gsm does not mean quality

Today in the high fashion streetwear market we’re seeing what we call the GSM war, which refers to the fact that essentially every brand seems to be in competition for offering the highest GSM fabric on the market.

While yes, GSM  means the fabric is a heavier in weight, this does not always equate to quality.

There are very high GSM fabrics on the market which are made from poor quality fibres which will deteriorate quickly, as well as high GSM blanks on the market which are constructed poorly or don’t follow strict quality control protocols.

The point is, while high GSM fabric can be great for offering heavy weight items such as sweatshirts & pants, hoodies & jackets, etc; you should always keep consideration of the many other factors which contribute to the quality of a fabric,  such as the fiber quality & composition, type of knit or weave, hand feel, structure, drape, durability, etc.

High GSM fabric are also not ideal for every seasonal offering, for example, if you are designing a spring / summer collection, it may not be the best option to offer heavy & thick fabrics during, unless of course this is what your brand specializes in.

Consider who you are designing for, which season the collection will be placed in, & above all else the quality of the product you are offering.

On a final note, we love heavyweight, high GSM fabrics and they will always have a place in the market, just remember to do your research and ensure the fabric is also of high quality.

Disclaimer : this is not business advice, only reiteration of our research & experience working with clothing brands. Use information at your own discretion.