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Article: What GSM Means in Merino Wool

Person wearing a merino jacquard long-sleeve top crouching on rocks by the water

What GSM Means in Merino Wool

If you’ve browsed merino clothing before, you’ve probably seen numbers like 150gsm, 200gsm or 320gsm. But what do they actually mean, and why should you care?

GSM stands for grams per square metre. It measures the weight of the fabric: quite literally, how many grams one square metre of that fabric weighs. In merino wool garments, GSM is a handy shorthand for thickness, warmth and durability.

  • Lower GSM fabrics (120–170gsm) are lighter, more breathable and ideal for warmer weather or high-intensity activity.
  • Midweight GSM fabrics (180–250gsm) balance warmth and breathability, making them versatile for year-round wear.
  • Higher GSM fabrics (260gsm and above) are thicker, warmer and often more durable, great for winter layers or outer garments.
Merino wool GSM guide: fabric weights and best use by activity intensity
Low intensity High intensity
Lightweight 120
150
160
180
Midweight 200
230
240
260
Heavyweight 320
350
420

Best use

Warm temperaturesCool temperatures

Click any of the weights in the chart above to explore the range.

At Isobaa, we use a range of GSM weights to suit different needs, whether that’s a lightweight merino tee for summer or a cosy hoodie for deep winter.

In short, GSM in merino wool is the key to choosing the right fabric weight for your activity and climate. Light and airy for hot days, balanced and versatile for everyday, or warm and durable for the coldest adventures.

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