The rule of thumb is that hot days in the summer in Britain are glorious but rare! Thanks to climate change, that appears to be changing with records being broken with regards to temperature. When these hot days do arrive, we want to look our best and so as we look to make the most of them, we are likely to consider the t-shirt to be a part of our ensemble on the day.
But, of course, T-shirts are not confined to the summer. They can be a part of your layering game ready to be unleashed when you’re in a cosy setting indoors.
T-shirts are therefore a wardrobe staple, but not all tees are made equal. We’re not talking about something obvious like design here. You see, one of the other most noticeable differences between T-shirts is weight. At Pomp, we take materials seriously, so let’s break down the real differences between heavyweight and lightweight T-shirts.
What do we mean by “weight”?
The weight of a t-shirt typically refers to the fabric's GSM (grams per square metre). In simple terms, it's how heavy or thick the fabric feels. We explain the concept of GSM here in some detail. It’s not as simple as how much the tee weighs on a scale, but how it wears on your body.
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Lightweight t-shirts: usually less than 150 GSM.
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Midweight t-shirts: somewhere in between 150–200 GSM.
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Heavyweight t-shirts: typically 200+ GSM.
The weight you choose changes how the T-shirt feels, fits, and performs throughout the day.
Why choose a lightweight t-shirt?
Lightweight t-shirts are soft, breathable, and easy to wear. They drape naturally, making them ideal for warmer climates, layering, or a casual, slouchy look.
Best for:
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Hot weather
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Layering under shirts or jackets
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A relaxed, fluid silhouette
They’re often made with fine cotton yarns and looser weaves, making them feel like second skin. These t-shirts can often be unfairly maligned as being of lower quality without due acknowledgement that the manufacturer intended a different purpose for the garment.
Why choose a heavyweight t-shirt?
Heavyweight t-shirts feel more substantial. The fabric is denser and this can give the clothing a more structured look as it holds its shape more rigidly.
Best for:
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Standalone wear
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Cooler weather
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A structured, premium look
They have a tactile quality you don’t get with lighter styles as a perception has developed that heavier clothing is of a higher quality. In cooler weather, you’ll enjoy putting a heavyweight t-shirt on for the warmth it provides even when it’s the short-sleeved version.
So which one's better?
As we’ve hinted already, weight is not necessarily an indicator of quality. A high quality manufacturer can design and create both lightweight and heavyweight t-shirts of the same quality (read: durability). So the decision does not in fact rest on the weight of the t-shirt.
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Want a breathable summer layer? Go lightweight.
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After a crisp, durable tee that feels like a statement piece? Reach for heavyweight.
Both items deserve their slot in your capsule wardrobe. What may in fact be more important to you is the fit (e.g. regular, oversized, boxy) and what style of t-shirt you are after that aligns with your personal lookbook.
The Pomp view
We don’t chase trends and wouldn’t encourage others to either. Healthy fashion habits include cultivating a capsule wardrobe that is versatile enough to get you through the vast majority of your days out in the real world.
We therefore have t-shirts that are in the mid-weight category that work on a standalone basis or as one of your layers. We also have a heavyweight t-shirt that can function as a statement piece; it’s oversized and we have a style guide here.
Suffice to say that our t-shirts are crafted with carefully sourced certified organic cotton, attention to GSM, and finishes that stand up to daily wear. Whether it’s our classic heavyweight or a lighter essential, you’ll feel the difference before you see it.
Want to try both? Browse our T-Shirts collection and feel the weight for yourself.
