Fabric GSM Explained: Choosing Weight for Sportswear, Workwear, and Fashion
GSM, grams per square metre, is the measurement manufacturers use to describe fabric weight, and it is one of the few specs a buyer can request without any technical background. It will not tell you everything about how a fabric performs, but it is the fastest way to sanity-check whether a quoted fabric matches what your product actually needs.
Light weight: 120 to 160 GSM
Used where breathability and low weight matter more than structure or durability under abrasion.
- Running and gym shorts
- Lightweight T-shirts and summer polos
- Mesh jersey panels for sublimated sportswear
- Yoga and studio activewear tops
Mid weight: 180 to 240 GSM
The most commonly ordered range across this catalogue. Balances durability with reasonable breathability.
- Standard cotton and cotton-blend T-shirts and polos
- Tracksuit fabric
- Medical scrub tops and bottoms
- Mid-weight sweatshirts
Heavy weight: 280 GSM and above
Used where the fabric itself needs to do structural or protective work, not just cover the body.
- Hoodies and fleece sweatshirts (typically 280 to 400 GSM)
- Workwear: boiler suits, safety and security jackets
- Puffer and heavier outerwear shells
- Heavyweight denim (measured in ounces per square yard rather than GSM, but the same principle applies)
Why GSM alone is not enough
Two fabrics at the same GSM can perform completely differently depending on fibre content and weave. A 200 GSM 100% cotton jersey and a 200 GSM cotton-polyester blend will feel, stretch, and wash differently despite matching on weight. GSM tells you how heavy the fabric is, not what it is made of or how it moves. Always confirm fibre content and weave or knit type alongside GSM when you specify a fabric, rather than treating GSM as a complete specification on its own.
A quick reference for common requests
If you are unsure what to specify, describe the end use rather than guessing a GSM number, “a hoodie that will not feel thin” or “a T-shirt for hot-climate daily wear”, and let your manufacturer recommend the weight. GSM is a useful check on a quote you have already received, more than a starting point for writing one yourself.
Get a quote for your specific order
Asons Impex sources and specifies fabric weight to match your product’s actual use, from lightweight mesh to heavyweight workwear canvas, from Sialkot, Pakistan. Minimum order is 20 units per design. Lead time is 15 to 20 working days from sample approval. Send your design reference to info@asonsimpex.com for a quote.