Which GSM Should You Choose for Your Garment?
GSM means grams per square metre — a 250 GSM fabric weighs 250 grams per square metre. As a working rule used at our mill: 140 to 180 GSM suits summer T-shirts, inner layers and kidswear; 180 to 240 GSM suits everyday T-shirts, polos, co-ord sets and casual tops; and 240 GSM and above suits sweatshirts, joggers, winter co-ords and thermal styles.
GSM by garment
| Garment | Typical GSM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer T-shirt | 140–170 | Check opacity in light shades |
| Everyday T-shirt | 170–200 | The most commonly ordered band |
| Oversized T-shirt | 200–240 | Needs body or the drape collapses |
| Polo shirt | 180–250 | Enough structure to hold a collar and placket |
| Kidswear | 140–180 | Soft handfeel, colour fastness after repeated wash |
| Casual top / tunic | 180–240 | Drape matters more than weight here |
| Co-ord set | 200–270 | Same article top and bottom, same dye lot |
| Sweatshirt / crewneck | 240–270 | The default hoodie weight |
| Hoodie (winter) | 270–300 | Longer drying time, heavier freight |
| Joggers / trackpants | 240–280 | Needs recovery at knee and seat |
| Activewear | 140–200 | Prioritise moisture management and opacity over weight |
GSM is not the whole specification
Two fabrics at the same GSM can behave completely differently. Also specify:
- Construction — single jersey, rib, interlock, loop-back, fleece. Changes drape and stretch entirely at identical weight.
- Composition — fake cotton, full dull polyester, PV blend, lycra content.
- Finish — brushed, peach, anti-pill, compact, moisture-wicking. A brushed 250 GSM and a plain 250 GSM feel like different garments.
- Width — 60 inch is standard here; width drives cutting efficiency and therefore cost per garment more than most buyers expect.
Two mistakes we see often
Specifying by weight alone. “Send me 250 GSM” tells a mill almost nothing. The same number covers a crisp polo fabric and a soft brushed sweatshirt fabric.
Over-specifying for the season. A 300 GSM ask for a garment that ships in September will perform, but the retail price often stops working — and the buyer comes back at a lower weight the following season.
GSM and shrinkage
Heavier fabric does not automatically shrink less. Shrinkage is controlled by fibre, construction and finishing, not weight. Polyester-based fake cotton is generally more dimensionally stable than an equivalent cotton knit, which is a common reason it gets specified for repeat programmes.
What we tell buyers before they sample
Not sure yet?
Tell us the garment, the season and roughly what the finished piece should retail for. We will shortlist articles across the right weight band, send physical swatches and quote per kilogram — usually within one working day. You do not need to arrive with a technical spec sheet.
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