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March 20, 2023
When you are in the process of selecting fabric for your garment, one of the most important things to consider is the GSM in fabric or grams per square meter of the fabric. The GSM is a measure of the density of the fabric and it directly affects the weight, handfeel, opacity and many other important properties of the fabric.
GSM in fabric stands for grams per square meter and it is a measure of the weight and thickness of the fabric. The higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker the fabric will be. The GSM of a fabric can range from as low as 30 gsm for a very lightweight fabric such as voile to as high as 400 gsm for a heavy fabric such as canvas.
To calculate the GSM of a fabric, you need to know the weight of the fabric in grams and the width of the fabric in meters. The formula for calculating GSM in fabric is:
GSM in fabric = (fabric weight in grams) / (fabric width in meters) x (fabric width in meters)
For example, if you have a piece of fabric that is 1 meter wide and weighs 200 grams, the GSM in fabric would be 200 grams / (1 meter x 1 meter) = 200 gsm.
The following factors can affect the GSM of a fabric:
There are generally three categories of fabric gsm: light, medium and heavy.
The gsm of a fabric will also affect other properties such as absorbency, drape, comfort and appearance.
| Heaviness | Average GSM range | Fabrics |
| Lightweight | 1-150 GSM | chiffon, linen, organza, cheesecloth, lace, voile, mesh, habutai |
| Medium weight | 150-350 GSM | sateen, oxford, velvet, taffeta and charmeuse |
| Heavy weight | 350+ GSM | upholstery fabric, canvas, brocade, poplin, denim and peau de soie |
A higher GSM number means a heavier and thicker fabric, and a lower number means a lighter and thinner fabric. Both differ in their characteristics, which can lead to different consequences for garment manufacturing. Here are the main characteristics which are affected by the GSM of a fabric:
| High GSM fabric | Low GSM fabric | |
| Durability | √ | |
| Thickness | √ | |
| Wrinkle resistance | √ | |
| Warmth | √ | |
| Coverage | √ | |
| Price | √ | |
| Breathability | √ | |
| Comfortability | √ |
It depends on the type of garment you are making and the look and feel you want to achieve. A lower GSM in fabric will be more sheer and lightweight, while a higher GSM in fabric will be more opaque and heavy.
The GSM of a fabric can have an impact on the amount of fabric required for a product. A high GSM fabric will require less fabric than a low GSM fabric to achieve the same coverage. This is because a high GSM fabric is thicker and more opaque. As a result, less fabric is required to achieve the desired coverage.
The GSM of a fabric can also have an impact on the cost of the fabric. A high GSM fabric will typically be more expensive than a low GSM fabric. This is because thicker fabrics with high GSM are more durable. As a result, it costs more to produce.
GSM is an important factor to consider when selecting fabric for your garment. The GSM will determine the weight and thickness of the fabric, which can impact the look, feel and performance of the garment.
Higher GSM fabrics are typically more durable and longer lasting, but they may also be more expensive. It is important for designers, garment industry professionals and apparel retailers to balance the needs of your garment with the cost of the fabric to ensure you are selecting the best fabric for your project.
The GSM of the fabric you choose will depend on the garment you are making and the intended use. If you are making a garment that will be worn often or that needs to be durable, a high GSM in fabric may be a good choice. If you are making a garment for warm weather, a low GSM in fabric may be a better option.
No matter what GSM in fabric you choose, make sure to test the fabric before you use it to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations. Here are some recommended GSMs for different activities:
| Activity | Recommended GSM |
| Running | 90-120 GSM |
| Hiking | 190-210 GSM |
| Yoga | 150-180 GSM |
| Basketball | 160-180 GSM |
| Tennis | 200-225 GSM |
| Golf | 280-290 GSM |
| Swimming | 220-240 GSM |
Depending on the type of handbag you are making, you will need to choose a fabric with the appropriate GSM. Here are some recommended GSMs for different types of handbags:
| Type of handbag | Recommended GSM |
| Purses and clutches | 80-120 GSM |
| Leather | 250-400 GSM |
| Tote bags | 210-330 GSM |
| Messenger bags | 330-650 GSM |
| Backpacks | 400-700 GSM |
| Luggage | 2000-3000 GSM |
The GSM of the fabric you choose for your footwear will depend on the type of shoe you are making. Here are some recommended GSMs for different types of shoes:
| Type of shoe | Recommended GSM |
| Running shoes | 90-120 GSM |
| Hiking boots | 190-210 GSM |
| Golf shoes | 280-290 GSM |
| Swim fins | 220-240 GSM |
| Cowboy boots | 1250-1500 GSM |
| Work boots | 800-1100 GSM |
| Dress shoes | 600-850 GSM |
The GSM of the fabric you choose for your upholstery will depend on the type of furniture you are making. Here are some recommended GSMs for different types of furniture:
| Type of furniture | Recommended GSM |
| Sofas | 600-1200 GSM |
| Loveseats | 500-1000 GSM |
| Chairs | 400-800 GSM |
| Ottomans | 300-600 GSM |
| Pillows | 150-250 GSM |
| Mattresses | 1000-2000 GSM |
| Carpeting | 2000-4000 GSM |
GSM is an important factor to consider when selecting fabric for your garment. The GSM in fabric will determine the weight and thickness of the fabric, which can impact the look, feel and performance of the garment.
Higher GSM fabrics are typically more durable and longer lasting, but they may also be more expensive. It is important for designers, garment industry professionals and apparel retailers to balance the needs of your garment with the cost of the fabric to ensure you are selecting the best fabric for your project.
When choosing the right GSM in fabric for your garment, consider the intended use and the desired look and feel. Test the fabric before you use it to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations.
