A common question asked by consumers, often when shopping for clothing or linen, is the meaning behind the GSM label in fabrics.
GSM in fabric, also known as grams per square metre is simply the metric measurement of the weight of a fabric. This measurement helps one decide on the best weight to buy, considering the usage of the material at hand.
The higher the GSM number, the denser the fabric will be. For example, if the label on a linen shirt reads 180-200 GSM, the shirt material would be thick and would probably keep one warm. On warmer days, the best pick would be a shirt that is 130-150 GSM which is bound to be airy and flimsy. On the other hand, consumers shopping for cheap, promotional shirts would opt to buy 100-110 GSM shirts, as these would only be worn a very few times and even if it fades after each wash, it probably doesn’t really matter.
The same rule applies to towels, upholstery linen and all types of clothing ranging from winter to summer wear. Next time you see the value of a fabric’s GSM, think about the purpose for purchase.
Here’s a breakdown of fabric GSM to explain this better:
Now you know why denim jeans last a lifetime, and why delicate organza blouses require careful hand washes.
This begs the next question; is there a correlation between the GSM of fabric, or the weight of a fabric and its price? The answer is ‘yes’. Simply because more raw materials of better quality would be used to weave fabrics that are higher in weight. This would result in them being higher in price too.
You probably now understand why a 210gsm luxury linen shirt is more expensive than its lighter 130gsm beach shirt counterpart. It all boils down to the weight, and by extension, the durability of the material or fabric. A heavier fabric is expected to last longer by withstanding the affects of washing, drying and regular wear.
Although metric measurements (GSM) are generally the most common place when measuring the weight of fabric, some parties indicate weight in ounces per square yard. This is also known as Imperial weights (oz/yd2).
67.81
2
Wadding (quilt filling) hollow fabric
Lightweight
An anti-allergy padding used between the top layer and backing fabric of quilts. Also used for filling toys, cushions and duvets.
135.62
4
Lightweight cotton
Ideal for blouses, shirts, summer dresses, and arts and crafts.
196
5.78
PVC netting
Medium weight
Skip nets, golf nets and used in the garden. Eg: pond protection and insect screening.
237.34
7 (without wadding)
Quilted waterproof fabric
Medium weight
Pet bedding, quilted jackets, outdoor clothing eg – equestrian
275
8.11
Jute cloth Hessian fabric
Medium weight
Ideal for craft bags and sacks, often used in the agriculture and construction industries. Not suitable for apparel.
340
10.03
Decitex scrim polyester
Medium weight
Mostly used for industrial applications such as reinforcing roofing.
406.87
12
Denim fabric
Medium weight
Wide range of use from jeans, jackets to upholstery, heavier shirts and structured straight skirts. Not ideal for ruffling and draping.
508.58
15
Waterproof PU fabric
Heavy weight
Tent fabric, bags, outdoor apparel, raincoats and umbrellas.
450 to 650
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Face Towels, Bath Towels, Pool Towels
700
20.65
Melton wool fabric
Heavy weight
This soft, warm, dense and tightly woven fabric is suitable for coats, jackets, blankets, uniforms and furnishings.
900 to 950
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Originally posted: https://www.gentelle.com/blog/what-is-gsm-in-fabrics/
