What is GSM? The complete guide to t-shirt fabric

Take a back seat if you’re chasing the high of a perfect tee which simply feels good to the touch. This article guides you on how you can determine the quality of fabric by understanding what GSM is.

With the power to make or break an outfit, this crucial aspect is something you need to keep an eye on, along with the prices and sizes.  

Not being able to check the quality of a purchase puts the buyer at a certain disadvantage in the online mode of shopping. GSM comes to the rescue by:

• Making it easier to determine the weight of your selected t-shirt,
• Assisting in your goal to pursue sustainable fashion and,
• Helping you select a t-shirt that’s just right for a given weather and price.

Let’s dive in to understand how.

What does GSM stand for?

GSM is abbreviated as “Grams per Square Meter (g/m^2)“. It is a unit of measuring the weight and density of fabrics. It tells us how thick or thin the material is. These are the qualities that affect the way a t-shirt drapes upon wearing and how it feels against your skin. GSM is determined by how closely the fabric is knit.

It tells us about the durability, functionality, and comfort that a t-shirt can provide. Ranging somewhere between 100-150 GSM, a good lightweight fabric like cotton makes an essential part of summer wardrobes. Medium-weight fabric with GSM greater than 150 is comparatively more durable and fit for frequent use and washing.

GSM is measured by weighing a square meter of the fabric and calculating its weight in grams. In some cases, you may notice Oz per Square Yard being used instead of Grams. The basic idea is the same, only it measures how much a yard of fabric weighs in ounces instead of grams.

A point to be noted, lower GSM does not necessarily mean low quality as well. It only means the fabric is woven lightly as compared to that of higher GSM. You need to assess the type of fabric, raw materials used, and the type of weaving/knitting patterns to ensure the quality of fabrics.

Why is it important?

It all boils down to your reason for buying a T-shirt. Denser fabric often equates to better durability, while breezing through summers is easier with lightweight material. Buyers often keep in mind the following while selecting a t-shirt:

Whether you’re riding on the wave of changing trends or shopping to create a sustainable wardrobe, understanding GSM takes you a step closer.

The broad spectrum of GSM

The three main types of fabrics that can be broadly categorized by GSM are:

• Lightweight Fabrics: Lightweight fabrics range from 30 – 150 GSM. They are airy and usually give a degree of transparency. The fabric is perfect for undergarments, summer dresses, or t-shirts. Lightweight fabrics include organza, chiffon, linen, and mesh. A blend of fabrics such as cotton and lyocell makes up for less transparent and moisture-absorbing alternatives.

• Medium Weight Fabrics: These types of fabrics strike a balance between durability and comfort. Ranging from 150-350 GSM, they last you long enough while being a go-to for every day. These include fabrics that are non-transparent yet breathable. They provide you with greater comfort and versatility, thanks to the use of high-quality cotton. More medium-weight fabric examples include velvet, sateen, and jersey.

• Heavy Weight Fabrics: These have a structured look about them, which is perfect for making a fashion statement. They have a GSM of over 350, becoming ideal for colder climates. These are a great choice to form an autumn and winter collection. These heavy-weight fabrics include wool felt, denim, and twill. The quality of these materials ensures their longevity while providing warmth. Even then, you might want to opt for something that does not suffocate your upper body and leaves enough room to breathe. In such cases, it is advisable to opt for natural fabrics over synthetic ones.

How does the GSM of a fabric affect prices?

T-shirts with higher GSM require more raw materials, processing, and energy to weave. So, GSM does increase the price of T-shirts considerably. However, a higher GSM is not always an indicator of a higher cost.

A heavier and denser fabric equals higher GSM which requires more raw materials and time and energy to process and weave. Naturally, this heaviness increases the price of the final product. Price here becomes an indicator of quality and durability.

T-shirts are blank canvases waiting to be experimented on with prints, styles, embroideries, etc. This ready-made piece of clothing has garnered a wide consumer base due to its convenience and versatility. Various brands customise these blank apparel and the price tag put by each varies greatly.

A brand’s reputation, design, marketing, and distribution costs are the factors that play a significant role in determining the final price of the t-shirt. The increased prices may have nothing to do with GSM itself. A low GSM t-shirt from an expensive brand may cost the same or even more than a high GSM one from a local brand.

That’s why understanding the concept of GSM not only helps you assess the weight of the fabric but also makes it easier to compare prices with its usability.

Choosing the right GSM

An ideal GSM can vary based on the season and the type of garment. For year-round usability, one can opt for a t-shirt with fabric GSM in the range of 160-180 GSM. A polo t-shirt, as compared to a regular t-shirt, may range anywhere from 180-200 GSM. This difference in range arises out of fabric distribution for the style.

Following are the factors you may assess in order to choose the right GSM for your t-shirt:

• The Purpose: For activities that make you sweat a lot, a fabric that is breathable, absorbing, and lightweight is a suitable choice. The same protocol for when there is a one-time use case. If it is for casual wear, you may consider a higher GSM for a more structured look and durability.
• The Weather: In tropical climates like India’s, the population generally opts for t-shirts that are 80/20. This statistic indicates that the material is 80% cotton and 20% fabric. When the weather gets chilly around winter, one can go for heavier GSM, which is 50/50. An equal blend of both fabrics.
• Type of Material: Whether the fabric is natural or synthetic also tends to affect its GSM significantly. For example, a thick, heavy cotton t-shirt will have a higher GSM than that of a t-shirt made with lightweight and synthetic materials.
• Cost Incurred: As discussed in the previous section, the cost of a t-shirt can be directly proportional to its GSM. It increases with the increase in the amount of input and labor required. However, in the case of influential brands, their reputation, design, and marketing play a greater role in determining the cost. A lower GSM material may cost you much more from an expensive brand as compared to your local sellers.

Conclusion

GSM becomes a hallmark for comfort and durability in selecting the right fabric while hunting for the best t-shirt out there. It directly influences the properties of a fabric and its end-users. Whether you need something for a single use or to last maybe a lifetime, GSM can help you make the right choice.

Understanding GSM gives you an upper hand in getting the best bargain for your price. Comfortable clothing is easier to spot, even while shopping online.

The type of raw material greatly affects the fabric weight and, in turn, the overall GSM. A natural fabric like cotton is heavier and denser compared to its synthetic counterparts like polyester.

Be prepared to pay a higher price for t-shirts with higher GSM, but watch out for how some expensive brands use this metric in the textile industry. When charting unknown territories in the world of online stores, GSM becomes your ally to hand-pick a t-shirt you may fall in love with. It’s no more a stroke of random luck to chance upon the fabric that looks and feels the best.

GSM helps assess the weight and structure of the fabric. Higher GSM equals durability and thickness, ideal for robust activities and colder weather. At the same time, lower GSM is better suitable for delicate clothing during the summer.

Next time, go on a spree without feeling overwhelmed by the choices available and get the best pick for your purpose.