GSM Explained: What Fabric Weight Means for Your Garment

GSM (grams per square metre) is the single number buyers ask about most often. It is useful, but only when it is read together with composition, construction and finishing.

What GSM Actually Measures

GSM measures the weight of one square metre of fabric. It is a proxy for thickness and density, and it strongly influences how a fabric drapes, how opaque it is and how much it costs per metre.

Common Ranges by Product

Where GSM Misleads

• Two fabrics with the same GSM can have very different stretch if the spandex content differs.
• Brushed or raised finishing adds bulk without changing the knitted GSM much.
• Washing and compacting can change the final GSM after finishing.

How to Specify It Correctly

State GSM as a tolerance range rather than a single figure — for example 180 GSM plus or minus 5 percent — and confirm whether the figure refers to greige or finished fabric. This avoids disputes at inspection.

If you are unsure which weight suits your product, send us the garment specification and we will recommend a range and provide samples to compare.