What the figure grams per square metre tells you

Short answer: The number is the fabric's weight per square meter and therefore its density. A low number means thin and see through. A high number means denser, heavier, and usually more durable.

Under one forty is thin

Fabrics under one hundred and forty grams per square meter are light, airy, and cool to wear, making them a natural choice for warm weather. The downside is that light often passes through, and the fabric is generally more fragile against wear than denser alternatives of the same fiber type. See bamboo t shirt for women.

Around one sixty is everyday

That is the weight most ordinary t shirts and a lot of underwear sit at, because it hits a good balance between comfort, opacity, and durability. Most people find this weight class comfortable to wear all day, without the fabric feeling either too thin or too warm. See bamboo underwear for women.

Over two hundred is heavy

Heavier fabrics above two hundred grams are typically used for sweatshirts, outer layers, and garments that need to withstand more wear and longer use. They feel warmer and more solid against the body, but are also less suited to warm days or to wearing directly against skin under another layer.

Weight is not the same as quality

A heavy fabric made from coarse, poorly spun yarn does not necessarily last longer than a light fabric made from fine, evenly spun yarn. Weight only tells you about density, not about the actual quality of the yarn. The two properties should always be judged separately. See bamboo clothing for women.

How weight affects the drape

A light fabric drapes softly and moves freely with the body, while a heavy fabric hangs more stiffly and holds its shape better at rest. The choice between the two therefore depends as much on how you want a garment to sit and move as on pure comfort.

The season should guide your weight choice

In summer and warm weather, a lower weight is usually the more comfortable choice, because air can pass through the fabric more easily. In autumn and winter, a higher weight gives better insulation and a warmer feel against skin. See bamboo tops for women.

Wash durability relates to weight

Heavier fabrics generally tolerate a bit more mechanical handling in the wash, simply because there is more material to absorb the friction of each cycle. Lighter fabrics should therefore often be treated a little more gently, with lower temperatures and fewer high spin cycles, to last as long as possible.

How to check the weight before you buy

Many product descriptions state the weight directly in grams per square meter, but you can also judge it by holding the fabric up to the light. The less light that passes through, the denser and usually heavier the fabric is, even without knowing the exact number.

How to choose the right weight for the purpose

Choose a lower weight for summer clothing and for pieces worn against skin in warm weather, and a higher weight for outer layers and garments meant for daily, hard use. There is no single correct weight, only the weight that best suits how you actually plan to use the garment.

Frequently asked questions

What does grams per square meter mean?

It is the fabric's weight per square meter. The number tells you about density and therefore about both opacity and durability of that fabric.

What weight does an ordinary t shirt have?

Often around one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy grams per square meter, which gives a good balance between comfort and durability day to day.