Fabric weights
GSM measures fabric weight in grams per square metre. It helps explain how substantial a fabric feels. Durability also depends on the fibres, construction, finishing and care.
Our ranges
Weights vary by product and supplier. These are typical ranges, not a guarantee for any one product.
- Tees: 180 to 220 gsm. Most company tees sit in this range.
- Heavyweight tees: 240 to 280 gsm. Almost a sweatshirt in weight. Premium feel.
- Polos: 200 to 240 gsm. Pique knit; weight is comparable to a midweight tee but reads heavier on the body.
- Sweatshirts: 300 to 360 gsm. Brushed back fleece interior.
- Hoodies: 350 to 400 gsm.
- Canvas totes: 280 to 340 gsm. Heavy enough to hold a laptop without sag.
- Aprons: 240 to 300 gsm.
What each weight feels like
- 150 gsm and below. Lightweight, almost sheer. Wears out sooner than heavier fabric.
- 180 to 220 gsm. Standard tee weight. Holds shape, drapes well, breathable.
- 240 to 280 gsm. Substantial. Reads as premium without being heavy.
- 300 to 360 gsm. Midweight sweatshirt. Layered or standalone in cooler weather.
- 400 gsm and above. Heavyweight. Worn open over a shirt, layered, or solo as outerwear in shoulder seasons.
What to choose for your use case
- New-hire welcome kit. 200 to 240 gsm tee plus a 350 gsm hoodie. The combination reads premium without overcommitting on weight.
- Event giveaway, single wear. 180 gsm tee is fine. Lower the cost.
- Repeat-wear company swag. 220 to 240 gsm. The garment survives 50+ washes.
- Cold-climate gifts. 400 gsm hoodie. Pairs well with a beanie.
- Tradeshow visibility, layered over a polo. 180 gsm tee with a centre-chest print.
Longevity
Heavyweight cotton lasts longer than lightweight cotton at the same wash temperature. A 220 gsm tee survives 50 to 100 cold washes before noticeable fade or shape loss; a 180 gsm tee survives 30 to 60.
Sustainability note
Heavier cotton uses more fibre per garment, so the per-unit carbon and water footprint is higher than a lightweight tee. The trade-off is durability: a 220 gsm tee replaces a 180 gsm tee plus a replacement, so the lifetime impact often levels out. See the sustainability articles for sourcing and end-of-life detail.
