Understanding Fabric Weights: Why GSM Matters

In the world of luxury knitwear and streetwear hoodies, you will often see technical details like '400 GSM' listed on premium items. But what exactly is GSM, and why should it dictate your purchasing decisions?

GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. It is the standard metric measurement for fabric weight and density. A higher GSM signifies a heavier, thicker fabric weave, which directly influences how the garment drapes on the body, holds its shape over time, and retains heat.

Most standard, thin department-store hoodies sit between 200 and 280 GSM. These fabrics lack structural density; they drape flatly and can look unstructured. High-end streetwear labels use heavyweight knit fleece between 360 and 450 GSM.

At Reflect, our core hoodie collections are engineered at 400 GSM. This specific weight gives the double-lined hoods their signature structured lift, holds the relaxed drop-shoulder silhouette, and prevents the cuffs and waistbands from warping after machine washes.