When you're shopping for a t-shirt or hoodie, it's easy to focus on the graphic, the colourway, or the price. But there's one detail that separates a tee that lasts from one that falls apart after three washes — fabric weight.
At Proper Wear Co., it's one of the first things we think about. Here's why it should matter to you too.
What Is Fabric Weight?
Fabric weight is measured in GSM — grams per square metre. The higher the GSM, the heavier and more substantial the fabric feels. Most fast fashion tees sit around 140–160 GSM. Premium streetwear pieces typically start at 180 GSM and go higher.
Our Everyday Heavyweight Tee and Volume 1 Tee are built with heavyweight cotton that holds its structure, drapes properly, and doesn't go see-through after a few wears.
Why Heavier Is Better for Streetwear
Streetwear is built on silhouette. A lightweight tee clings, loses shape, and rarely sits the way you want it to. A heavyweight tee holds its form — the shoulders sit right, the body doesn't bunch, and the whole fit looks intentional.
Beyond aesthetics, heavier fabric simply lasts longer. It resists pilling, holds colour better, and survives the wash cycle without shrinking down two sizes.
What to Look For
When buying any streetwear essential, check the fabric weight if it's listed. As a rough guide:
- Under 160 GSM — lightweight, fine for summer basics but won't hold structure
- 160–180 GSM — mid-weight, decent everyday option
- 180 GSM+ — heavyweight, the standard for quality streetwear
Built For Real Life
At Proper Wear Co., we don't cut corners on fabric. Every piece in our Core Collection is built to last — because real streetwear shouldn't need replacing every season.
Proper Wear Co. Est. 2024 | Built For Real Life.