What is GSM in Fabric?

GSM (also known as gm/2) is the metric measurement of the weight of a fabric, measured in grams per square metre. It is an important consideration when choosing fabric for different types of clothing, as it is used to indicate the fabric's weight and thickness. A higher GSM typically indicates a thicker and more durable fabric, while a lower GSM value indicates a lighter and thinner fabric. GSM is a benchmark specification used in production manufacturing and is also a standard for comparing different materials. For example, a t-shirt may be listed as 185gsm and another may be listed as 5.5oz, but they are essentially the same weight. Understanding measurements of weight, such as GSM and the conversion of OX to GSM, can help you make informed decisions about the quality and weight of fabric for your specific needs, whether you are purchasing fabric for sewing projects or buying clothing.

Important Factors Influencing Fabric GSM

Types of Fabric

Knit Fabric:

Knit fabrics are created by looping yarn into a bunch of connected loops. This way, they make materials that can stretch more and are usually thicker and bend easier than woven fabrics.
Knit fabrics are great for cozy clothes such as sweaters, T-shirts, and socks. This is because they stretch nicely and make it simple for us to move around.
Since the way knit fabrics are made, they often have denser make-up. This might mean they have a higher GSM.

Woven Fabric:

To make woven fabric, we cross two yarns at a 90-degree angle. This results in a strong fabric that doesn't stretch much and is thinner than knitted fabric.
We use woven fabrics for making shirts, jeans, and dresses. These types of fabrics are mostly used in regular wear.
They hold their shape well and come in various designs and feels. While these fabrics can be heavy or light, they typically are lighter than knits because they're thinner and can include popular materials such as wool and denim.

Thickness of Yarn

The weight of the fabric goes up if the threads used are thick. This is because the weight per square meter goes up.
How thick or thin the threads are can change how heavy the fabric is. It also changes how it feels and acts.

Texture of Fabric

The way the fabric feels changes with how heavy it is per square meter. Thin fabrics used in summer clothes often have a low weight. But, thick fabrics in winter clothes usually are heavier for more warmth.

What is GSM in Cloth?

It checks how thick and how heavy the fabric is, also known as the fabric's GSM (grams per square meter), which reflects the density of a fabric. If the number is high, the fabric is thicker and more dense, while a low number indicates a lighter and more breathable fabric, such as chiffon. This check helps you choose the right weight for different kinds of clothes and the right fabric for your desired look and feel. The best GSM for any fabric depends on its application and properties such as warmth and durability, making high GSM and thicker fabric, like chiffon, a crucial aspect of textile selection.

Choosing the Right GSM for Garments

Lightweight Fabrics

Range: 50 to 150

Uses:

Great for summer outfits like shirts ,skirts and underwear.
Light fabrics keep you cool and comfy, perfect for warm weather.

Medium Weight Fabrics

Range: 160 to 250

Uses:

Perfect for making pants, jackets, and hoodies. These fabrics are a great choice for different kinds of outfits.
Options that aren't too heavy or too light are ideal for all sorts of clothing.

Heavyweight Fabrics

Range : 300 to 600

Uses:

These are also referred to as heavier fabrics or higher gsm fabrics, which makes them ideal for applications where durability and warmth are needed
Perfect for winter jackets, cozy clothes, and hoodies. These fabrics are thick and help keep you warm. You really need them when it's cold.

How to Pick the Right GSM for Fabric?

Type of Activity

Winter Activities:

Wear thick clothes to keep warm. They're great for cold weather fun.

Summer Activities:

Wear thin materials to keep cool. They're perfect for doing things when it's warm.

Kind of Weather

Cold Weather:

Pick heavier materials to keep warm. They hold heat well, making you cozy when it's cold outside.

Hot Weather:

Pick thin fabrics that let air pass to keep you fresh. These clothes keep your body cool by letting the air move.

Types of Clothing

Summer Clothing

Summer clothes are made from thin fabrics, ranging from 50 to 150 GSM. These fabrics feel cool, comfy, and let air flow through easily. That makes them great for when it's warm out.

Winter Clothing

Winter clothes are made from thick fabrics (300 to 600 GSM).

FAQs

Why is a GSM Number Critical in the Clothing Industry?

It matters a lot because it shows us how heavy and thick stuff is. The heavier stuff lasts longer and keeps us warmer. This is key when picking the right stuff for various needs.

How to Measure the GSM of Any Fabric?

Chop off a tiny part of the cloth and weigh it. Next, figure out the weight for a square meter. This tells you the GSM. This number matters a lot for making sure the fabric is good.

What GSM Range Do Winter Clothes Have?

Winter clothes are heavier and thicker because they have more grams per square meter. This helps keep you warm. A good weight for winter clothes is usually between 300 and 600.

What Type of GSM Do Summer Clothes Contain?

Summer clothes are made with less fabric weight. They feel lighter and let air through. The perfect weight for summer outfits is often between 50 and 150.

Benefits of Knowing GSM

Knowing the weight of materials helps you choose the best one for your needs. Heavy materials last longer and keep you warm. Light materials are cool and feel light. This makes it easier to pick the perfect weight for various clothes.

Applications of GSM for Different Clothing Items

Fabric that's kind of heavy (from 160 to 250 grams for every square meter) works great for sports clothes. They let air through and last a long time, giving a good mix of feeling comfy and strong.

Heavy fabrics (300 to 600 grams per square meter) work great for outer clothes like coats. They keep you warm and last long, giving you the warmth you need in cold weather.

Everyday Wear

Fabrics that are light (weighing between 50 and 150 grams for every square meter) work well for everyday outfits such as shirts and skirts. They feel good to wear and are cool, making them ideal for wearing often, especially when it's hot.

Sportswear

Fabrics that are not too heavy or too light, weighing between 160 to 250 grams for every square meter, are perfect for sportswear. They let the air in and last a long time, offering a mix of being comfortable to wear and tough.

Outerwear

Heavy fabrics (300 to 600 grams for each square meter) are perfect for coats you wear outside. They keep you warm and last a long time. They offer the needed warmth for chilly weather.

Conclusion

Fabric weight, shown in grams for each square meter, lets us measure how thick and heavy fabric is. Understanding the weight of fabric is key in picking the right kind for different types of clothes, like light ones for summer or heavy ones for winter. This measurement is very important in making sure the fabric is good quality and right for what it's used for in making clothes.