AL HASEEB APPARELS · BUYER GUIDE
GSM means grams per square metre: the mass of a fabric for a defined area. A 200 GSM fabric weighs 200 grams per square metre. Use GSM to describe fabric weight, then specify composition, knit construction, finish and fit to describe the garment you actually want.
GSM is fabric weight, not finished-garment weight
A 300 GSM hoodie does not mean the complete hoodie weighs 300 grams. Finished weight also depends on size, pattern, fabric area, hood lining, rib, trims and decoration. Keep fabric GSM and estimated piece weight separate when requesting samples or freight information.
For a simple calculation, divide the swatch weight in grams by its area in square metres. A 20 × 20 cm swatch has an area of 0.04 m²; if it weighs 8 grams, its calculated weight is 200 GSM. Agree the measurement method and conditioning with your supplier for order acceptance.
Example weights to compare during sampling
The figures below are illustrative sampling points, not a universal grading system, a stock list or confirmed Al Haseeb Apparels specifications. Choose the final weight after reviewing fabric and garment samples.
| Illustrative request | What to review alongside the weight |
|---|---|
| 160 GSM jersey T-shirt | Coverage, drape, neckline and suitability for the intended fit. |
| 200 GSM jersey T-shirt | Handle, opacity and how the finished garment sits on the wearer. |
| 240 GSM jersey T-shirt | Structure, movement and whether the heavier fabric suits the silhouette. |
| 300 GSM hoodie fabric | Brushed or loopback inside, composition, rib recovery and sample feel. |
| 400 GSM hoodie fabric | Bulk, drape, hood balance and comfort in the intended garment. |
Compare jersey, loopback terry and brushed fleece
A T-shirt jersey and a hoodie fabric with the same weight can have different structures and feel. State the construction rather than assuming the GSM identifies it. For hoodie development, specify the inside finish you want and send a reference garment or fabric swatch.
Compare actual samples under the same intended use. Weight alone cannot establish warmth, softness, opacity, durability or a premium quality level. Review the full material specification and the way it performs in the approved garment.
Write a complete fabric request
- Composition: identify the required fibres and percentages.
- Construction: state jersey, loopback terry or the proposed fleece construction.
- Finished weight: give the target GSM and agree the permitted tolerance.
- Colour and finish: provide the shade reference and any wash or surface effect.
- Performance checks: agree measurement stability, appearance and any requested testing.
- Reference: identify the approved swatch or garment and its version.
Check the sample after laundering
Fabric and garment dimensions can change during processing and laundering. Cotton Incorporated’s CottonWorks resources explain that fibre, yarn, construction, wet processing, finishing and care all affect shrinkage. Agree wash conditions and acceptance criteria, then compare the sample measurements before and after the agreed check.
Do not substitute a GSM number for an approved fit or wash result. For a matching hoodie and jogger, check both garments and their component fabrics together.
What if I do not know the GSM?
Send a reference garment or swatch and describe the feel, appearance and intended fit. Ask for proposed fabrics to compare through sampling. It is more useful to identify the reference than to choose an arbitrary weight because it appears in another brand’s description.
Use the guide in your manufacturing enquiry
Continue with T-shirt manufacturing, hoodie development or custom streetwear. Include quantity and colour details so the fabric request can also be checked against the proposed MOQ.
Technical reading: NAVTTC Industrial Garment Expert learner guide for fabric-weight terminology; CottonWorks: Shrinkage & Skewing for dimensional stability. The sample-weight examples above are our editorial illustrations.
Discuss your first or next clothing order
Send your garment type, quantities per colour and size, fabric details, branding, delivery country and target date. Include a tech pack or reference garment when available.
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Al Haseeb Apparels · F-528, S.I.T.E., Karachi, Pakistan · +92 321 8226740. MOQ, samples, pricing and schedule are confirmed for your specification.