Fabric weights
GSM (grams per square metre) is the metric we list on every product page. It tells you how heavy the fabric is, which is the strongest single indicator of how the garment will wear and how long it will last.
Our ranges
- 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. Heaviest in our range. The 400 gsm runs we stock match the Carhartt and Ralph Lauren house weights.
- 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. Not in our range; we do not stock these because branded merch at this weight wears out within 20 washes.
- 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.