Why Choose a Heavyweight 200 gsm T-Shirt? Benefits of Thicker Tees

What is a 200 gsm T-shirt?

A 200 gsm t-shirt refers to a t-shirt made from cotton fabric with a gsm (grams per square meter) weight of 200. This means that one square meter of the fabric weighs 200 grams. The gsm measurement is a way of determining the thickness and quality of a fabric.

Why Choose a 200 gsm T-shirt?

A 200 gsm t-shirt is considered a midweight to heavyweight fabric. Here are some of the benefits of choosing a thicker, higher gsm t-shirt:

• Durability - A heavier weight fabric is more durable and will resist pilling, shrinking, and tearing better than a lighter weight t-shirt.
• Shape retention - The extra thickness helps the t-shirt maintain its shape wash after wash without getting misshapen.
• Versatility - A 200 gsm shirt can be worn year-round, while lighter tees may only be suitable for warm weather.
• Comfort - The extra density provides better opacity and a softer feel compared to cheap thin t-shirts.

Common Uses of 200 gsm T-shirts

Here are some of the most popular uses for a robust 200 gsm t-shirt:

• Casual everyday t-shirts - The heavier fabric gives a high-quality feel for casual wear.
• Workout and gym t-shirts - The durability prevents ripping and withstands frequent washing.
• Outdoor activity shirts - The thickness stands up to adventure use better than a light shirt.
• Travel and camping shirts - They pack well and hold up to repeated wear.
• Band/brand promotion tees - A thick shirt shows off designs brightly for merchandising.

What Fabrics are Used to Make 200 gsm T-shirts?

Although a variety of fabrics may form the basis of 200 gsm t-shirts, cotton and cotton-blend fabrics are some of the most common. Here are details on cotton options for 200 gsm tees:

100% Cotton

Most 200 gsm t-shirts are made using 100% cotton. Pima or Egyptian cottons with their extra-long staple fibers tend to work particularly well for a heavier fabric. The benefits of an all-cotton 200 gsm t-shirt include:

• Breathability
• Comfort for sensitive skin
• Soft handfeel even in a thicker fabric
• Easy to decorate with designs and prints

Cotton Blends

Some 200 gsm t-shirts blend cotton with manmade fibers like polyester, rayon, or spandex. Adding synthetics can provide properties like:

• Enhanced stretch and recovery
• Wrinkle and fade resistance
• Durability and shape retention
• Quick-drying performance
• Retains color vibrancy

A poly-cotton blend is common. For the best comfort, look for at least 50% cotton or more in a cotton blend 200 gsm t-shirt.

How is a Thicker 200 gsm T-Shirt Constructed?

Creating a quality heavy cotton tee requires some special manufacturing techniques, including:

Tight Knit

The cotton or cotton blend yarns are knit more tightly together on the commercial knitting machines crafting the fabric. This boosts the density of the material.

Special Finishes

The fabric may go through processes like mercerization or sanforization after knitting. These use chemicals, steam, heat, and pressure to smooth fibers and pre-shrink fabric so the completed shirt holds its fit through laundering.

Dye Methods

Using reactive dyes or pigment dyes helps color the fabric while preserving the structural integrity of a beefy 200 gsm cotton for maximum durability.

Design Elements

Design details like side seams, double needle hems, and seam reinforcement boost the construction quality. Shoulder taping prevents stretching.

Where Can You Buy High-Quality 200 gsm T-Shirts?

Not all apparel manufacturers pay attention to fabric weights like 200 gsm. So quality thicker tees do often cost more than cheap lightweight shirts. Some good places to buy durable midweight and heavyweight 200 gsm cotton t-shirts include:

• Online custom t-shirt printing companies
• Independent clothing brands focusing on basics
• Athletic apparel companies
• Outdoor recreation gear suppliers

Boutique designers creating wardrobe staples and activewear brands engineering performance shirts often use premium 200 gsm cotton fabric.

How Much Does a 200 gsm T-Shirt Cost?

Expect to pay $10-30 for a 200 gsm cotton t-shirt depending on factors like:

• Fabric type - Pima or Egyptian will cost more than standard cotton
• Specialty processing - Enzyme or silicone washes add labor time
• Decorations - Printing or embroidery drive up the base price
• Sourcing - Ethically manufactured tees cost more to make
• Company profit margins - Boutique and specialty brand pricing

Plain solids can start around $10+ while heavily decorated shirts run $25+. Sale prices often dip below the typical range.

Price Per Wear Value

Paying more for a high-quality 200 gsm tee ultimately provides better price per wear value over years of use. The durable fabric will last for many washes and wears compared to disposable thin shirts.

Caring for a 200 gsm T-Shirt

A 200 gsm cotton t-shirt is a long term wardrobe investment. Give your shirts proper care for longevity:

• Wash in cold water to preserve dyes and fabric structure
• Line or flat dry instead of machine drying
• Use a gentler detergent and skip fabric softener
• Sew loose threads and tears immediately before they spread
• Store folded not hung to retain shape

With some basic care, a well-made thick cotton tee will become softer and keep its quality appearance for many seasons of wear.

FAQs

What is gsm weight?

GSM stands for grams per square meter and is a measurement used for fabric density. A higher gsm number means a heavier, thicker fabric. Most basic t-shirts range from 120-180 gsm while a typical 200 gsm t-shirt is considered a midweight to heavyweight fabric.

What is the difference between a 150 and 200 gsm t-shirt?

Moving up from a 150 to 200 gsm fabric provides noticeably more thickness, opacity, and durability. A 200 gsm t-shirt holds its shape better after washing, resists shrinking, tearing or pilling more, and has a softer feel than a lighter 150 gsm shirt.

Is 200 gsm good for printing t-shirt designs?

Yes, a 200 gsm cotton shirt provides an excellent canvas for printed designs like direct to garment printing, screen printing, transfers, and sublimation. The thickness allows for bright, crisp prints that don't fade or crack over time like they might on a thinner tee.

Are 200 gsm t-shirts hot to wear in summer?

The breathability and moisture wicking of cotton makes a 200 gsm t-shirt suitable for warm weather. It should feel similar to a thinner 150 gsm shirt but provides better sun protection. Light colors help, and some choose a cotton/poly blend for cooling performance if very humid.