Fabric weight (GSM) is the weight of a fabric per square metre and the first number people look at when choosing T-shirt fabric. On its own, however, it is not a measure of quality; yarn type, knit structure and finishing decide the result too.
Which weight for what?
- 120–150 gsm: summer, thin and fluid T-shirts, base layers
- 160–180 gsm: standard everyday T-shirt, the most popular range
- 190–220 gsm: full-bodied, shape-holding, premium-feeling T-shirts
- 260 gsm and above: sweatshirts and winter products
What to watch when choosing the weight
A higher weight is not always better. For a summer product, a fabric that is too heavy feels hot. Your brand positioning matters too: for a premium line, combed ring-spun cotton above 180 gsm is often preferred.
Confirm with a sample
Two fabrics with the same weight on paper can feel different in the hand. Before mass production, always test the handfeel, the drape and the shrinkage after washing on a sample.
