Fabric engineering · TGM KNOWLEDGE BASE
Fabric GSM, Yarn and Construction Explained
GSM alone cannot define fabric quality, structure or garment performance.
What brands need to know
GSM measures fabric mass per square metre. Two fabrics with the same GSM can behave differently because of fibre, yarn count, twist, knit or weave construction, density, width and finishing. Finished GSM should be evaluated after dyeing, compaction or washing, not assumed from greige fabric. For quotation and approval, specify composition, construction, finished weight tolerance, usable width, stretch, shrinkage, surface, colourfastness and end use. Physical swatches and test results are more reliable than a trade name.
Production checklist
- State finished GSM tolerance
- Confirm usable width
- Test shrinkage in both directions
- Approve hand feel and surface
How this affects your quotation
A reliable quotation depends on the final design, construction, fabric, GSM, colours, size range, quantity per style and colour, branding, packing, delivery country and target date. Commercial feasibility and material availability are reviewed before a price is confirmed.