What Does GSM Mean? A Simple Guide to T-Shirt Fabric Weight

GSM, In One Line

GSM stands for grams per square metre — literally how much a single square metre of the fabric weighs. It's the standard way to measure how thick, heavy, and durable a cotton fabric is, regardless of the brand or the cut of the garment. Higher GSM generally means a heavier, sturdier fabric; lower GSM means lighter and more breathable.

What Different GSM Ranges Feel Like

• 140–180 GSM: Light, almost sheer in places, drapes close to the body. Common in budget basics and summer wear, but wears thin and loses shape quickly.
• 180–220 GSM: The standard mid-weight range for everyday t-shirts — a reasonable balance of comfort and durability.
• 220–260 GSM: Noticeably heavier and more structured. Holds prints better, drapes with more weight, and is the sweet spot for oversized streetwear cuts.
• 260+ GSM: Thick, almost jacket-like fabric. Very durable but less breathable — usually reserved for heavyweight streetwear or colder climates.

Why We Use 240 GSM French Terry Cotton

Our tees are built on 240 GSM French Terry cotton specifically because it sits right in the heavyweight-oversized sweet spot: substantial enough to hold structure and drape properly on a dropped-shoulder cut, hold up graphic prints without the fabric warping around them, and survive dozens of washes — while still staying soft and breathable enough for daily wear, helped along by a bio-wash finish.

GSM Isn't Everything

A high GSM number doesn't automatically mean better quality — the type of cotton, the weave, and the finishing (like bio-washing) matter just as much. But as a quick, comparable number across brands, GSM is one of the fastest ways to tell whether a t-shirt is built to last or built to be replaced in a few months.