When choosing a t-shirt or sweatshirt, we often look first at the color, fit, or graphics. But there's a crucial detail that impacts quality, comfort, and durability: the fabric weight.
Understanding what weight means and how it affects a garment helps you make better choices, avoid disappointment, and understand why two seemingly similar t-shirts can have completely different prices and yields.
In this guide, we'll explain what weight is, how to read it, and which one to choose based on use, style, and season.
What is grammage (in simple words)
The grammage indicates the weight of the fabric per square meter and is expressed in g/m² (grams per square meter).
👉 In practice:
- the lower the number, the lighter the fabric
- The higher the number, the thicker, more structured and resistant the fabric is
Weight alone does not indicate quality, but it is one of the most important elements for understanding how a garment will "behave" over time.
T-shirt weights: the main differences
🔹 Lightweight T-shirts (130–160 g/m²)
- Thin and fresh fabric
- Ideal for summer, events, promotional
- Soft fall
- More subject to transparency and wear over time
👉 Perfect for: events, temporary staff, lightweight summer t-shirts.
🔹 Standard T-shirt (165–190 g/m²)
- The most common compromise
- Good resistance and comfort
- Balanced fit
👉 Perfect for: everyday use, classic customizations.
🔹 Heavy T-shirts (200–240 g/m²)
- Thick and consistent fabric
- Premium look
- They keep their shape better
- Ideal for oversized and boxy fits
👉 Perfect for: streetwear, collections, premium garments.
💡 Many modern streetwear t-shirts start at 220 gsm and up.
Sweatshirt Weight: What Really Changes
With sweatshirts, weight becomes even more important, because it affects warmth, structure, and seasonality.
🔹 Lightweight sweatshirts (260–280 g/m²)
- Often in French Terry
- Do not fleece inside
- Breathable
- Excellent for mid-season
👉 Perfect for: spring, gym, indoor use.
🔹 Medium sweatshirts (280–300 g/m²)
- Good balance between comfort and warmth
- Solid structure
- Usable almost all year round
👉 Perfect for: work, leisure, teamwear.
🔹 Heavyweight sweatshirts (320–350+ g/m²)
- Plush inside
- Very warm and structured
- Premium look
- Longer lasting over time
👉 Perfect for: winter, streetwear, statement pieces.
Weight ≠ quality (but it's close)
Please note: a high weight does not automatically mean high quality.
Quality also depends on:
- type of cotton
- spinning
- compactness of the fabric
- treatments (e.g. pre-washed, mercerized)
But with the same material and workmanship:
👉 A higher weight is almost always more resistant and durable.