Garments & Fabrics

GSM

Also known as: Fabric Weight, Ounces per Yard

Grams per Square Meter — fabric weight. Higher GSM = thicker, more durable shirt.

GSM (grams per square meter) measures fabric weight and is the most accurate way to compare apparel quality across manufacturers. A typical t-shirt sits between 130–220 GSM. Lighter than 130 is "performance" or super-fashion-tee territory; heavier than 220 is premium / heavyweight.

For reference: a Bella+Canvas 3001 is 150 GSM (light, drapey). A Next Level 3600 is 145 GSM. A Comfort Colors 1717 is 200 GSM (heavyweight). A Gildan 2000 is 180 GSM. The American "oversized streetwear" tee trend has pushed weights to 220–300 GSM.

Heavier fabric does not automatically mean "better" — it just means thicker and more substantial. For summer events or athletic use, a 145 GSM tee breathes better. For cold-weather merch or fashion drops, 200+ GSM looks and feels more premium.

Related terms

Ringspun Cotton

Cotton yarn made by twisting fibers — softer and stronger than open-end cotton.

Combed Cotton

Cotton that has been combed to remove short fibers and impurities — softer and more durable.

Triblend

A fabric made of cotton, polyester, and rayon — drapey, vintage-looking, very soft.

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