Fabric & gsm guide
The fabrics behind sportswear and streetwear, what gsm means, and how to choose the right weight.
- 5 min read
- Plain English
What gsm means
— grams per square metre — is how heavy a fabric is. It's the quickest way to compare two fabrics, but it isn't everything: yarn, knit and finish change how a fabric feels too.
Knits for streetwear
Brushed fleece is soft and warm on the inside. Loopback French terry has loops on the inside and a cleaner, drier feel. Heavyweight jersey is the base of every premium tee. Velour and sherpa add texture.
Performance fabrics
Poly-spandex knits stretch and recover. Mesh breathes. Recycled polyester can do the same jobs. All of them can be sublimated, because needs polyester.
Wovens
Nylon ripstop and crinkle nylon for track jackets and windbreakers; denim and canvas for jeans and work pants; corduroy for texture.
Choosing a weight
Heavier fabrics feel premium and hold structure — right for boxy hoodies and tees. Lighter fabrics move and breathe — right for training and summer. Always feel swatches before you decide.
Our fabrics
See the fabric library. Compositions and weights are confirmed with your quote. [NEEDS INPUT]
Key
takeaways
- 01gsm = weight, not quality on its own
- 02Sublimation needs polyester
- 03Heavy for structure, light for movement
- 04Feel swatches side by side
Start your
next drop
Send a sketch, a reference or a . You get a sample plan and a quote back.