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Guide3 min read

Jersey fabric GSM explained

GSM tells you how heavy a fabric is. Here is what 140, 160 and 190 GSM mean on a sports jersey, and which one to pick for your sport.

Short answer: GSM is grams per square metre, the weight of the fabric. Lower is lighter and airier, higher is denser and more opaque. Most of our jerseys are 160 GSM; our lightest is Airlite 140 for running, and our heaviest is 190 GSM for premium match kits.

Quick answer

Jersey fabric GSM explained

GSM means grams per square metre: how much one square metre of the fabric weighs. A lower GSM is lighter and lets more air through; a higher GSM is denser, more opaque and has a fuller feel. At Xipid the Classic and Jacquard jersey fabrics are 160 GSM, and the Signature range runs from Airlite 140, our lightest micro-mesh for running, to Plain 190 and Dotknit 190 for premium match kits. Higher is not always better: pick the weight for your sport and climate.

Every Xipid jersey fabric by GSM

FabricGSMFeelBest forAdds per jersey
Signature Airlite 140140Feather-lightRunning and marathons+₹200
Classic Plain160Smooth and softEveryday and club kitsIncluded
Classic Dotknit160Soft, dry-touchWarm-weather footballIncluded
Classic Rise Knit160Textured, grippyTraining and gymIncluded
Jacquard Techno Knit160Textured, refinedPremium match kits+₹100
Jacquard Emboss Knit160Textured, dynamicStatement and esports+₹100
Jacquard Box Knit160Structured, premiumTournaments and merch+₹100
Signature Long Mesh 160160Airy and coolBasketball and summer+₹200
Signature Plain 190190Dense and smoothPremium match kits+₹200
Signature Dotknit 190190Soft and substantialPro warm-weather kits+₹200

The price is set by the fabric range, not the GSM: Classic is included in the ₹599 jersey, Jacquard adds ₹100 and Signature adds ₹200, before the team discount. Signature fabrics also carry an anti-microbial, UPF 50+ treatment.

Is a higher GSM better?

Not always. A 190 GSM jersey feels richer, hides what is underneath and holds its shape, which suits a premium match kit or a cooler evening. A 140 GSM jersey is lighter on the skin and dries faster, which suits running and long days in the heat. For most team sports in India, 160 GSM is the balance of breathability and body, which is why Classic and Jacquard use it.

Which GSM for which sport

  • ✓Running and marathons: Airlite 140. See the marathon t-shirt cost guide.
  • ✓Football and futsal: Classic Dotknit 160 for warm weather, Dotknit 190 for a pro feel.
  • ✓Cricket: Classic 160, or Signature for UPF 50+ on a full day in the field. See best fabric for cricket jerseys.
  • ✓Basketball and volleyball: Long Mesh 160 for airflow indoors. See best fabric for volleyball jerseys.
  • ✓Training and gym: Classic Rise Knit 160, whose raised rib hides sweat marks.
  • ✓Esports and merch: Jacquard Emboss or Box Knit 160 for texture that reads premium on camera and on the street.

Feel it before you choose

Order a fabric swatch for ₹500, shipping and GST included, or visit one of our three Bangalore stores in Koramangala, Kadubeesanahalli and Electronic City, open every day, 10 AM to 9 PM. Every fabric is fully sublimated, so the print is the same on all of them.

Not sure which weight?

Tell us your sport and where you play on WhatsApp, and a designer will suggest a fabric with your free mockup.

Questions people ask

What does GSM mean on a jersey?+
Grams per square metre: the weight of one square metre of the fabric. Lower GSM is lighter and airier, higher GSM is denser and more opaque.
What GSM is best for a sports jersey?+
For most team sports, 160 GSM. Go lighter (140) for running and heat, heavier (190) for a premium match feel.
Does a higher GSM jersey cost more?+
The price is set by the fabric range, not the GSM. Classic is included, Jacquard adds ₹100 and Signature adds ₹200 a jersey before the discount.
Is a 190 GSM jersey too hot?+
It is warmer than 160 GSM. Dotknit 190 has a breathable dotted texture, which helps, but for long days in the heat a 160 or 140 GSM fabric is cooler.
Can I feel the fabrics first?+
Yes. Order a swatch for ₹500, shipping and GST included, or visit one of our Bangalore stores.

More on fabrics: the jersey fabric guide and how to wash sublimated jerseys.