NAN Clothing

What GSM Really Means — and How to Pick the Right Weight

180, 220, 240, 350. Here's what fabric weight actually changes about a T-shirt or hoodie, and which one suits your day.

By NAN Team · 14 October 2026 · 4 min read

GSM stands for grams per square metre. It's the weight of one square metre of fabric, and it's the simplest way to compare how substantial a garment will feel before you ever touch it.

A higher number means more cotton in the same area. That usually translates to a denser, more opaque fabric that holds its shape — but it also means more warmth. Neither is better on its own; it depends on how and where you'll wear it.

The NAN range, from lightest to heaviest

FitGSMBest for
Regular T-Shirt180Everyday wear, hot days, layering under shirts
Polo T-Shirt220A sharper look that still breathes
Oversized T-Shirt240Boxy streetwear silhouette that drapes, not clings
French Terry Tee240Structured feel with a soft looped back
Sweatshirt350Cool evenings, travel, winter layering
Oversized Hoodie350Maximum warmth and that heavyweight hand-feel

How weight changes the way a tee looks

  • Drape: heavier fabric falls straighter and hides creases, which is why oversized cuts are usually 240 GSM and up.
  • Opacity: lighter tees can show what's underneath in bright light; heavier ones don't.
  • Structure: collars and hems on heavier fabric stay flat for longer.
  • Breathability: lighter fabric moves air faster — a real advantage in Indian summers.

A simple rule of thumb

If you'll be outdoors in the heat, start at 180 GSM. If you want the oversized streetwear look all year, 240 GSM is the sweet spot. Save 350 GSM for evenings, air-conditioned offices, travel and winter.

Weight isn't about quality alone — it's about choosing the right fabric for the life you actually live.

Ready to find yours?

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