Understanding Knitwear Fabric GSM: How to Pick the Perfect Weight for Your Line

# Understanding Knitwear Fabric GSM: How to Pick the Perfect Weight for Your Line In textile manufacturing, **GSM (Grams per Square Meter)** is the standard metric used to measure fabric density and weight. Selecting the right GSM is essential for achieving the intended fit, drape, structural silhouette, and climatic suitability for your target demographic. --- ## Fabric GSM Quick Reference Matrix | Garment Type | Recommended GSM | Common Knit Construction | Ideal Season | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Ultralight Summer Tees** | 130 - 150 GSM | Combed Single Jersey | Spring / Summer | | **Standard Retail T-Shirts** | 160 - 180 GSM | 100% Cotton Single Jersey | Year-round | | **Premium Streetwear Tees** | 220 - 280 GSM | Compact Combed / 2-Ply Jersey | Fall / Urban Luxury | | **Polo Shirts** | 200 - 240 GSM | Honeycomb / Pique Knit | Spring / Summer | | **Standard Sweatshirts** | 280 - 320 GSM | 3-Thread French Terry | Fall / Winter | | **Heavyweight Luxury Hoodies**| 380 - 460+ GSM | Brushed Fleece / Loopback | Winter / Streetwear | --- ## 1. Lightweight Knits (130 - 160 GSM) Lightweight fabrics offer maximum breathability and soft drape. Perfect for activewear base layers, undershirts, and tropical summer collections. ## 2. Midweight Knits (170 - 210 GSM) The quintessential standard for international retail fashion. Strikes the perfect balance between opacity, durability, and cost-efficiency. ## 3. Heavyweight Knits (220 - 450+ GSM) Heavyweight jersey and dense loopback fleece provide structured, boxy silhouettes favored by modern streetwear and luxury designer labels. --- ## Custom Knitting at Lotus International Our automated circular knitting machines can engineer bespoke yarn counts (from 20s to 80s double-combed) tailored precisely to your target GSM and hand-feel specifications.