What GSM actually tells you, and what it does not
Weight per square metre is the number everybody quotes, and on its own it will mislead you.
PrathamArt Exports · 01 Sep 2026 · 1 min read
GSM is grams per square metre. It is the first number on every quotation and the last one anybody questions, which is a problem, because two fabrics at the same GSM can behave completely differently.
What GSM does tell you
Roughly how much yarn is in a given area. That correlates with opacity, with warmth, and with how a fabric hangs. A 90 GSM voile and a 280 GSM canvas are not going to be confused for each other.
What it does not tell you
Construction. A 140 GSM poplin and a 140 GSM twill have the same weight and different drape, different crease recovery, different behaviour on the cutting table.
Yarn count. A fine yarn woven densely and a coarse yarn woven loosely can land on the same GSM. The first feels like a shirt; the second feels like a sack.
Finish. Calendering, sanforising and softening all change hand-feel without moving the weight much.
What to ask for instead
GSM, plus construction, plus yarn count, plus finish. For shirting we quote all four, because a buyer who only has GSM is guessing.
And always take a swatch. No specification replaces putting the cloth between your fingers.
Looking for this quality?
Tell us the composition, GSM and quantity, and we will come back with a rate.