What is GSM?
GSM (grams per square metre)
Density of the towel — how much cotton is packed into it.
Short answer
300–400 gym/travel, 450–600 everyday bath, 600–900 luxury/spa. Above 700 in a humid bathroom stays damp.
GSM when buying a bath towel
Density of the towel — how much cotton is packed into it.
Why it matters: Low GSM dries fast but absorbs little; high GSM is plush and thirsty but slow to dry.
Look for: 300–400 gym/travel, 450–600 everyday bath, 600–900 luxury/spa. Above 700 in a humid bathroom stays damp.
Full Bath Towel buying guideGSM when buying a bed sheet
Fabric weight per square metre — roughly 110–140 GSM for sheets.
Why it matters: Too light and the sheet is see-through and tears; too heavy and it sleeps hot.
Look for: Under 100 GSM sheets go thin at the hip line within months.
Full Bed Sheet buying guideGSM when buying a everyday clothing
How heavy the fabric is per square metre.
Why it matters: T-shirts: 140–160 GSM light summer, 180–200 GSM everyday, 220+ GSM heavy/structured. Shirts: 100–130 GSM.
Look for: Sub-140 GSM tees go transparent and lose shape; 220 GSM tees are too warm for most of the year here.
Full Everyday Clothing buying guide