What 260, 300 and 380 gsm actually feel like
"Heavyweight" has become a word brands put on anything thicker than a napkin. We'd rather give you the number. Every Groovela product lists its fabric weight in grams per square meter (gsm) and ounces per square yard, straight from the mill spec. Here's how to read it, and what each weight in our lineup feels like.
What gsm means
Cut a square meter of fabric and weigh it. That's gsm. It's the most honest way to compare two tees, because it ignores marketing and measures cloth. For reference, a typical promotional tee is around 150 to 180 gsm. Most "premium" basics land at 200 to 220. Anything over 250 starts to feel substantial; over 300 is what streetwear calls heavyweight.
260 gsm: the Essential tees
Our Essential tees (navy with the reef on the back, white with the heart badge) are 100% cotton at 260 gsm, about 7.7 oz. That's heavier than almost any basic tee you own, but still a tee: it moves, it breathes, it's fine in July. The payoff shows up after the tenth wash, when it still hangs straight and the collar hasn't gone wavy. Loose cut, classic shoulder.
300 gsm: the Oversized tee
The Oversized tee is 300 gsm, 8.8 oz, 100% cotton. You feel the difference the moment you pick it up. It's dense, the surface is smooth, and the drape is structured, which is exactly what an oversized cut needs so the drop shoulders hold their line. Prints look sharper on it too, because the surface is flat and tight. This is the one to buy if you only buy one.
340 gsm: the Essential sweatpants
Pure cotton fleece at 340 gsm (10 oz): soft loop-back inside, smooth outside, heavy enough to feel like proper sweatpants and light enough to wear in spring. Drawstring waist, cuffed ankle, regular leg.
380 to 390 gsm: the hoodies and the sweatshirt
This is the top of our range. The striped-collar sweatshirt is 380 gsm, 100% cotton. The white heavyweight hoodie is 380 gsm in an 85/15 cotton-poly fleece, which keeps it from shrinking and gives it a dense, even drape. The vintage-wash hoodie is 390 gsm in a poly-cotton blend with a brushed fleece lining, garment-washed so it arrives already soft and slightly faded. All three sit on the body with real weight. In practice: you won't need a jacket over them until it's properly cold.
320 gsm: the denim jacket
Woven denim is measured the same way, but it behaves differently from knits. Our jacket is 320 gsm, a 70/30 cotton-poly denim with a vintage wash and sunfade finish. Midweight for denim, which is what you want in a jacket you'll actually wear over a hoodie.
215 gsm: the Active set
For performance knits the logic flips: lighter is better, as long as it stays opaque. The bra and leggings are 215 gsm, 80% nylon and 20% spandex, with four-way stretch. Smooth, squat-proof and quick to dry.
Why we choose heavy blanks
Two reasons. The first is that the blank has to be as good as the graphic: a great print on a thin tee is still a thin tee. The second is waste. A tee that lasts three years is a better deal for you and a lighter footprint than three tees that last one.
Every product page lists weight, composition, cut and print method, plus the fabric up close if we have the macro shots. If a number is missing, ask us and we'll get it from the mill.