Clothing fabric and GSM guide
Choosing fabric is the biggest decision for how your piece feels and sells. Here is a plain-English guide to the fabrics we use most and what the numbers mean.
- MOQ pieces per style
- Sample made in 1 week
- Bulk in days for 30–300 pcs
- Air freight to the USA in days
Made to your design, in any color
Every piece below is cut and sewn to order with your colors, fabric, print and labels. Tap the middle one to see the back.
What GSM means
GSM is grams per square meter: the weight of the fabric. Higher GSM usually feels thicker, warmer and more premium; lower GSM is lighter and cooler. US brands sometimes quote ounces per square yard instead: roughly, 1 oz/yd² is about 34 GSM.
Common fabrics
| Fabric | What it is | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece | Knit with a brushed, fluffy back for warmth. | Hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants |
| French terry | Knit with soft loops on the back, lighter than fleece. | Hoodies, crews, shorts, vintage-style sets |
| Cotton jersey | The classic smooth T-shirt knit. | T-shirts, linings |
| Pique | Textured knit with a small waffle pattern. | Polo shirts |
| Rib | Stretchy knit with vertical ridges. | Cuffs, hems, collars, fitted tops |
| Polyester mesh / interlock | Light, breathable synthetic knits. | Jerseys, sports shorts, training tops |
| Spandex blends | Polyester or nylon with elastane for four-way stretch. | Leggings, sports bras, compression |
| Nylon / ripstop | Light, wind-resistant woven fabrics. | Windbreakers, bombers, puffers |
| Leather | Genuine or faux leather in different finishes. | Jackets, vests, pants, shorts |
Typical weights by product
These are common ranges, not rules. Tell us the feel you want, or send a garment you like, and we match it.
| Product | Lighter | Mid | Heavyweight |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirts | around 150–180 GSM | around 180–220 GSM | around 220–300 GSM |
| Hoodies and sweatshirts | around 280–320 GSM | around 320–400 GSM | around 400–500 GSM |
| Leggings | usually around 220–300 GSM, depending on the stretch blend and how opaque it needs to be | ||
| Jerseys | usually around 130–180 GSM, light and breathable | ||
How to choose
- Think about the season and the customer: heavyweight hoodies feel premium but cost more to ship.
- Consider shrinkage: washed and garment-dyed pieces shrink, so we adjust the pattern in sampling.
- Approve fabric in the sample: feel, color and stretch are easier to judge in person.
Tell us the look and feel you want and we suggest options for your quote.
Keep reading
Custom hoodies & tees
Heavyweight, zip-up and oversized hoodies and tees with your print or embroidery.
Learn more →ExploreCustom t-shirts
Oversized, boxy, heavyweight and fitted tees, blank or printed.
Learn more →ExploreActivewear & gym wear
Leggings, sports bras, compression and training tops.
Learn more →ExploreAcid wash & garment dye
Vintage washes and garment-dyed colors.
Learn more →ExploreWhat is a tech pack?
What goes in one and why factories need it.
Learn more →ExploreTech pack generator
Build a full tech pack online and send it to us.
Learn more →Ready to make it?
Tell us what you want to make. We reply by email with pricing and a timeline, usually within one working day.
- Reply within one working day
- MOQ pieces per style
- Sample made in 1 week
- No tech pack? We help you build one
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