Ever notice how some promo tees become wardrobe staples while others fall apart after one wash? Or why certain tote bags barely survive the trade show weekend while others become your go-to for grocery runs? It’s not just the fabric type that matters — it’s the weight too.

Fabric weight plays a big role in how your merch feels, fits, and holds up, making it an essential (but often overlooked) part of the swag equation. In this fabric weight guide, we’ll explore how to pick the right fabric weight for every occasion.

What is fabric weight?

Fabric weight refers to the density of a fabric, measured by the weight of a given area. The higher the number, the heavier and thicker the fabric.

But fabric weight influences more than just thickness. It affects your merch’s breathability, whether it holds up after its 15th wash, and how it drapes on different body types.

GSM vs. oz/yd²: what’s the difference?

Fabric weight is measured in two main ways: GSM vs. oz/yd². While they both tell you how heavy a fabric is, they come from different measurement systems and are used for different types of products:

• GSM (grams per square meter): This is the metric standard and the most common way to measure fabric weight in the apparel industry, in particular for t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and other cotton-blend garments. 
• Oz/yd² (ounces per square yard): This is the imperial system, more commonly used in the U.S. It’s the standard for measuring tote bags, canvas materials, and other heavier textiles like denim or workwear, where weight correlates closely with carrying strength and durability.

At Wayo, we work across global supply chains and different kinds of merch. As you browse through our products, you’ll notice that we follow industry norms – GSM for apparel, oz/yd² for tote bags – to make it easy for you to compare options.

Fabric weight guide for t-shirts

T-shirts are the undisputed king of branded merch, but not all are equally loved. While fabric type and blend play a role in how a tee feels and performs, GSM is what often separates a long-lasting everyday staple from one that gets buried at the bottom of the drawer.

Lightweight t-shirts (120-160 GSM)

Soft to the touch and refreshingly breathable, lightweight tees excel at layering while being kind to your budget. This makes them particularly well-suited for mass giveaways, summer festivals, or any outdoor event where staying cool matters.

The trade-off? Expect some transparency with lighter colors, and don't be surprised if they replace a bit of their shape for that lived-in feel after repeated washing cycles.

• Best for: Budget-friendly swag at trade shows, festivals, outdoor events
• Feel: Thin, breathable, slightly sheer in lighter colors
• Pricing: $

Midweight t-shirts (161-200 GSM)

These tees are substantial enough to maintain their shape while remaining comfortable across seasons. They also generally withstand regular washing better than their lightweight counterparts and feel substantial enough for repeated wear. 

• Best for: Company merch, branded apparel, corporate giveaways
• Feel: Standard tees – soft but durable, not too thick or too thin
• Pricing: $$

Heavyweight t-shirts (201-280 GSM)

Heavyweight tees have enough structure to feel premium but are still soft and wearable. No flimsy collars or no awkward stretching here, just a solid, well-built tee that holds up over time.

• Best for: High-end merch, retail-quality branded apparel, exclusive giveaways, company gifts
• Feel: Thick, structured, substantial
• Pricing: $$$

Ultra-heavyweight t-shirts (281-330+ GSM)

Ultra-heavyweight t-shirts are statement pieces. They have that premium, built-to-last feel that makes people want to spend money on them. Just note that their sturdy structure can feel a bit stiff to fans of softer, relaxed drapes. 

• Best for: Luxury brand collabs, streetwear-inspired merch, high-end giveaways
• Feel: Thick, structured, holds its shape wash after wash
• Pricing: $$$$

Fabric weight guide for hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants

Hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants come in a huge range of fabric weights, from light and breathable layers to ultra-thick coziness. The right choice depends on where, when, and how it’ll be worn.

Lightweight hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants (200-280 GSM)

Think of these as the equivalent of a long-sleeve tee. While they won't shield you from the deep winter cold, they provide just enough warmth for milder fall or spring days. 

• Best for: Seasonal event swag, trade show giveaways, budget-conscious teams and clubs
• Feel: Soft, flexible, breathable
• Pricing: $

Midweight hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants (281-350 GSM)

Balancing a substantial feel with practical wearability, midweight options maintain their shape through extended use while delivering reliable warmth across diverse settings and seasons – all without uncomfortable bulk.

If you’re looking for something versatile and reliable that people can wear all year round, then you can’t go wrong with a midweight hoodie, sweatshirt, or sweatpants.

• Best for: Team apparel, company merch, premium giveaways
• Feel: Standard fleece hoodies – warm, cozy, structured
• Pricing: $$

Heavyweight hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants (351-450 GSM)

Often lined with cozy fleece for extra comfort, heavyweight fabrics hit that sweet spot: warm, durable, and structured – but not too thick that they feel restrictive. Whether it’s for a corporate merch store, a branded team hoodie, or event swag that people will eagerly wear, choose this fabric weight.

• Best for: Team apparel, company merch, premium giveaways
• Feel: Structured, warm, long-lasting
• Pricing: $$$

Ultra-heavyweight hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants (451-600+ GSM)

At 600+ GSM, you've crossed into luxury territory where traditional hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants transform into legitimate outerwear. They’re ultra-thick, structured, and designed to be premium fashion pieces.

• Best for: Luxury loungewear, streetwear collabs, ultra-premium corporate gifts
• Feel: Thick, structured, and borderline outerwear
• Pricing: $$$$

Fabric weight guide for tote bags

A tote bag’s strength isn’t just about how it’s stitched – it’s about what it’s made of. Fabric weight determines whether it’s soft and packable, structured and sturdy, or built to handle the heaviest loads without stretching or tearing.

While fabric weight classifications vary across the industry, here’s how we define them at Wayo.

Ultra-lightweight tote bags (2.5-6 oz/yd²)

The ultimate event freebie, these tote bags are light, easy to stash, and ideal for carrying brochures, samples, or a handful of snacks from the expo hall. They fold down to practically nothing, making them a crowd-pleaser for mass giveaways – and a win for your budget, too.

• Best for: High-volume promotions, trade show giveaways, event swag
• Feel: Thin, flexible, foldable
• Pricing: $

Lightweight tote bags (6-8 oz/yd²)

Right in the sweet spot between flimsy and functional, lightweight totes are ideal for events where you want your swag to feel a little more elevated without blowing your budget. They’re packable and portable but still strong enough for lighter errands or daily use.

• Best for: Promotions, trade show giveaways, event swag
• Feel: More durable than ultralight, still flexible and foldable
• Pricing: $

Midweight tote bags (8-10 oz/yd²)

Midweight totes are where function meets longevity. They hold their shape better than lighter bags, carry heavier items without sagging, and strike a strong balance between durability and style. While still versatile and easy to carry, these bags start to feel more like everyday staples than single-use giveaways.

Pro tip: these are the totes people willingly keep. If you want your branding to stay in circulation long after an event, midweight is the way to go.

• Best for: Trade show giveaways, everyday promo merch, long-lasting swag
• Feel: Standard reusable bags – sturdy, flexible, long-lasting
• Pricing: $$

Heavyweight tote bags (12-16 oz/yd²)

Thick, structured, and built to last, heavyweight totes feel premium and functionally double as an everyday carryall for hauling books, work essentials, or gym gear. That said, they’re still flexible enough to be an everyday essential.

• Best for: Premium brand swag, corporate gifting, high-quality giveaways
• Feel: Sturdy, flexible, durable
• Pricing: $$$

Ultra-heavyweight tote bags (16 oz/yd² and above)

Crafted from thick, meticulously structured canvas, ultra-heavyweight totes maintain their shape, even when filled with an entire farmer’s market haul. They feel premium, last forever, and are the ultimate statement tote. 

• Best for: Luxury swag, executive gifts, high-end retail-style merch
• Feel: Rigid, structured, heavy-duty
• Pricing: $$$$

How to pick the right fabric weight

Fabric weight goes way beyond light vs. heavy – it impacts durability, comfort, and how well your swag gets worn (or tossed in the donation pile). 

Keep these tips in mind to make sure your merch hits the mark:

• Think long-term, not just upfront cost: A midweight tee or a well-constructed tote might cost a little more than their lightweight equivalents, but if they get worn or used regularly, they keep your brand in circulation – making them the smarter investment.
• Plan for seasonality and climate: A fleece-lined hoodie might be a great pick for a tech company in Seattle but impractical for a fitness brand in Miami. Whether your merch is meant for office wear, gym sessions, or trade show swag bags, fabric weight should complement the lifestyle of the people using it.
• Match the weight to the branding method: Fabric weight affects how designs are printed and embroidered. Lightweight tees work best with soft prints or minimal branding, while mid-to-heavyweight fabrics can handle bolder graphics, embroidery, and intricate designs without distorting. 
• Consider how the fabric drapes and holds its shape: A 150 GSM tee feels soft and relaxed, while a 250 GSM tee has a structured, almost tailored look. Similarly, a 6 oz tote collapses easily into a pocket, while a 14 oz tote holds its shape like a designer bag. If your brand leans sleek and modern, mid-to-heavyweight fabrics add polish. If your aesthetic is laid-back and effortless, lighter fabrics could feel more organic and breathable.

At Wayo, we make it easy to find high-quality apparel and tote bags in the right fabric weight for your merch. Explore our latest styles and start customizing your swag today.