Grams per square meter fabric is the standard measure for fabric weight and is very commonly used. What is this measurement for, how does it affect the fabric and how is it calculated? Please refer to the information in the article below Dugarco!
1. What is grams per square meter fabric (GSM)
Grams per square meter fabric, GSM for short, is simply a measurement of the weight of a fabric. This GSM measurement makes it possible to decide the best weight to buy, the higher the GSM of the fabric, the thicker the fabric and the harder it is to wear. GSM is an important consideration when choosing clothing for specific sports or activities. Because if chosen correctly, it will help regulate your body temperature and maximize your performance.
General principles:
| Light Weight Fabrics | 110 GSM and under with chiffon, voile, crepes |
| Light to Medium Weight Fabrics | 110 – 150 GSM with lightweight cotton lawn, rayon, viscose |
| Medium Weight Fabrics | 150 – 220 GSM with tencel, knits, linen, craft cotton |
| Medium to Heavy Weight Fabric | 220 – 320 GSM with lightweight denim and heavy linen |
| Heavy Weight Fabrics | 320 GSM with denim, heavy cotton twill, wool |
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2. Chart of every popular GSM
| Common GMS | Type of fabric | Application |
| 67.81 | Lightweight quilted hollow fabric | Use as a layer between the top layer and the lining of a quilt, filling with toys, cushions, and blankets |
| 135.62 | Light cotton material | Use it for blouses, shirts, summer dresses, and handicrafts |
| 196 | Medium-weight PVC mesh | Used for golf netting, garden use, and insect screening |
| 237.34 | Medium-weight quilted waterproof fabric | Pet bedding, cotton coats, outdoor clothing, and riding gear |
| 275 | Medium-weight hessian fabric | Suitable for making handmade bags and sacks, used in agriculture, and construction, and not suitable for the garment |
| 50-100 | Fabric gauze, grass, chiffon, batiste | Used in the designs of skirts and skirts, flowing skirts, and chiffon tops |
| 100-170 | Rayon cholis fabric, quilted | Producing all kinds of dresses, blouses, shirts |
| 340-450 | Hard denim, canvas fabric | Use sewing Non-stretch jeans, boots |
| 340 | Decitex scrim polyester with medium weight | Mainly for industrial applications such as roofing reinforcement |
| 406.87 | Medium-weight denim fabric | Wide range of applications from the production of jeans, jackets to upholstery, structured straight skirts,… |
| 508.58 | Waterproof PU fabric with heavy weight | Used to make tent fabric, bags, outdoor clothing, raincoats, and umbrellas,… |
| 450 to 650 | Used to make face towels, bath towels, pool towels,… | |
| 700 | Melton wool fabric is the heavyweight | Suitable for designing coats, jackets, blankets, uniforms, and furniture |
| 900 to 950 | Application in the production of bath mats |
3. Calculating fabric weight by GSM
Fabric weight is usually measured in grams per square meter fabric (g/m2 or gsm) or in ounces per square meter (oz). It depends on whether you choose to use the metric or the British metric system. The GSM unit is simply the weight of a piece of fabric one meter long and one meter wide in grams.
To convert from oz to GSM, simply multiply the number by 33.906:
1 oz/yd2 = 33.906 g/m2
For example, Rayon is a heavier and looser fiber than cotton with a weight of 7.4 (oz/yd2), so when converted to GSM, its weight = 7.4 x 33.906 = 250,904 (g/m2).
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4. How GSM affects fabric
Here are 3 effects of grams per square meter fabric on fabric, including fabric thickness, fabric quality, and fabric warmth.
4.1. Fabric thickness
Based on the thickness of the fabric, grams per square meter fabric are directly related to the weight of the fabric. The heavier the weight of the fabric, the thicker the fabric. Although GSM can suggest the thickness of the fabric, it is difficult for you to know its exact thickness. Due to yarn density, some fabrics may have the same GSM but not the same thickness.
4.2. Fabric quality
Grams per square meter fabric does not determine the quality of the fabric although a high GMS may indicate stiff fabric. The weight of the fabric depends a lot on how the fabric is used will determine the weight of the fabric. In addition, GSM also affects the degree of drape of the fabric. For example, a light summer dress will require a lower GSM fabric than a warm winter coat.
4.3. Fabric warmth
The heavier the fabric, the warmer it will be. Generally, winter clothing such as t-shirts or jackets will have a higher GSM than cotton t-shirts. If you plan to go to a cold climate shortly, then clothing with high GSM to help retain heat is the right choice.
5. Guide to choosing GSM for different activities
Depending on several factors such as the activity or sport you participate in, the weather, and the type of clothing you’re after, there will be different grams per square meter fabric options to choose from. Here are some suggestions for choosing GSM for you:
- For comfortable walking or light activities in cool climates, you can use clothing with high GSM.
- If you participate in vigorous sports and sweat a lot such as running, and climbing, you should choose clothing fabrics with low GSM.
- For cold climates, heavy fabrics with high GSM are the right choice. The thicker the fabric, the warmer you are likely to be when operating in cold environments.
- Choosing the right GSM depends on the type of clothing style you are after. For example, if you choose a pair of jeans, you should choose a fabric with a higher GSM. As it will have better quality than light denim fabric.
- Fabrics with a light GMS are suitable for underwear and summer items such as dresses and shirts.
- Wool fabric is a suitable fabric for the 3 seasons autumn, winter, and spring. If you are in cold areas, you should choose to buy heavier wool, which can weigh up to 600 GSM. And if you’re in countries with hotter climates, you should choose wools that are specially woven to make it a lighter, cooler fabric.
Knowing the number of grams per square meter fabric is extremely helpful, especially when you are looking for the right fabric for your garment needs. Hope the above article can bring you a lot of useful information in the fabric selection process. Contact Dugarco immediately if you need assistance!
Contact information:
- Address: 59 Đức Giang, Đức Giang, Long Biên, HN
- Phone: 024 3655 7930
- Email: dugarco@mayducgiang.com.vn
- Website: https://dugarco.com/en/
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Dugarco under the talented leadership and guidance of Mr. Hoang Ve Dung has gradually become a large Vietnam clothing manufacturer, supplying clothes for many famous brands from many different countries such as the UK, USA, and Australia.
