Understanding 100% Cotton: GSM & Thread Count Explained (Ultimate Guide)

100% Cotton Fabric Guide: GSM & Thread Count Explained (Singapore & Malaysia)

Choosing the right cotton fabric affects comfort, durability, print quality, and cost. This guide explains GSM and thread count in plain terms to help businesses in Singapore and Malaysia select the best cotton T-shirts for uniforms, events, and retail.

Quick answer: For most corporate and uniform use in Singapore and Malaysia, 160–180 GSM cotton offers the best balance of comfort and durability. Higher GSM and higher thread count feel more premium, while lower GSM is better for hot events and giveaways.

TL;DR – Quick Cotton Fabric Selector

• Soft, everyday corporate T-shirts: 160–180 GSM cotton
• Premium retail-quality shirts: 180–200 GSM with higher thread count
• Events & mass giveaways: 140–160 GSM lightweight cotton
• DTG printing: Combed or ringspun cotton with higher thread count
• Heavy or outdoor use: Higher GSM for structure and durability

What Is GSM in Cotton Fabric?

GSM = Grams per Square Metre

GSM measures fabric weight. A higher GSM means thicker, heavier, and more structured fabric. A lower GSM means lighter, cooler, and more breathable fabric, which matters in hot and humid climates like Singapore and Malaysia.

Typical GSM ranges for cotton T-shirts:

• 140–150 GSM: Lightweight, airy, event and giveaway tees
• 160–170 GSM: Standard corporate and staff T-shirts
• 180–200+ GSM: Retail-grade, premium, structured T-shirts

Choose higher GSM when:

• You want a more premium feel and better opacity
• You need shirts that hold their shape after repeated washing
• You are printing bold or dense graphics

Avoid or reconsider higher GSM if:

• You need maximum breathability for outdoor or physical events
• You are distributing shirts in large quantities for short-term use

Typical applications: corporate uniforms, retail merchandise, premium promotional T-shirts

Print tip: DTG and silkscreen printing both perform more consistently on cotton above 160 GSM.

What Is Thread Count in Cotton Fabric?

Thread Count = Fabric Density & Smoothness 

Thread count affects how smooth the fabric feels and how well it prints. Higher thread count cotton is smoother and softer, while lower thread count cotton has a more casual, textured feel.

• High thread count: smoother surface, premium hand feel, best for DTG printing
• Lower thread count: more breathable, casual texture, suitable for events

Choose higher thread count when:

• You want a refined, retail-quality finish
• You plan to use DTG or vinyl printing
• Comfort and softness are a priority

Avoid or reconsider if:

• You want a vintage or rugged texture
• You are printing oversized, heavy graphics on loose weaves

Typical applications: premium apparel, e-commerce merchandise, custom retail drops

Print tip: Combed or ringspun cotton delivers the best DTG print clarity.

How to Choose the Right Cotton Fabric (GSM + Thread Count) 

Choose cotton fabric when:

• You need breathable, comfortable shirts for staff or events
• You want a natural fibre suitable for DTG or screen printing
• You need consistent quality across large orders

Avoid or reconsider cotton if:

• You require quick-dry or moisture-wicking performance
• The environment involves heavy sweating or outdoor sports

Typical uses: corporate uniforms, hospitality wear, retail T-shirts, training tees, giveaways

Tip: Cotton may shrink slightly — pre-shrunk cotton reduces this risk.

FAQ: Cotton, GSM & Thread Count

Is higher GSM always better?

No. Higher GSM feels more premium, but lower GSM is better for hot climates and mass events.

What GSM is best for corporate uniforms?

160–180 GSM provides the best balance of comfort, durability, and breathability.

Does thread count affect print quality?

Yes. Higher thread count produces a smoother surface and improves DTG print clarity.

Does cotton shrink after washing?

Yes, slightly. Pre-shrunk cotton minimises shrinkage.

Combed vs regular cotton — what’s the difference?

Combed cotton is smoother, stronger, and more premium than regular cotton.

Infographic Layout (For Designers)

Related Apparel Material Guides

• Understanding 100% Polyester: GSM & Fabric Types Explained
• Polyester vs Cotton vs CVC Polo Shirts — Which Should You Choose?

Need help choosing the right cotton fabric? Contact Nanyang Xpress for fabric samples and expert recommendations.