You'll often see "gsm" on T-shirts and hoodies, usually next to the word heavyweight. It's the simplest way to tell how thick a fabric is before you've touched it. Here's what it means and why it matters.
What does GSM mean?
GSM stands for grams per square metre: how much one square metre of the fabric weighs. The higher the number, the thicker and denser the fabric.
What counts as heavyweight?
Most everyday T-shirts are made from lighter cotton. Once a tee gets past around 200 gsm, it starts to feel noticeably more substantial and is usually sold as heavyweight. Our Essential Tee is 240 gsm cotton.
Why choose a heavyweight tee?
- It hangs better. Thicker fabric drapes straight down instead of clinging, which is what gives a boxy tee its shape.
- It's less see-through. Especially useful for white and light grey.
- It holds its shape. A sturdier fabric keeps its neckline and shape wash after wash when you look after it.
- It works on its own. A heavyweight tee looks finished without a layer over it.
Our heavyweight tee
The Essential Tee is 240 gsm cotton (100% Better Cotton; Heather Grey is 90% cotton and 10% viscose) with a ribbed crew neck and taped back neck. It's a boxy, oversized cut with a dropped shoulder: take your usual size for a relaxed fit, or one down for a closer one. It comes in Deep Black, Arctic White and Heather Grey, sizes XS to 3XL.
And the hoodie?
Hoodies are heavier than tees. Our Essential Hoodie is 440 gsm, brushed on the inside, with a double-layer hood, no drawcords and a kangaroo pocket with an inner phone pocket. It's cut big and boxy but true to size.
How to make it last
Wash heavyweight tees and hoodies inside out at 30°C with similar colours, skip the tumble dryer and iron on the reverse (never over the embroidery). That's it.
Not sure about size? Our size guide has measurements for every piece.
Questions
Is 240 gsm a heavyweight T-shirt?
Yes. 240 gsm is comfortably in heavyweight territory: thick enough to hang properly and not see-through, but still soft to wear.
Do heavyweight T-shirts shrink?
Any cotton can shrink a little if it's washed hot or tumble dried. Wash at 30°C and air dry to keep it the size you bought.
Are heavyweight tees too warm for summer?
A heavyweight tee feels more substantial, but cotton still breathes. Many people wear them all year round.