Fabric Weight &
GSM Converter
Convert fabric weight between GSM (grams per square meter) and oz/yd² (ounces per square yard). See which weight category your fabric falls in and find matching popular blanks.
Conversion Result
Closest popular blank garments
| Blank | GSM | oz/yd² | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan 5000 | 180 | 5.3 | Classic budget tee |
| AS Colour 5001 | 180 | 5.4 | Staple tee (streetwear fav) |
| Comfort Colors 1717 | 183 | 6.1 | Garment-dyed, boxy |
| Los Angeles Apparel 1801 | 187 | 6.5 | Garment-dyed heavy tee |
| Hanes Beefy-T 5180 | 195 | 6.1 | Thick cotton tee |
Full blank garment reference (12 blanks)
| Blank | GSM | oz | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bella+Canvas 3001 | 142 | 4.2 | Retail-fit soft tee |
| Next Level 3600 | 142 | 4.3 | Premium fitted tee |
| Gildan H000 | 153 | 5.0 | Hammer™ mid-weight |
| Gildan 5000 | 180 | 5.3 | Classic budget tee |
| AS Colour 5001 | 180 | 5.4 | Staple tee (streetwear fav) |
| Comfort Colors 1717 | 183 | 6.1 | Garment-dyed, boxy |
| Los Angeles Apparel 1801 | 187 | 6.5 | Garment-dyed heavy tee |
| Hanes Beefy-T 5180 | 195 | 6.1 | Thick cotton tee |
| Bella+Canvas 3719 | 220 | 6.5 | Sponge fleece hoodie |
| Shaka Wear Max Heavy | 220 | 7.5 | Super heavy streetwear tee |
| Champion S700 | 271 | 9.0 | Reverse weave hoodie |
| Gildan 18500 | 271 | 8.0 | Heavy blend hoodie |
Understanding Fabric Weight for Apparel
Fabric weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter) internationally or oz/yd² (ounces per square yard) in the US. It's the single most important specification when choosing blanks for your clothing brand — it determines how the garment feels, drapes, and holds up over time.
T-Shirt Weight Guide
Lightweight (120–170 GSM / 3.5–5 oz) — Soft, breathable, and ideal for summer. Popular blanks in this range include the Bella+Canvas 3001 (142 GSM) and Next Level 3600. These drape well and feel retail-quality but may be slightly see-through in lighter colors.
Mid-Weight (170–250 GSM / 5–7.5 oz) — The sweet spot for most brands. Thick enough to feel premium without being bulky. The Gildan 5000 (180 GSM), Comfort Colors 1717, and AS Colour 5001 live here. Best for screen printing and DTF — the extra weight prevents ink from showing through.
Heavyweight (250–340 GSM / 7.5–10 oz) — The streetwear standard. Brands like Shaka Wear, Los Angeles Apparel, and Champion Reverse Weave offer thick, structured garments that hold their shape. Premium feel, higher cost per unit, but commands higher retail prices ($30–45+).
Super Heavy (340+ GSM / 10+ oz) — Reserved for outerwear, denim, and specialty items. Canvas tote bags, denim jackets, and winter-weight hoodies fall in this range.
GSM vs. Oz: Which Should You Use?
If you're ordering from US-based suppliers (Gildan, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom), they typically list weight in ounces. International and premium brands (AS Colour, Stanley/Stella) use GSM. The conversion is: 1 oz/yd² = 33.91 GSM. Use this tool to compare across suppliers regardless of which unit they list.
How Weight Affects Printing
Screen Printing — Works best on mid-weight to heavyweight fabrics (170+ GSM). Lightweight fabrics can show ink absorption marks and the print may feel stiff relative to the thin fabric.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) — More forgiving across weights since the transfer sits on top of the fabric. Still, heavier fabrics (180+ GSM) give a more premium feel with DTF.
Embroidery — Requires at least mid-weight fabric (170+ GSM) to support the thread weight without puckering. Heavyweight is ideal for large embroidery designs.
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