T-shirt weight describes how heavy the fabric is: ounces per square yard (oz/yd²) in the US, or grams per square meter (GSM) elsewhere. Multiply ounces by about 33.9 to get GSM.
| Class | oz/yd² | GSM | Feels | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | 3.5-4.5 | 120-155 | Soft, drapey, cool | Bella+Canvas 3001, Next Level 3600 |
| Midweight | 4.5-5.5 | 155-185 | Everyday, sturdy | Gildan 5000, PC54 |
| Heavyweight | 6+ | 200+ | Thick, structured | Comfort Colors 1717, Beefy-T |
Yarn matters too: ring-spun cotton is softer than open-end cotton at the same weight. That’s why a 4.2 oz Bella+Canvas feels nicer than a 5.3 oz Gildan 5000.
Yes: it’s a sturdy midweight, comparable to about 5.3 oz/yd².
Question about T-shirt weight explained (oz and GSM)? Ask it here. We answer the useful ones on this page, in general terms.
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