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How to choose a T-shirt fabric and weight

Fabrics and products · 4 min read

What gsm means

gsm (grams per square metre) measures how heavy the fabric is. Around 150 gsm feels light, around 180 gsm is a common all-rounder, and 220 gsm feels thick.

The T-shirt fabrics you can choose

These are typical specifications. The printer confirms the exact brand and weight in its quote.

  • Light cotton (100% combed cotton, about 150 gsm): Light and soft, good for warm weather.
  • Standard cotton (100% cotton, about 180 gsm): The usual all-rounder for events and staff wear.
  • Heavy cotton (100% cotton, about 220 gsm): Thick and durable, holds its shape.
  • Cotton-poly blend (65% polyester, 35% cotton, about 160 gsm): Resists shrinking and creasing, dries quickly.
  • Performance polyester (100% polyester, about 140 gsm): Moisture-wicking sports fabric, ideal for sublimation.

Matching fabric and method

  • Cotton: screen print, DTG, DTF and embroidery all work well.
  • Blends: DTF and screen print are the usual choices.
  • Polyester: sublimation or DTF. DTG usually looks better on cotton.

Ready to get prices?

Start a request and printers send you their quotes. You only commit when you accept one.

Start a request: T-shirt, 50 pieces

Related guides

  • How to choose a print method

    Screen print, DTG, DTF, embroidery, heat transfer and sublimation compared by design, fabric and quantity.

  • DTF vs sublimation

    Two full-colour methods with different fabric rules: DTF suits cotton, blends and polyester, sublimation only polyester or coated items.

  • Caring for printed garments

    General washing and drying tips that help prints and embroidery last.