Lightweight vs Midweight vs Heavyweight T-Shirts: A Practical Guide for Decorators

When decorators talk about T-shirts, the conversation usually circles back to the same question: what weight should I be using?

Lightweight, midweight and heavyweight T-shirts all have a place. The difference isn’t about fashion — it’s about fabric performance, print results, and end use.

Here’s how to think about each weight category, so you can spec the right blank for the right job.

First: What “Weight” Actually Means

T-shirt weight is measured in GSM (grams per square metre). It tells you how dense the fabric is and gives a reliable indication of how it will behave during printing and wear.

• Lightweight: ~120–160 GSM

• Midweight: ~180–200 GSM

• Heavyweight / Super Heavyweight: 200 GSM+

Lower GSM fabrics feel lighter and more breathable. Higher GSM fabrics feel more structured and substantial. Neither is inherently better — they’re built for different outcomes.

Lightweight T-Shirts

Best for Heat, Comfort and High-Volume Programs

Lightweight cotton is all about breathability and ease of wear.

Typical characteristics

• Softer drape
• Higher airflow
• Less bulk on the body
• Ideal for hot and humid conditions

From a decorator’s perspective, lightweight tees are commonly used for:

• Summer promotions and events
• Hospitality and tourism uniforms
• Music merch and giveaways
• High-volume runs where comfort is key

Gildan® Softstyle® 64000 T-Shirt offers a smooth print surface and a clean finish and is compatible with DTG, screen printing, embroidery, or heat transfers.

What to keep in mind: lighter fabrics show fit and drape more clearly, so garment choice and print placement matter.

Midweight T-Shirts

The Most Versatile Option

Midweight tees sit in the middle for a reason. They’re often the safest, most flexible choice across multiple use cases.

Typical characteristics

• Balanced feel: not too light, not too heavy
• Better shape retention than lightweight
• Still breathable in warm conditions
• Consistent results across print methods

Midweight styles like the Gildan® Softstyle® 65000 T-Shirt are widely used by decorators because they:

• Print consistently
• Wear well across seasons
• Suit retail, corporate, and casual programs

If you’re looking for one blank that works across climates, customer types and decoration techniques, midweight cotton usually delivers the least compromise. Softstyle Midweight features high stitch density fabric that offers a smooth printing surface, ideal for DTG.

Heavyweight & Super Heavyweight T-Shirts

Built for Structure and Print Stability

Heavyweight T-shirts are about presence.

Typical characteristics

• Dense cotton weave
• Strong structure and silhouette
• Less fabric movement during printing
• Premium hand feel

Super heavyweight options like the 9001 and 9410 are often chosen for:

• Streetwear and retail collections
• Premium merchandise
• Oversized or boxy fits
• Customers who want a more substantial garment

For decorators, heavyweight cotton offers excellent stability on press and a consistent base for bold graphics. The fabric holds shape well, which helps maintain print integrity over time.

So Which Weight Should You Recommend?

There’s no single “best” option — only the right one for the job.

• Hot climates, summer events, promotions: Lightweight
• Everyday programs, broad customer bases: Midweight
• Premium merch, retail and streetwear: Heavyweight

Most successful decorators don’t choose one. They stock and recommend all three, depending on the end use.

Explore all Gildan styles here.