The Definition of GSM When Looking For Specific Fabric
The GSM is simply the fabric weight of a clothing item. GSM means grams per square meter. In knitting fabric, it is the main parameter. It is controlled by loop length. If loop length increases GSM will decrease and vice versa. It is measured by GSM cutter & electric balance. It may also be calculated as below.
You’ve heard of a 50/50 or an 80/20 t-shirt. 50/50 means 50% cotton and 50% polyester or 80% cotton and 20% polyester, but have you ever seen the gsm listed and wondered what that meant? Simply put; that’s the weight of the fabric.
Definition Of GSM
But first, it’s important to know that GSM also has some other acronyms that do mean the same; let’s start with those. The definition of GSM can be described in the following way.
GSM (also known as gm/2) = grams per square meter and is the metric measurement of the weight of a fabric. Metric measurements are generally the most commonplace but some clothing items are still marked in Imperial weights (OZ or oz/yd2 = ounces per yard squared)
The important thing to state here is that all of the terms above are measurements of weight, specifically the fabric weight when talking about clothing. For example, a T-shirt may be listed as 185gsm and another may be listed as 5.5oz the outcome is that these are basically the same as 5.5oz = 186gsm
You can work out any conversion of OZ & GSM by using the following calculation
5.5oz x 33.906 = 186.48gsm
185gsm / 33.906 = 5.45oz
Math is an important part of understanding the variations of fabric weight but in day-to-day buying, you won’t want to pull out a calculator in a shop to work out what is what!! and know the definition of GSM. Dress Designz – It suits you offer one of the finest quality dresses.
What Is A Good Weight To Buy?”
That will depend on what your needs are. Fabric weight is in almost all cases is a definition of the thickness of the garment itself. If you want a heavy t-shirt then a 180-200gsm item is generally at the very top end of a t-shirt weight, but if you want a nice lightweight summer t-shirt a 130-150 is also great. Likewise, if you are looking for a cheap promotional t-shirt that may not be worn more than a few times a 100-110gsm t-shirt can be more than adequate.
Hoodies & Sweatshirts work on the same basis a thick winter hoodie can be 300-400gsm but a nice all year round weight can be 250-300gsm and a summer weight hoodie can be 200-250gsm.
Will a Heavier Weight T-shirt / Hoodie/sweatshirt last longer or better quality?
The answer to that really depends on you and what you want from your garment. Will, your customers wear it regularly (2-3 times a week)? If yes, then certainly I’d expect a heavier weight to last longer with all the extra washing and drying regular wear will mean. But I have many T-shirts that are 130-150gsm that have lasted for years with occasional wear.
As for the quality, that is such a wide range term that is always a matter of individual perspective. A designer t-shirt may cost $30 but only be 130gsm in weight and a “no-brand” T-shirt may cost $15 and be 190gsm.
But in general terms the higher the fabric weight most people would interpret to be better quality.
Does the higher the weight affect the price?
Yes; without a doubt. The higher the weight the more raw materials are used to weave the fabric into its finished state ready for cutting and sewing.
What if there is no fabric weight in the listing I’m looking at?
To be honest, there is no reason for the manufacturer or if looking it up in a catalog not to include the fabric weight of their clothing (especially if it’s a t-shirt, hoodie, or sweatshirt) so in this situation, it’s either the seller does not know or they do not want you to know?
If you’re looking at a T-shirt, hoodie, or sweatshirt and the GSM is not listed anywhere; ask the seller or manufacturer. If they don’t know or do not respond that would personally set off a red flag.
Conversions of GSM
GSM aka g/m² = grams per square meter
oz/yd2 = ounces per yard squared
1 gram = 0.03527 ounces (Convert grams to ounces)
1 lb = 16 oz = 453.59237 grams (Convert pounds(lbs) to grams(g))
1 inch = 2.54 cm (Convert inch to cm)
1 yd = 36 inches = 0.9144 m = 91.44 cm (Convert yards to meters)
Example of Calculation of GSM of Fabric:
Total Weight of fabric = 15.5 Kgs
Length of fabric = 35 meters
Width of fabric in open form = 65 inches
First, We will Calculate the Area of the Fabric
Fabric length = 35 meters
Fabric width = 65 inches or 1.65 meters
Fabric area = Length x width
= 35 x 1.65
= 57.75 meters square
The weight of 57.75 Meter square is 15.5 kgs or 15500 grams
So the weight of one square meter = 15500 / 57.075
= 268.39 grams per square meter
Fabric GSM is 268.39