1700s.
The Portuguese cotton industry emerged in the 18th century and has continued to grow throughout recent centuries; unrivaled craftsmanship produces a soft, breathable, and absorbent final product.
Why Sunday Citizen Chose to Include Portuguese Textiles in its Portugal Bath Collection
With responsible production techniques and high-quality craftsmanship, Portugal’s textile industry is the strongest in Europe; this made including Portuguese textiles in our newest Bath Collection an easy and natural decision.The luxurious and premium quality Portugal Bath Collection is a great addition to Sunday Citizen’s world of soft and cozy.
We also like knowing that our radically soft products are not only good for our valued customers, but the environment, too. The Portuguese textiles used in our Portugal Bath Collection are manufactured and dyed using environmentally conscious, sustainable techniques, so you can rest easy knowing you are getting the best quality styles, without harming Mother Earth. Portuguese textiles align perfectly with Sunday Citizen’s goals in this respect.
And that’s not all. We love the fact that Portuguese textiles are rooted in domestic manufacturing and family. By including these fabrics in our collection, our products don’t just provide comfort and style; they’re also legacies of love and care, honoring inter-generational traditions and long-standing family businesses.
Because of this, we can confidently say that our Portugal Bath Collection combines sustainability, luxury, and love, allowing our customers to be part of the distinguished history of Portuguese textiles, and the resulting, rich fabrics.
All About the Portugal Bath Collection
The Portugal Bath Collection was inspired by the feelings of serenity, comfort, tranquility, and peace that come from spending a relaxing day at a spa. Our bath linens embody the sentiments of calm and rejuvenation.
Massages, mud baths, saunas, and facials aren’t necessarily something we can afford to incorporate into our daily (or even weekly!) routines. But, the soft, plush, coziness of spa-like bath linens is an indulgent pleasure we can afford to have on a daily basis.
With ultra fluffy bath robes, highly absorbent bath towels, and plush bathroom rugs, the Portugal Bath Collection brings self care into your home.
When you’re done showering or soaking in the tub after a long day, dry your feet on a soft and rich bath rug from our collection; it feels like stepping on a cloud! Follow this with the wonderful sensory experience of wrapping yourself in a plush towel, or enveloping yourself in one of our divine bathrobes, like a soft hug.
The linens in our Portugal Bath Collection pay homage to three notable regions in Portugal - Cascais, Estremoz, and Porto - and are named accordingly. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll be receiving a premium quality, indulgent piece from Europe’s best textile producers.
Allow us to take you on a short tour:
Cascais Linens
Named after a Riviera town in the Lisbon District of Portugal, our Cascais linens are inspired by the earthy, natural tones of Cascais’ awe-inspiring landscapes.
The result is an irresistibly soft cotton that will transport you to beautiful Mediterranean seasides, no matter where you are.
Estremoz Linens
Nothing says splendor, grandiosity, and magnificence quite like marble - apart from the marbled effect on our rich and luxurious Estremoz linens, of course.
Inspired by the city of Estremoz’s famous marble, these linens add a subtle hint of royalty to any bathroom, honoring their namesake.
Porto Linens
As the second largest city in Portugal, Porto is a commercial and industrial hub located North of the Mondego River.
Our Porto linens embody their namesake city’s sophistication and simplicity, paying homage to a modern, classic aesthetic with clean, straight lines. The supple fabric feels truly divine.
Conclusion
The sustainability of Portuguese textiles is founded on three pillars: people, planet, and profit. Combined, these principles have led to the manufacturing of exquisite fabrics that are not only beautiful and comfortable, but also good for the environment. They also richly represent artistry, heritage, and luxury.
For Sunday Citizen’s Portugal Bath Collection, we’ve carefully selected premium quality fabrics, colors, and designs that deserve pride of place in your bathroom. We have woven the threads of Portugal’s rich and remarkable textile industry into the fabrics of this collection, to allow you to enjoy all that luxurious softness.