Heavyweight in plain terms: GSM tells you the thickness of a hoodie and a t-shirt
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GSM is the fabric weight and it gives a guideline for how thick, warm and durable a garment is. This guide covers which GSM suits everyday wear, training and the different seasons, and why a denser knit lasts longer. No tricks, just the standard.
GSM explained in 30 seconds
GSM = grams per square metre = the weight of the fabric in grams per square metre. The higher the number, the denser and usually the thicker the knit.
- What it means in practice: structure, warmth, durability, and how neat the print stays
- Nothing mysterious: bigger number = thicker fabric = a more durable garment
- Remember: GSM does not tell you everything about fit or quality, but it is a good starting point
Common weight classes and what they suit
T-shirts
- 150-180 g/m²: light. Hot summer days and base layer use. Downside: shows through more easily, stretches and pills faster.
- 200-220 g/m²: standard/medium. Works year-round, better structure than the light ones.
- 230-260 g/m²: heavyweight. Structured, 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 with a unisex cut. Exact weights vary by model, so the current figures are on the product page: Potero Standard t-shirts.
Hoodies
- 260-290 g/m²: heavy medium. Works year-round and makes a good mid layer. Clearly firmer than a basic hoodie.
- 300-360 g/m²: heavyweight. Warm, thick, holds its shape and keeps the neckline clean even under hard use.
Potero Standard hoodies are 288 g/m², the top end of heavy medium, not true 300+ heavyweight. In practice that means a hoodie with structure, warm as a mid layer, but not cumbersome indoors. The face is 100 % cotton and the inside is soft fleece.
Heavyweight or midweight
Go heavier if:
- you want a structured fit that does not go slack
- you wear the garment outdoors or in cool rooms a lot
- you value a long print life and sharpness
- you want one good one that outlasts five cheap ones
Go lighter if:
- you want a lighter mid layer for active movement
- you are after a one-layer-under-a-jacket solution for mild weather
- you prioritise breathability in lighter everyday use
Fit and size: weight does not replace correct sizing
Weight gives structure, but fit decides comfort. A dense knit does not stretch out in use the way light fabrics do, so the right size is chosen from the start.
- Measure a garment of your own, laid flat
- Compare against the size guide
- If you wear layers under the hoodie, go one size up
- Remember: a firm knit holds its shape, so no growing room is needed
Durability and print life: weight helps
A denser knit protects the print from mechanical wear. A surface with structure keeps the print edges sharp for longer.
- Mechanical durability: thicker fabric handles rucksack straps and repeated use
- Print protection: a dense knit reduces cracking and fading
- Shape retention: the neckline and sleeves keep their structure
- Correct washing finishes the job: inside out, 30-40 °C, no tumble drying
Back prints are DTG, which reproduces the graphic accurately when new. Over years of use the print may soften and wear. That is normal for DTG and part of how the garment naturally takes on a patina.
Use cases
- Everyday and campus: a structured t-shirt plus the 288 g/m² hoodie. Handles rucksack straps and repeated washing.
- Training and getting there: hoodie for warming up, t-shirt on its own.
- Winter and garrison visits: hoodie as a mid layer under a jacket. Warm, but not cumbersome.
- Spring and autumn: t-shirt alone, hoodie over it in the evening.
Example picks from Potero Standard
T-shirts
- Leopard 2A6 T-shirt: the armour-themed classic
- Kenttälapio T-shirt: tradition meets everyday
- RK-95 T-shirt: a direct tribute to Finnish service equipment
Hoodies
- RK-95 TP Hoodie: recognisable and functional
- NLAW Hoodie: a current anti-tank theme
- Defender QRF, Happy Hunting and Ace Of Spades: choices that need no explaining
Myths and facts
“Heavier is always better.” Not always. If you sweat a lot and move actively, lighter can be more comfortable. A heavier one is a good choice when structure and durability are what matter.
“Heavy fabric stretches out.” Not in practice. It holds its shape. That is why the right size is chosen from the start.
“Prints always come off in a couple of washes.” A good print, a dense knit and correct washing keep the print sharp for a long time.
Care: this is how it lasts longer
- Wash inside out at 30-40 °C with similar colours
- Avoid tumble drying. Shape it while damp, hang or dry flat
- Do not use bleach
- Iron from the reverse on a low heat
- A wash bag helps protect the print and the fabric
- A little shrinkage in the first wash is normal. Factor it into the size choice
Quick links
- Hoodies: all Potero Standard hoodies
- T-shirts: all t-shirts
- Headwear: caps and beanies
- Size guide: hoodie size guide
Frequently asked questions about GSM and weight classes
Q: What GSM counts as heavyweight in a t-shirt?
A: Generally 230-260 g/m² and up. The weight for a specific model is on its product page.
Q: How heavy is the Potero Standard hoodie?
A: 288 g/m². That is the top end of heavy medium: structured and warm as a mid layer, but not as thick as a 300-360 g/m² heavyweight hoodie.
Q: What GSM is good for a winter hoodie?
A: 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.
Q: Is a heavy hoodie warm in summer?
A: In direct sun it can be. In summer a lighter 150-180 g/m² shirt is cooler. Indoors, the heavier one works year-round.
Q: Does heavy fabric stretch with use?
A: Minimally. It holds its shape better than light fabrics. That is why the right size is chosen straight away, without growing room.
Q: Will it shrink?
A: A little shrinkage in the first wash is possible. Follow the care instructions and avoid tumble drying. Shrinkage is usually 3-5 % at most.
Summary
GSM is the fabric weight, but in everyday terms it means structure, durability and warmth. Potero Standard hoodies are 288 g/m²: firm enough to hold their shape and their print, light enough for everyday wear. Get the size right, care for it properly, and wear it for a long time.
In civilian life, but not on the sidelines.
Hoodies for everyday wear: Potero Standard hoodies
T-shirts that take repeated use: Potero Standard t-shirts
For choosing the size: hoodie size guide
