Decoding GSM: What Makes a T-Shirt Feel Expensive?

Ever held a t-shirt and thought, “Whoa—this just feels expensive”?
It’s not just in your head. Chances are, what you felt was GSM—and no, it has nothing to do with your mobile network.

Let’s decode what GSM really means and how it separates a throwaway tee from one that becomes your favorite.

📏 So... What Is GSM?

GSM = Grams per Square Meter
It measures the weight of the fabric. The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the fabric feels.

Think of GSM as the “thread weight” of a t-shirt—lightweight shirts have low GSM, heavyweight ones have high GSM. But it’s not just about weight. GSM affects feel, durability, drape, and even how premium a shirt looks.

🪶 Light GSM (120–160 GSM)

These are your summer tees, fast-fashion basics, or gym tops.

• Pros: Breathable, cool, and perfect for hot weather

• Cons: Can feel thin, sheer, or lose shape over time

• Feel: Light, airy, but sometimes a bit meh

🧥 Heavy GSM (200–250+ GSM)

This is where things start feeling luxe.

• Pros: Structured, thick, durable, and built to last

• Cons: Slightly warmer, takes longer to dry

• Feel: Substantial, smooth, and undeniably premium

🧠 Why Higher GSM Feels More Premium

• Drape & Fit: High GSM shirts hang better, keeping shape without clinging awkwardly.

• Opacity: No see-through moments here. Just clean, confident fabric.

• Longevity: Thicker fabric means fewer holes, less pilling, and more wears before it fades.

• Texture: Often softer and more refined after a few washes. Like wine, they age well.

🎯 But Here’s the Catch...

GSM alone doesn’t equal quality.
You can have a high GSM fabric that still feels rough or stiff if it uses low-grade cotton. And a 160 GSM shirt made with high-quality Pima or Supima cotton can still feel amazing.

So it’s about the balance of GSM + fabric quality + construction.

👕 The Caelus Standard

At Caelus, we don’t do flimsy.
Every tee is made from 230 GSM 100% cotton—the sweet spot where luxury meets durability. It's soft enough to feel lived-in, heavy enough to hold its own, and thick enough to wear confidently without layering.

We chose 230 GSM for a reason:
Because when you wear a shirt, you should feel something—even before you look in the mirror.

🧾 TL;DR – GSM Cheat Sheet

👉 230 GSM = Caelus Quality
It’s the difference between "just another shirt" and the one you always reach for.

💬 Final Thought

Next time you pick up a tee and it just feels right, check the label. The GSM might be telling you why.

And if it says 230 GSM?
There’s a good chance it’s a Caelus.