How Much Do T-Shirts Weigh? Printblur’s Complete Guide

The weight of a t-shirt is generally measured in grams (g), ounces (oz), or grams per square metre (GSM). A glance at how much a t-shirt weighs helps you make an informed decision when you shop for a new tee to balance your preferences and other factors like shipping charges, print quality, comfort, and durability of a tee. This article has covered these important things in detail.

Dive into it right now!

Key Takeaways: How Much Do T-Shirts Weigh?

• T-shirt weight refers to the heaviness of a t-shirt, which is usually measured in ounces (oz), grams (g), kilogram (kg), pound ( lbs) per square meter (GSM) of fabric. 
• The t-shirt weight matters as it impacts the t-shirt’s durability, comfort, print quality, and shipping costs.  
• T-shirt weight typically varies by t-shirt materials, fabric weight, sizes and styles with additional features.  
• Average weight of t-shirt in kg between 0.14 and 0.2 kg
• Average weight of t-shirt in grams between 140 and 200 grams
• Average weight of t-shirt in lbs between 0.3 and 0.44 lbs

Key Factors Influencing T-Shirt Weight

Fabrics

Fabric Types:

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most common fabrics for t-shirts as it provides softness, breathability, and comfort. Cotton t-shirts are more likely heavier than other synthetic materials. A cotton tee size M typically weighs between 140 and 200 grams.

Polyester

When it’s compared to cotton, this synthetic fabric tends to be lighter, moisture-wicking, and durable. Polyester t-shirts weigh less than cotton ones, specifically from 170 to 227 grams.

Cotton Polyester Blends

The blends are the mix of the best advantages of both fabrics, which stand out softness, durability, comfort, and balanced weight. Cotton polyester blends usually weigh between 170 and 227 grams, similar to the weight of polyester t-shirts.

In addition, other t-shirt materials like bamboo, rayon, or spandex vary in weight slightly and outstanding properties such as stretchability, comfort, and breathability for your consideration. 

Fabric Weight (GSM)

GSM stands for grams per square metre, which is a measure of the t-shirts weight. Determining GSM helps you choose the right t-shirts that are ideal for your specific use, casual wear or outdoor activities.  Moreover, it supports to opt for items that regulate body temperature and provide ease of movement to maximize your performance as well. 

Lightweight Fabrics:

Lightweight fabrics are typically less than 150 GSM (grams per square metre), which is a sweet choice to wear for hot days or a base layer for workouts. These fabrics like lightweight cotton tees are breathable but less durable. 

Midweight Fabrics:

Midweight fabrics generally range from 150 and 200 GSM that balance between comfort and durability. You can wear midweight t-shirts for most activities year round. In addition, these t-shirts are great for designs that keep prints vibrant with a variety of printing techniques.

Heavyweight Fabrics: 

Heavyweight fabrics are over 200 GSM. This number can also indicate more about this type of t-shirts, thicker, and more durable. You can go for heavyweight t-shirts for chilly days or in transitional weather. A heavyweight tee is good at staying in shape and feel after multiple washes. For special prints or patterns, heavyweight t-shirts are ideal to provide clear print and extend the longevity of the prints. 

T-Shirt Sizes

The size of a t-shirt also matters when it comes to elements affecting t-shirt weight. While smaller sizes (XS or S) weigh less around 85 - 142 grams because of using less fabric, the weight of medium sizes range from 130 to 155 grams. Accordingly, larger sizes like 3XL t-shirts may reach up to 255 grams (9 oz)  or more.

The bigger size you choose, the more fabric a t-shirt requires. In other words, the t-shirt weight also varies by its sizes as well. 

T-Shirt Styles

At Printblur, t-shirts styles come in typically classic t-shirts, heavyweight tees, ringer t-shirts, and tri-blend t-shirts. 

Classic Tees

This t-shirt style emphasizes simplicity with a crew neck and short sleeves. Classic t-shirts are usually made from cotton or cotton blends, around 150 - 180 GSM (grams per square metre). The t-shirt weight will vary, depending on the size or the specific material blend of a classic tee. You can wear these tees for casual wear to balance comfort and durability.

Ringer T-Shirts

Ringer tees are slightly heavier than a plain classic t-shirt as they generally need an extra fabric on the collar and sleeves. The average weight of a ringer t-shirt is between 140 and 200 grams. Like classic t-shirts, you can opt for ringer tees for everyday wear due to their comfort and style.

Tri-blend T-Shirts

Tri-blend t-shirts are made from three materials, specifically cotton, polyester, and rayon. Hence, they offer a soft, comfortable feel with a vintage look. Tri-blend tees are lighter than 100% cotton t-shirts due to the blend of fabrics, around 110 - 160 grams for an average tri-blend t-shirt.

Why You Should Consider T-Shirt Weight  

Shipping and Packaging Costs

When you shop online, the weight of your purchased items is one of the important elements to determine the shipping and packaging costs. Like t-shirts, the more t-shirts you buy or the types of t-shirts will reveal you partly the estimated shipping fee as well. For internal shipping, lighter t-shirts are an economical choice to save shipping and packaging charges per order.

At Printblur, we also offer specific shipping rates according to the quantity of t-shirts and the shipping options you go for. Check Printblur’s Shipping and Delivery policy for details.

Stay connected Printblur.com to get alert with the latest Printblur’s promotions and free shipping to enjoy your shopping at unprecedented prices without worrying the shipping costs per your order.

Print Quality

The t-shirt weight and the thickness of the fabric have a close correlation, which affects how well a print t-shirt absorbs ink during the printing process. Heavier t-shirts work well with intricate and vibrant designs without causing bleeding or spreading on shirts while lightweight t-shirts are more delicate to keep prints stay longer on tees. Hence, the print is at risk of cracking or fading over time.

Specific print techniques are needed to work better on different fabric weights. Take screen printing as an example. The print technique is a popular method for tees, specifically on heavier fabrics. Whilst, sublimation printing is more suitable for lightweight tees as it transfers dye into the fabric and results in the best print quality. 

Comfort 

To explain why t-shirt weights matter, it’s crucial to refer to the comfort of tees. Lighter weight t-shirts are made from thinner fabrics, which is better at offering breathability, soft feel and keeps you cooler on hotter days. Hence, these tees are suitable for summer wear instead of heavyweight t-shirts. Choosing the right t-shirt weight can cater to your personal comfort preferences and perfect for your specific needs. 

Durability and Longevity

Heavier t-shirts excel at resistance, durability for withstanding frequent washes, wear and tear over time. They can maintain the shape and extend the life of tees as well. 

Light tees are likely prone to damage such as pilling, tearing, or losing their shape after multiple uses and washing. 

By considering shipping charges, print quality, the comfort and longevity, you may find it easier to balance your personal needs and the t-shirt weights. 

Wrapping Up 

To sum up, t-shirt weights indicate its durability, comfort, print quality, and delivery cost. Determining how much do t-shirts weigh helps you go for a perfect t-shirt for your specific preferences. Each t-shirt type has its own strong points and weaknesses.