GSM stands for grams per square metre, and it is the single most useful number on a clothing label. Here is what the numbers mean for hoodies and T-shirts, why heavyweight feels better, and how to read a spec sheet in ten seconds.
Contents · 6 sections · 4 min
The short answer: GSM means grams per square metre. It is how much one square metre of the fabric weighs, and it is the quickest way to tell how thick, warm and durable a garment will be before you touch it. For T-shirts, around 150 gsm is a classic everyday weight and anything over about 220 gsm counts as heavyweight. For hoodies, 300 gsm is midweight and 400 gsm and above is properly heavy.
GSM in plain numbers
| Garment | Light | Mid | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirt | Under 140 gsm | 140 to 200 gsm | 200 gsm and up |
| Hoodie / sweatshirt | Under 280 gsm | 280 to 380 gsm | 380 gsm and up |
Some brands quote weight in ounces per square yard instead. To convert, multiply the ounces by about 34: a 7.5 oz tee is roughly 255 gsm.
What the LIT range weighs
- LIT Logo Hoodie: 450 gsm fleece, 80% cotton and 20% polyester.
- LIT Sleeve Hoodie, Cropped Mountain Hoodie and LIT Pines Crewneck: 450 gsm French terry, 100% cotton.
- Live Intentionally Tee and LIT Script Tee: 260 gsm (7.5 oz) pre-shrunk heavyweight cotton.
- LIT Discipline Tee, Find Peace Tee and Grow Wild Tee: 150 gsm pre-shrunk cotton, a lighter everyday weight for training and hot days.
Both weights have a job. The 260 gsm tees are for structure and drape; the 150 gsm tees are for breathing hard in.
Why heavyweight feels more expensive
Pick up a 450 gsm hoodie and a 280 gsm hoodie and the difference is obvious before you put either on. The heavier one:
- Drapes instead of clinging. Weight pulls the fabric straight down, so it hangs away from the body rather than catching on it.
- Holds its shape. Shoulders stay square, hoods stand up, and hems do not ripple.
- Is warmer. More fibre traps more air.
- Lasts longer. More material per square metre means more to wear through before a hole appears.
- Is more opaque. A heavy white tee does not show what is underneath it.
When heavier is not better
Heavyweight is not automatically the right choice. For a hard training session in a warm gym, a 150 gsm cotton tee or a mesh short breathes far better than a 260 gsm tee. Heavy fabrics also take longer to dry. The useful habit is matching the weight to the job: heavy for structure, warmth and everyday wear; light for sweat and summer.
GSM is not the whole story
Two hoodies with the same GSM can feel completely different, because the knit and the fibre matter too. A 450 gsm French terry has soft loops on the inside and breathes well; a 450 gsm brushed fleece has those loops brushed into a fluffy pile that feels warmer. We cover that difference in French terry vs fleece.
Other things to check alongside the weight: whether the cotton is pre-shrunk (ours are, so the size you buy is the size you keep), whether the cuffs and hem are ribbed, and whether the hood is lined.
How to read a spec sheet in ten seconds
- Find the weight. Over 200 gsm for a tee, or over 380 gsm for a hoodie, and it is heavyweight.
- Find the fibre. 100% cotton breathes and softens with wear; a little polyester adds warmth and helps the shape recover.
- Find the knit: jersey for tees, French terry or fleece for sweatshirts.
- Check for pre-shrunk. If it is not, size up or expect it to shrink.
Every LIT product page lists the weight and composition where we have them confirmed, along with full garment measurements, so you can compare against something you already own.
Topics
- what is gsm in clothing
- gsm meaning fabric
- heavyweight hoodie
- heavyweight t-shirt
- 450 gsm hoodie
- 260 gsm t-shirt
- best heavyweight hoodie
- oz vs gsm
Common questions
Still wondering? Answered from the piece itself.
What does GSM mean on clothing?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It is the weight of one square metre of the fabric, and it tells you how thick and heavy the garment will feel. Higher GSM means a heavier, usually warmer and more durable fabric.
What GSM is a good hoodie?
For a hoodie that feels substantial and holds its shape, look for 380 gsm or more. 300 to 380 gsm is midweight. LIT hoodies are 450 gsm.
What GSM is a heavyweight T-shirt?
Around 200 gsm and up is generally called heavyweight. The LIT Live Intentionally Tee and LIT Script Tee are 260 gsm (7.5 oz) pre-shrunk cotton.
How do I convert ounces to GSM?
Multiply ounces per square yard by about 34. A 7.5 oz fabric is roughly 255 gsm, and a 13 oz fabric is roughly 440 gsm.
Is a higher GSM always better?
No. Heavier fabric drapes better, lasts longer and is warmer, but it breathes less and takes longer to dry. For hard training in the heat, a lighter 150 gsm tee is often the better choice.
