Fabric Weight vs. Laundry Symbols
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
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.
International garment care symbols governed by ISO 3758 (GINETEX) and ASTM D5489 standardize washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and professional cleaning instructions on garment tags. The system uses five core geometric shapes modified by temperature dots, cycle bars, and cross-out warnings.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
ASTM D3776 (GSM) / ISO 3801 / ISO 1144 (Denier/Tex) | ISO 3758 / GINETEX / ASTM D5489 / FTC Care Labeling Rule |
|
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) | — |
|
The 5 Core Symbols
|
— | Washtub (Washing) | Triangle (Bleach) | Square (Drying) | Iron (Ironing) | Circle (Dry Clean) |
|
Temperature Dots Rule
|
— | 1 Dot = Low (30°C/110°C) | 2 Dots = Med (40°C/150°C) | 3 Dots = High (50°C/200°C) |
|
Mechanical Action Bars
|
— | No bar = Normal cycle | 1 Bar = Permanent Press/Synthetic | 2 Bars = Gentle/Wool |
|
Hand in Tub Symbol
|
— | Hand wash only (maximum 40°C / 105°F, no machine agitation) |
|
Cross-Out 'X' Modifier
|
— | Never perform the indicated operation (e.g., Do Not Tumble Dry, Do Not Iron) |