Fabric Basics for Streetwear: GSM, Cotton, Polyester, and More
For fans of streetwear, clothing is a major part of your lifestyle. Along with that comes a need to understand the various terms used to describe these garments. That’s especially true if you want to create your own custom streetwear.
We put together the guide below to give a crash course on everything you need to know, including how to determine the right fabric weight, understand the qualities of different materials, and be able to identify how the fabric was constructed.
This will allow you to pick the best-looking piece of clothing, match it to your activities, and enjoy looking great while feeling great. And if you want to create custom streetwear, the information below is essential to making the right choices.
Fabric Weight: What is GSM?
GSM stands for grams per square meter. In other words, it measures the weight of a fabric. If the GSM is higher, that means the fabric weighs more.
Why does GSM matter? Because the weight of a fabric determines so many of its features, including:
- durability, with heavier fabrics lasting longer
- warmth, with heavier fabrics keeping in more heat
- feel, with higher GSM often feeling more premium
As with anything, there are tradeoffs. For instance, in hot summer months, you may want a very low GSM fabric. But that winter sweater? You’ll want very high GSM for that fabric.
Below is a list of streetwear and the most common GSM you’ll find:
- T-Shirt: 200
- Light Hoodie: 300
- Heavy Hoodie: 350
Right now, higher GSM fleeces are very popular.
Fabric Material: The Difference Between Cotton, Polyester, and Lycra (Spandex)
Your choice of material makes an enormous impact on the clothing. Each fabric offers both pros and cons.
Cotton- Pros: Breathable, soft, hypoallergenic
- Cons: Shrinks with washing, wrinkles easily
- Pros: Durable, shrink and wrinkle-resistant, water-wicking
- Cons: Less breathable, less comfortable on skin, retains odor
- Pros: Breathable, durable, water-wicking, versatile
- Cons: Blend percentage may emphasize limitations of either cotton or polyester
- Pros: Stretchy, flexible
- Cons: Added to fabrics that bring their own limitations
Fabric Construction: Difference Between Knits and Wovens
Fabric construction tells you how clothing is put together. There are several options.
Knits- Jersey/Single-Knit: Soft, stretchy, breathable, comfortable, and commonly found in T-shirts.
- Interlock: Thick, smooth surface, stretchy, and often used for athletic wear and fitted garments.
- French Terry: Looped on one side and smooth on the other, lightweight, absorbent, and mainly used for sweatshirts and casual wear.
- Fleece: Warm, soft, and perfect for hoodies and sweatpants.
- Twill: Diagonal weave pattern, durable, wrinkle-resistant, and most often used in pants and jackets.
- Pique: Waffle-like textured surface, breathable, and typically used for polo shirts.
- Mesh: Highly breathable, lightweight, and a go-to for sportswear and streetwear.
Understanding Fabric
This basic grasp of fabric weight, material, and construction gives you the ability to choose streetwear with confidence. And for those looking to create custom streetwear, it empowers you to make items of clothing that fit the needs of the people wearing it.
Want to start your custom streetwear project? Apparel Sourcing USA can help. Contact us today to learn more!