GSM stands for grams per square meter, which is a standard measurement for fabric weight. It refers to the weight of the fabric, and the higher the GSM, the denser and heavier the fabric will be. GSM is an important consideration when choosing clothes for specific sports or activities, as it helps to regulate body temperature and maximize performance. It is also a benchmark specification to meet production manufacturing requirements.
GSM is used to measure the weight of textiles, and it is a unit of measurement that indicates how much one square meter of fabric weighs in grams. It is a standard upon which different materials are compared, and it is used to determine the quality of a textile. When designing a new product, manufacturers have a GSM target depending on the products use, the weave, and the required cost.
The following are the average GSM ranges for different fabric weights:
- Lightweight fabrics: 1-150 GSM
- Medium weight fabrics: 150-350 GSM
- Heavyweight fabrics: 350+ GSM
The weight of a fabric is particularly important when choosing between two similar fabrics that are of different weights. If one cotton t-shirt has a higher GSM than another cotton t-shirt, it is likely to be more hard-wearing. The choice of fabric weight will depend on how often it will be worn or used and what its purpose will be. For example, lightweight denim is suitable for a shirt, while heavier denim is suitable for jeans.