What does GSM mean in a hoodie, and what does it affect?
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GSM is the fabric weight in grams per square metre, and it tells you directly how structured, warm and durable a hoodie is. The higher the number, the denser the knit, and usually the longer the hoodie lasts in use.
GSM in short
GSM stands for grams per square metre, the weight of the fabric per square metre. The higher the number, the denser and usually thicker the knit. In practice GSM shows up in structure, warmth, durability and how neat the print stays. It does not tell you everything about fit or quality, but it gives a good starting point for comparison.
Weight classes: T-shirts and hoodies
| GSM | Class | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 150–180 g/m² | Light t-shirt | Summer, base layer |
| 200–220 g/m² | Standard t-shirt | Year-round everyday |
| 230–260 g/m² | Heavyweight t-shirt | Repeated use, sharp print |
| 260–290 g/m² | Heavy medium hoodie | Year-round mid layer |
| 300–360 g/m² | Heavyweight hoodie | Cold, sole warm layer |
T-shirts
- 150–180 g/m²: Light. Summer use and base layers. Shows through more easily and stretches or pills faster.
- 200–220 g/m²: Standard. Works year-round, more structured than light fabric.
- 230–260 g/m²: Heavyweight. Does not show through, takes repeated use, the print looks sharp for a long time.
Potero Standard t-shirts are built on a Comfort Colors base. Exact weight varies by model, so the current figure is on the product page.
Hoodies
- 260–290 g/m²: Heavy medium. Works year-round as a solid mid layer.
- 300–360 g/m²: Heavyweight. Warm and thick, holds its shape under hard use.
Potero Standard hoodies are 288 g/m², the top end of heavy medium. Not true 300-plus heavyweight, but structured and warm as a mid layer, without being cumbersome indoors. The face is 100% cotton on a Cotton Heritage base, with a soft fleece inside.
Heavyweight or heavy medium
Go heavier when:
- The hoodie is the only warm layer outdoors
- A structured fit and long print life matter most
- One good hoodie should outlast five cheap ones
Go lighter when:
- It stays a mid layer under a jacket
- You move a lot and sweat
- Breathability matters most in summer
Weight does not replace correct sizing. A dense knit does not stretch out in use the way light fabric does, so the right size is chosen from the start, without growing room.
Use cases
- Everyday and campus: a structured t-shirt with the 288 g/m² hoodie on top. Handles rucksack straps and repeated washing.
- Training and getting there: hoodie for warming up, t-shirt on its own once moving.
- Winter and garrison visits: hoodie as a mid layer under a jacket. Warm, not cumbersome.
- Spring and autumn: t-shirt alone by day, hoodie on top in the evening.
What GSM does not tell you
Weight does not tell you about cut or fit. Two hoodies of the same weight can still feel different on the body, because the cut and pattern decide how a garment sits on the shoulders and torso. GSM alone does not prove quality either: a cheap fabric can be heavy and still pill quickly if the fibre is weak. Weight is one measure among several, not the whole answer.
Durability and print life
A denser knit protects the print from mechanical wear and keeps the print edges sharp for longer. Back prints are DTG, which reproduces the graphic accurately when new. Over years of use the print may soften and fade slightly. That is normal for DTG, not a flaw.
Care
Kit is looked after, so it lasts. Wash inside out at 30 degrees. No spin-drying, no tumble-drying. Do not iron over the print. This is how the print lasts for years. Potero holds up in a normal wash load too. Over time the print wears and the colour fades slightly.
Myths and facts
"Heavier is always better." Not always. In active movement and sweat, lighter can be more comfortable. Heavier is the right call when structure and durability matter most.
"Heavy fabric stretches out." Not in practice. It holds its shape better than light fabric, which is why the right size is chosen from the start.
"A bigger GSM always means better quality." Not directly. Weight tells you about density, not fibre quality or how evenly it is knitted. The combination decides: a good base fabric, an even knit and the right weight together, not weight alone.
Frequently asked questions about GSM
What GSM counts as heavyweight in a t-shirt?
Generally 230–260 g/m² and up. The exact weight for a given model is on its product page.
How heavy is the Potero Standard hoodie?
288 g/m². The top end of heavy medium: structured and warm as a mid layer, not as thick as a 300–360 g/m² heavyweight hoodie.
What GSM is good for a winter hoodie?
If the hoodie is the only warm layer, 300–360 g/m² is a safe choice. As a mid layer under a jacket, 288 g/m² is enough for a Finnish winter.
Is a heavy hoodie too warm in summer?
In direct sun it can be. In summer a lighter 150–180 g/m² shirt is cooler. Indoors and as a mid layer, 288 g/m² works year-round.
Summary
GSM is the fabric weight, but day to day it means structure, durability and warmth. The Potero Standard hoodie is 288 g/m². Firm enough to hold its shape and its print, light enough for everyday wear.
Civilian life, not on the sidelines.
Hoodies for everyday wear: Potero Standard hoodies
Care guide for a longer lifespan: Hoodie, t-shirt and cap care guide
Why movement changes which weight feels right: Movement multiplies the body's heat production
