The T.E.E guide
What does GSM mean for a T-shirt?
GSM means grams per square metre. It describes the mass of a measured area of fabric, rather than the weight of the finished T-shirt. T.E.E lists Lightweight tee at 265 gsm, Balanced tee at 272 gsm and Heavy pocket tee at 285 gsm.
What does the number actually measure?
Imagine a square of fabric measuring one metre on each side. A 265 gsm fabric has a mass of 265 grams for that area. A finished tee contains a different amount of fabric depending on its size and pattern, as well as seams, trims and any pocket.
You therefore cannot read a GSM figure as the weight of the garment you will receive. Two tees made from fabric with the same GSM can have different finished weights if one has a longer body or wider sleeves.
How close are T.E.E fabric weights?
| Style | GSM | Difference from 265 gsm |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight tee | 265 | 0 |
| Balanced tee | 272 | 7 |
| Heavy pocket tee | 285 | 20 |
The highest and lowest figures differ by about 7.5% when compared with 265 gsm. This calculation describes fabric mass per area only. It is not a measured difference in warmth, breathability, thickness or durability.
Does a higher GSM mean better quality?
GSM is a specification, not a complete quality score. It does not tell you how the yarn was spun, how a neckline is constructed, how a tee was finished or whether the proportions suit you. A higher figure may appeal to someone who prefers more fabric weight, but it does not make the tee the right choice for every person.
Read weight alongside composition, construction, fabric feel and the size chart. For T.E.E, a regular 272 gsm tee and a longer 285 gsm tee also differ in cut. Treating the GSM number as the only difference would miss that.
Can GSM tell you how cool or opaque a tee will be?
Not by itself. Fabric structure, colour, fit, layering and the conditions in which you wear it also matter. T.E.E has not published controlled temperature or opacity tests for these three fabrics, so we do not use GSM to promise a cooling result or guaranteed coverage.
If your priority is a particular silhouette, choose the cut first. Then use GSM and the product's fabric description to refine your choice.
