The weight of a single garment tells you something
Short answer: Short answer: A t-shirt in size L typically weighs between 110 and 180 grams. If it weighs less, the fabric is thin. If it weighs more, it is knitted more densely.
Why weigh clothes
Weight is the one figure about a garment that you can find out yourself at home. It tells you how much fabric has been used, and so a little about how thick and dense the fabric is. It takes under a minute, and you only need an ordinary kitchen scale, which most people already have.
How to measure
Put the garment on the kitchen scale and note the weight together with the size. An XXL naturally weighs more than an S, so the numbers only make sense if you compare the same size and the same type of garment. Compare an L t-shirt with another L t-shirt, not with a jumper. See bamboo t-shirts for men.
What the numbers mean
Under 110 grams in size L is very light and quickly turns see-through. 130 to 160 grams is the ordinary everyday t-shirt. Over 180 grams is a thick, heavy fabric that feels denser against the skin. There is no right or wrong weight, because it depends on what you need the garment for.
Light fabric and transparency
A very light fabric lets light through and can become see-through, especially in pale colours, when it is stretched over the body. That is not necessarily bad if you want a light t-shirt for summer or to wear under other clothes, but you should know what you are choosing.
Thick fabric and warmth
A thick fabric feels more solid and usually holds its shape better, but it is also warmer to wear and dries more slowly after washing. On a cold day that may be just what you need, while on a hot summer day it is often too much. The weight tells you what you are getting.
When it is useful
Weight is useful when you must choose between two garments that look the same in a picture. If you see two t-shirts in the same colour and cut, the weight can help you tell which one is knitted more densely. It also tells you whether you get what you expect. See bamboo t-shirt for women and bamboo clothing for men.
Is heavy clothing always better
No. For summer and for underwear, light is often better, and a thick t-shirt can get too warm. The weight tells you what you get, but not whether it is right for you. Think first about when and how you will use the garment, and then choose the weight that suits it.
What about grams per square metre
You may come across the figure grams per square metre, which is the same number seen another way. It states the density of the fabric and not the weight of the garment itself. Your kitchen scale measures the whole garment, and that gives you a number you can use straight away, without any calculation.
In short
Put the garment on a kitchen scale and note both the weight and the size. An L t-shirt at 130 to 160 grams is an ordinary everyday model, under 110 grams is very light, and over 180 grams is thick and heavy. Compare only the same size and type, and you get a useful answer.
Frequently asked questions
Is heavy clothing always better
No. For summer and for underwear, light is better. The weight tells you what you get, but not whether it is the right choice for your own use and the season.
What about grams per square metre
It is the same number seen another way and states the density of the fabric. Your kitchen scale measures the whole garment, which is easier to use at home.
Can you see the weight in an online shop
Rarely for clothing. That is why measuring at home is useful when you want to compare two garments that look the same in the picture.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
