What is GSM in t-shirts (and why it matters)

By Shivaan Seth, Founder

GSM is one of those terms brands throw around without explaining. It is actually simple, and once you get it, you will shop for T-shirts far more confidently.

What does GSM mean?

GSM stands for grams per square metre. It is just how much a fabric weighs for its size, which tells you how dense it is. Higher GSM means heavier and more structured. Lower GSM means lighter and more breathable. That is the whole idea.

The weight scale

~180 GSM Light, breathable

~250 GSM Substantial, structured

~350 GSM Dense, warm

Weights at a glance

Weight	Feel	Best for
~180 GSM	Light, fluid, breathable	Everyday T-shirts & tops
~250 GSM	Substantial, holds shape	Heavy T-shirts with structure
~350 GSM	Dense, warm, cosy	Sweatshirts & winter layers

Our fabrics, by weight

Every Better Basics product page lists its exact fabric and GSM. Here is the full range, lightest to heaviest.

Fabric	GSM	Feel	We use it for
Textured slub, cotton-modal	170	Light, with a textured surface	Polos, T-shirts and button-downs for hot days
Everyday cotton or cotton-modal	180	Soft, light, some drape	Everyday T-shirts, tops and polos
Rib, cotton-modal	240	Close, stretchy rib	Tanks, fitted tops and rib T-shirts
Heavy cotton, 100% 16-count	250	Thick, structured, holds its shape	Heavy T-shirts, oversized crew necks and heavy polos
Polar fleece	280	Light for its warmth, dries fast	Fleece jackets and pullovers
Cotton fleece	350	Dense, soft, warm	Hoodies and sweatshirts

All our fabrics are bio-washed, given a gold finish and pre-shrunk before cutting, so they feel soft from the first wear and keep their size.

180, 240 or 250 GSM: which to pick?

180 GSM is for heat and movement: a T-shirt you can wear all day in an Indian summer or layer under a shirt. 240 GSM rib is for close-fitting pieces that need stretch and recovery. 250 GSM heavy cotton is for a T-shirt that looks sharp on its own, keeps its collar and doesn't cling. It is warmer, so it suits evenings, air-conditioned offices and October to February.

Why 250 GSM and 16-count cotton for our Heavy line? "It's 100% premium cotton with some texture and weight. We have access to a lot of good mills and suppliers, and our team has 30+ years of garment manufacturing experience, so we knew the right fabric when we found it." Shivaan Seth, founder

Is a higher GSM better?

No. Heavier is not better, just different. A breezy summer T-shirt wants a lighter weight. A structured T-shirt or a sweatshirt wants more. The right GSM is the one that suits how you will wear it. The real mistake is using a flimsy, low weight fabric to cut costs and calling it "lightweight".

How to use GSM when you buy

• Summer and everyday: look for around 180 GSM.
• A T-shirt that holds its shape: around 250 GSM.
• Warmth and sweatshirts: 300 GSM and up.

One number will not tell you everything. Fibre and construction matter just as much. But GSM is the quickest way to know how a piece will feel before you buy it.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good GSM for a T-shirt?

Around 180 GSM is ideal for a light, breathable everyday T-shirt. Around 250 GSM gives you a heavier, more structured T-shirt that holds its shape.

Does a higher GSM mean better quality?

Not on its own. A higher GSM is heavier, not automatically better. Quality comes from the fibre, the weight being right for the garment, and how it is made.

What GSM are Better Basics T-shirts?

Our everyday T-shirts sit around 180 GSM, and our heavy cotton T-shirts around 250 GSM, so you can pick by the feel you want.

Is 250 GSM good for a T-shirt?

Yes, if you want structure. 250 GSM is a heavyweight T-shirt: thick, opaque and holds its shape. Ours is 100% cotton in a 16-count yarn. For peak summer outdoors, most people prefer 180 GSM.

Is a 250 GSM T-shirt too hot for Indian summers?

For all-day outdoor wear in peak summer, 180 GSM is more comfortable. Indoors, in the evenings and from October to February, 250 GSM is comfortable and looks sharper.

Do heavy cotton T-shirts shrink?

Ours do not. All our fabrics are pre-washed and pre-shrunk before cutting, so what you receive is the size it stays.

Want to go deeper on fabrics? Read cotton blend vs modal vs heavy cotton, or browse women's or men's.

Shop this guide

• Men's Short Sleeve Tee (180 GSM)
• Men's Heavy Short Sleeve Tee (250 GSM)
• Women's Flowy Fit Top (180 GSM cotton-modal)
• Women's Rib Tank (240 GSM rib)
• Hoodies and sweatshirts (350 GSM fleece)

Related guides: Cotton blend vs modal vs heavy cotton · What makes a basic actually good? · Layering for a Delhi winter · Polo T-shirts for men: heavy, regular or slub?

Shivaan

See the weights in practice: heavy cotton · men's T-shirts · women's T-shirts & tops.