When choosing fabric for clothing, many buyers focus only on the type of material. But one important factor often gets ignored: GSM. GSM means grams per square meter, and it tells you how heavy or thick the fabric is. This affects everything from comfort and durability to how warm, soft, or see through the fabric feels.
A higher GSM usually gives you a stronger and warmer fabric, while a lower GSM feels lighter and easier to wear in hot weather.
Most buyers look at fabric type, but the fabric weight is just as important. This guide will help you understand what GSM means, why it matters, and how to choose the right GSM for T shirts, hoodies, sportswear, and other apparel products.
What is GSM in Fabric?
GSM stands for grams per square meter, and it is the standard way to measure the weight and thickness of a fabric. It tells you how much one square meter of the material weighs. This number helps buyers understand whether a fabric is light, medium, or heavy.
A higher GSM means the fabric is thicker, stronger, and usually warmer. These fabrics are often used for hoodies, winter T shirts, jackets, and premium apparel. A lower GSM means the fabric feels lighter, softer, and more breathable, which makes it ideal for summer wear, activewear, and everyday T shirts.
GSM is used across many industries including clothing, sportswear, home textiles, uniforms, and more. It helps brands maintain quality and choose the right material for the right purpose.
Understanding GSM gives buyers a clear idea of fabric density and helps them make better decisions when sourcing or manufacturing apparel.
Why GSM Is Important for Buyers
Explain GSM impact on:
- Durability
- Comfort and breathability
- Cost
- Product suitability (summer vs winter wear)
- Printing and embroidery results
- Shrinkage expectations
Highlight: “Choosing the wrong GSM can lead to poor quality, returns, and customer dissatisfaction.”
How GSM Is Measured?
GSM is measured by taking a small piece of fabric, cutting it into a fixed size, and weighing it. Factories normally use a GSM cutter to create a perfect circular sample. The sample is then placed on a digital weighing scale to find its weight. That number is used to calculate the fabric’s GSM.
Simple formula:
GSM = Weight of fabric sample (in grams) ÷ Area of the sample (in square meters)
Most factories, buying houses, and testing labs follow a standard GSM testing process to keep results accurate and consistent. This helps buyers compare fabrics easily and choose the right material for their products.
GSM Ranges for Different Apparel Categories
T-Shirts
- 120–140 GSM → Lightweight summer tees
- 150–160 GSM → Standard quality
- 180–220 GSM → Premium/heavyweight tees
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
- 250–300 GSM → Midweight
- 320–380 GSM → Heavy winter wear
Polo Shirts
- 180–240 GSM
Sportswear
- 140–200 GSM (depending on polyester blends)
Leggings / Yoga Wear
- 200–300 GSM
Shirts
- 120–160 GSM (formal and casual)
Fabric GSM Chart
To make it easier for buyers to choose the right fabric weight, here is a simple comparison chart for common apparel types:
| Product Type | Recommended GSM | Notes |
| Summer T-Shirts | 120–150 | Light, breathable, ideal for hot weather |
| Premium T-Shirts | 180–220 | Structured, long-lasting, feels thicker |
| Hoodies | 300–380 | Thick and warm, suitable for cold weather |
| Polo Shirts | 180–240 | Durable, works well for embroidery and logos |
| Sportswear | 140–200 | Moisture-wicking fabrics, perfect for workouts |
High GSM vs Low GSM: Which Is Better?
Choosing the right GSM depends on your product and target market.
High GSM fabrics are thicker, more durable, and provide warmth. They are perfect for hoodies, sweatshirts, and winter wear. The downside is they are less breathable and may feel heavy in hot weather.
Low GSM fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and more budget-friendly. They work well for summer T-shirts, sportswear, and casual wear. However, they may wear out faster and provide less structure.
The best choice depends on climate, intended use, and the comfort and durability your customers expect.
Conclusion
Understanding GSM is key to choosing the right fabric for comfort, durability, and product quality. Knowing the right fabric weight helps buyers make smarter decisions and avoid issues like poor fit, shrinkage, or low durability.
If you’re sourcing apparel from Bangladesh, check our detailed guide on How to Source Blank T-Shirts from Bangladesh
