What is GSM?
GSM is grams per square metre — how much a square metre of the fabric weighs. It is the single number that predicts most about how a garment feels: 140–160 gsm is a thin promotional tee, 200 a standard tee, 270 a heavyweight; 400–450 an everyday hoodie, 500 and above a premium heavyweight fleece.
Why it matters
Weight is the first thing a customer feels and the first thing they convert into a price expectation. Heavier fabric is denser, more opaque, holds its shape and lasts longer — and costs more, since fabric is about 45% of a blank's price.
On our floor
Every blank in our range carries its GSM in the name, and we price by weight. Fabric is checked on arrival: a roll ordered at 500 that weighs 470 goes back.
Common questions
- What GSM is a heavyweight t-shirt?
- 240 and above; 270 is the premium standard.
- What GSM should a hoodie be?
- 400–450 for everyday; 500 and above for premium streetwear.
- Is heavier always better?
- No — sport, heat and one-wear events want lighter. Heavy is for garments meant to be kept.
- How much does weight change the price?
- A modest amount per tee between 200 and 270 gsm at 50 pieces — a small share of the garment for a third more fabric.
Related terms
ring-spun cotton
Ring-spun cotton is yarn made by continuously twisting and thinning the cotton fibres into a fine, strong, smooth thread. Compared with…
jersey
Jersey is the single-knit fabric of the t-shirt: a smooth face, a slightly looped back, stretch across the width and a tendency to curl at…
fleece
Fleece, in knitwear, is a fabric with a smooth knitted face and a back that has been brushed to raise a soft, insulating nap. It is the…
French terry
French terry has the smooth face of a sweatshirt fabric but an unbrushed back of small yarn loops, which makes it lighter, more breathable…
Where this applies
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