Fabric & GSM Guide
What GSM means, how heavy your fabric should be, and how to choose the right one.
What is GSM?
GSM means grams per square metre— the weight of a fabric. The higher the number, the heavier, thicker, and usually more premium-feeling the fabric. It’s the single most useful number for describing the feel of a garment to a manufacturer.
Fabric weight chart
- 110–140 GSM
- Lightweight, drapey tees and summer styles
- 140–180 GSM
- Standard everyday t-shirts
- 180–220 GSM
- Heavyweight, premium tees with structure
- 240–280 GSM
- Lightweight sweats and mid-weight layers
- 280–350 GSM
- Standard hoodies and sweatshirts
- 350–500 GSM
- Heavyweight, structured streetwear hoodies
Common fabrics, and when to use them
- Combed cotton — soft, smooth, the everyday default for tees and basics.
- GOTS organic cotton — certified organic; the same feel with a story and documentation you can stand behind.
- Cotton fleece / French terry — the standard for hoodies and sweats; French terry is lighter, fleece is brushed and cosier.
- Modal & bamboo viscose — extra-soft, drapey, breathable; great for loungewear and intimates.
- Performance blends (poly/spandex) — stretch, moisture-wicking, and recovery for activewear.
- Recycled blends — performance or cotton-rich fabrics with recycled content for a lower footprint.
How to choose
- Decide the feel first (lightweight summer tee vs. heavyweight hoodie), then pick the GSM.
- Heavier isn’t always better — match the weight to the garment and season.
- If sustainability matters, ask for GOTS-certified organic and see the certificate.
- Not sure? Ask for fabric swatches and a sample — feeling it beats guessing.
Want help choosing for your garment? Send us your ideaand we’ll recommend a fabric and weight. Or read the manufacturing glossary.
Frequently asked questions
What does GSM mean in fabric?
GSM means grams per square metre — the weight of a fabric. A higher number means a heavier, thicker, and usually more premium-feeling cloth.
What GSM is best for a t-shirt?
Everyday t-shirts are usually 140–180 GSM. Lightweight summer tees sit around 110–140 GSM, while premium, structured tees run 180–220 GSM.
What GSM is a good hoodie?
Standard hoodies and sweatshirts are around 280–350 GSM. Heavyweight streetwear hoodies run 350–500 GSM for a thick, structured feel.
Which fabric is best for clothing?
It depends on the garment: combed or organic cotton for tees, French terry or fleece for hoodies, modal or bamboo for loungewear, and performance blends for activewear.