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 the calculator scales the 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?
- About $2 per tee between 200 and 270 gsm at 50 pieces from our current rate sheet.
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
Put it to work
Price any garment, decoration and quantity live in the calculator, or send us what you have for a quote within a working day.
Get a quote