Every fabric tag says "100% cotton" like that settles it. It doesn't.
GSM = grams per square metre, is the number that actually tells you what you're getting, and almost nobody explains it before you've already bought the wrong top.
What GSM actually measures
It's the weight of the fabric, not the quality. Higher isn't automatically better, it's about matching the number to the job.
Under 150 GSM: so light it's often semi-sheer. Fine for a scarf, not for a top you're wearing without a second layer.
150–200 GSM: the range most "soft cotton" basics sit in. Breathable, but thin enough to need testing under harsh light before you trust it.
220–260 GSM: substantial enough to be properly opaque, still breathes in Indian heat. This is where our tops sit, 240GSM, specifically, because that's the number where opacity and breathability stop trading off against each other.
300+ GSM: heavier knits, better for cooler months or structured pieces. Warmer than most Indian cities need most of the year.
Why this matters more in pregnancy and postpartum than at any other time
Your body runs hotter. You're layering less by choice, not fashion. A top that's too light means constantly checking if it's see-through under a light; one that's too heavy means sweating through it by 11am. Neither is a small annoyance when you're already managing everything else.
IN: a fabric weight stated on every product page, in GSM, not "premium quality."
NOT: a tag that tells you it's soft and leaves the rest to trial and error.
Next time you're fabric shopping, for yourself or otherwise, ask for the GSM. If a brand can't tell you, that's an issue!
0 comments