Fabric Weight
Trims & Care · 7 specs
Direct Answer
Fabric weight in Grams per Square Meter (GSM / g/m²) and imperial Ounces per Square Yard (oz/yd²) quantifies textile aerial mass under ASTM D3776. Combined with ISO 1144 linear yarn density in Denier and Tex, fabric weight benchmarks dictate garment drape, breathability, and durability.
Source: ASTM D3776 / ISO 3801 / ISO 1144 (Fabric Mass & Yarn Density) · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Governing Standards | ASTM D3776 (GSM) / ISO 3801 / ISO 1144 (Denier/Tex) |
| GSM to oz/yd² Conversion | 1 oz/yd² = 33.906 g/m² | GSM = oz/yd² × 33.906 | oz/yd² = GSM ÷ 33.906 |
| Denier to Tex Conversion | Tex = Denier ÷ 9 | Denier = Tex × 9 |
| Lightweight Apparel | <150 GSM (<4.4 oz) | Silk, chiffon, summer t-shirts (130–150 GSM) |
| Mediumweight Apparel | 150–250 GSM (4.4–7.4 oz) | Heavy t-shirts (180–220 GSM), dress shirts, chinos |
| Heavyweight Apparel | 250–350 GSM (7.4–10.3 oz) | Cotton hoodies (300–400 GSM), flannel, fleece |
| Extra Heavy / Technical | >350 GSM (>10.3 oz) | Raw selvedge denim (12–16 oz), duck canvas (10–18 oz) |
Fabric Weight Benchmarks & Conversion Table
| Common Garment / Fabric | Metric Weight (GSM) | Imperial Weight (oz/yd²) | Weight Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheer Silk / Chiffon | 30–50 GSM | 0.9–1.5 oz | Ultralight |
| Summer / Lightweight T-Shirt | 130–150 GSM | 3.8–4.4 oz | Lightweight |
| Standard Dress Shirt | 140–160 GSM | 4.1–4.7 oz | Lightweight |
| Premium Heavyweight T-Shirt | 180–220 GSM | 5.3–6.5 oz | Mediumweight |
| Casual Chino Trousers | 240–280 GSM | 7.1–8.3 oz | Medium/Heavy |
| Standard Cotton Fleece Hoodie | 300–350 GSM | 8.8–10.3 oz | Heavyweight |
| Heavyweight Streetwear Hoodie | 400–500 GSM | 11.8–14.7 oz | Extra Heavy |
| Standard Denim Jeans | 350–400 GSM | 10.3–11.8 oz | Extra Heavy |
| Raw Selvedge Denim | 450–550 GSM | 13.0–16.2 oz | Super Heavy |
| Heavy Duck Canvas Workwear | 400–600 GSM | 12.0–18.0 oz | Industrial |
Denier (D) vs Tex Yarn Scale
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Denier (D): Mass in grams per 9,000 meters of yarn. Common in synthetic fibers: –10D–30D: Sheer hosiery, ultralight down jacket shells, ripstop. –500D: Standard Cordura backpack nylon. –1000D–1680D: Ballistic luggage nylon.
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Tex: International SI standard (grams per 1,000 meters). Tex = Denier div 9.