What is GSM? GSM meaning in fabric
GSM means grams per square meter. It is the weight of a fabric: how many grams one square meter of it weighs. The higher the GSM, the heavier and usually thicker the fabric. A light tee might be about 140 GSM, and a heavyweight hoodie 400 GSM or more.
- Tell us the GSM you want
- We match it on your sample
- Ask us for swatches
Typical GSM by garment
These are common ranges, not rules. The same garment can be made lighter or heavier.
| Garment | Light | Mid | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirts | About 120 to 160 GSM | About 160 to 200 GSM | About 200 GSM and up |
| Hoodies and sweatshirts | About 200 to 280 GSM | About 280 to 350 GSM | About 350 GSM and up |
| Feel | Thin, light and airy | The everyday weight | Thick, structured and warm |
How GSM is measured
A tester cuts a circle of fabric exactly 100 square centimeters in size, with a GSM cutter. The circle is weighed in grams, and the weight is multiplied by 100. That gives the weight of one square meter.
Some suppliers give the weight in ounces per square yard instead. One ounce per square yard is about 33.9 GSM, so a 6 oz fabric is about 203 GSM.
GSM tells you the weight, not the quality. Two fabrics with the same GSM can feel different because of the yarn, the knit and the finish.
Pick by season, feel and cost
- Choose a light GSM for summer tees, layering pieces and a soft drape.
- Choose a mid GSM for everyday tees and hoodies worn most of the year.
- Choose a heavy GSM for a thick, structured look, like a heavyweight streetwear hoodie, and for cold weather.
- Mind the cost. Heavier fabric uses more yarn, so it usually costs more per piece and weighs more to ship.
- Not sure? Send a garment you like. We will match its feel on your sample, or send you swatches first.
Questions buyers ask
What does GSM mean?
GSM means grams per square meter. It is the weight of a fabric: how many grams one square meter of it weighs.
Is a higher GSM better?
Not always. A higher GSM means a heavier, thicker fabric. That suits a structured hoodie or a winter piece, but a summer tee is better light. Pick the weight for how the piece will be worn.
What GSM is a heavyweight t-shirt?
Most brands call a tee heavyweight from about 200 GSM. Some go well above that for a thick, boxy feel.
What GSM is a good hoodie?
Everyday hoodies are often about 280 to 350 GSM. Heavyweight streetwear hoodies are often 400 GSM or more. The Irregular hoodie we made is 500 GSM French terry.
How do I convert ounces to GSM?
Multiply ounces per square yard by about 33.9. A 6 oz fabric is about 203 GSM, and a 10 oz fabric is about 339 GSM.
Is fabric GSM the same as paper GSM?
It is the same unit: grams per square meter. Printer paper is often about 80 GSM. For fabric, the number tells you how heavy the cloth is.
Can you match the GSM of a garment I send?
Yes. Send the garment or tell us the GSM, and we will match the weight and the feel on your sample. We can also send swatches first.
What is the minimum order for custom hoodies or tees?
Usually 25 pieces per style and color, in the weight you choose. You can mix sizes within that number.
Your request is ready
Send it to us on WhatsApp, or copy it into an email to contact@sharknits.com.
Want to talk sooner? Book a 15-minute call on Google Meet.
What happens next
- We reply with questions and a quote.
- We make one sample for you to check.
- You approve it, and we make your order.
contact@sharknits.com · +1 647 501 5424
Sharknits is a custom clothing manufacturer for brands in the US, with factories in Lahore and Sialkot and a U.S. corporate office near Chicago.