End use
Choosing T-shirt fabric: weight, yarn and hand feel
A T-shirt fabric decision comes down to three variables: weight, yarn quality and finishing. Together they set the drape, the shape after washing and how the garment looks on the shelf.
Match the weight band to the end use
Lightweight summer tees sit at 130–150 g/m², standard basics at 150–180 g/m², and fuller premium bodies at 180–210 g/m². Weight alone is not a quality signal: compact combed and carded yarn at the same GSM produce completely different surfaces.
Combed, compact and carded show up on the surface
Carded yarn gives a hairier, matter face; combed is smoother; compact combed pills least and prints cleanest. Most pilling complaints trace back to the yarn choice rather than the finishing route.
Ask for shrinkage and spirality in writing
Single jersey is a single-bed construction, so it carries a tendency to twist. Compacting and controlled drying limit it. Agree an acceptance range for length and width shrinkage and for spirality angle before the order — a figure quoted without its test method cannot be compared.
From the catalogue
40 recorded Single jersey qualities in the catalogue, 130–210 g/m².
%100 compact combed cotton · %95 cotton %5 elastane · %95 modal %5 elastane · %95 viscose %5 elastane
Frequently asked questions
What GSM is standard for a T-shirt?
150–180 g/m² is the most common band for basics. Target market, season and print method move it up or down.
Which fabric suits printing best?
Compact combed single jersey: the even surface gives cleaner reactive and digital print results.
