What Is GSM in Cotton? A Guide to Fabric Weight

What GSM actually means

GSM stands for grams per square metre. It is the standard way to describe how heavy a fabric is. A higher GSM means more fibre per square metre, which usually translates to a thicker, more substantial garment.

Typical cotton GSM ranges

Lightweight tees often sit around 140 to 180 GSM. A heavyweight tee is typically 200 to 240 GSM and feels noticeably more solid. French terry and fleece used in sweatshirts and hoodies can run from around 300 GSM up to 500 GSM for a heavy, structured piece.

How weight affects feel and durability

Heavier fabrics tend to hold their shape, drape with more structure and resist thinning over time. Lighter fabrics feel airier and dry faster. Neither is better; it depends on the garment and how you want it to wear.

Reading the label

Many quality brands list GSM in the product description. If you are comparing two cotton tees at different prices, GSM is one of the most useful numbers for understanding what you are paying for.

OMIT makes natural-fibre basics in Australia — 100% cotton and 100% linen, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tested, with GOTS-certified organic cotton on our tees. Explore the range.