Short answer: there is no official standard, but in the blank T-shirt trade a tee of roughly 180–200gsm and above is usually sold as heavyweight. Under about 150gsm is lightweight, and the range in between is midweight. Our BP220 blank T-shirt is 220gsm, 100% cotton.
What does GSM mean?
GSM stands for grams per square metre: the weight of one square metre of the fabric. The higher the GSM, the denser and heavier the fabric feels. It describes the fabric, not the finished T-shirt, so a 4XL tee weighs more than an S made from the same cloth.
T-shirt weights compared
| Weight | Typical GSM | What it feels like | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | under ~150gsm | Thin, soft, drapes close to the body | Promo tees, events, hot weather |
| Midweight | ~150–180gsm | The standard everyday tee | Uniforms, merch, everyday basics |
| Heavyweight | ~180–200gsm and above | Thicker, more structured, less see-through | Streetwear, premium merch, brands |
Different suppliers draw the lines slightly differently, so always compare the actual GSM rather than the label.
Is 220gsm heavyweight?
Yes. At 220gsm, BP220 is clearly in the heavyweight group: it feels noticeably thicker than standard blanks, holds its shape and is less see-through, which is especially visible on white tees.
Why heavyweight blanks are good for printing
- A dense cotton surface gives DTG and DTF prints a solid base.
- Thicker fabric hides the print on the inside better and puckers less under a heat press.
- A heavier tee feels premium, so it suits brands that sell at a higher price.
Try a 220gsm heavyweight blank
See the BP220 heavyweight T-shirt blanks (black and white, S–4XL, from £5.50 ex VAT), order a sample pair or check wholesale prices from 100 pieces.