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Difference between Heavy Weight Shirts, Medium Weight Shirts and Light Weight Shirts

There are so many features within a shirt, it is easy to miss one of the most important one: the weight of the shirt.

Here is the comparison between the 3 types of shirts, categorized by their weight:

Heavy Weight Shirts:

A Heavy Weight shirt is one that weights 6 oz or greater.

The fabric is thick, and the shirt feels a little heavy (in a good way).

It feels warmer than a light weight shirt, however this does not always make it a bad choice for the summer.

Nonetheless, many people prefer these shirts in winter.

These shirts also make a good layer of clothing on the windier days.

A Heavy Weight shirt may or may not be breathable, so make sure to read the product description.

This is because a breathability of shirt is determined by the amount of space between the fabric, and the fabric type.

Usually, Heavy Weight shirts are resistant to shrinkage. In Stores, they usually cost a few dollars more than a light weight shirt.

However, if durability is an important factor, then in the long run they are more economical than light weight shirts.

An addition benefit is that the stitching is usually sturdy for Heavy Weight Shirts.

Light Weight Shirts:

A Light Weight shirt is one that is less than 5 oz.

It is usually preferred during summer season. Usually are breathable and make a good shirt for exercise.

However, unless a good quality fabric is used, these can tear as well as shrink much more easily compared to a Heavy Weight shirt.

The manufacturer of the product has to take extra steps in order to ensure that these shirts are of good quality.

One reason people like light weight t shirts are because they feels quite soft on the skin.

Also, these shirts are usually body fitting as well as see through.

If one wears this shirt in winter or windy days, it would be a good idea to bring a jacket.

Medium Weight Shirts:

Medium Weight shirts weighs somewhere between 5 oz – 6 oz.

As you might guess, medium weight shirts have the best of the both worlds!

They are great for fall and spring, although ofcourse they will keep you a little warm in winter and a little cooler in summer

Overall, their biggest advantage is that if you want most of the benefits of a light weight shirt, but the durability of heavy weight, then this shirt would make a good choice.

What does Oz mean in shirts?

Oz is short for Ounce. It is a measuring unit for Imperial System used in United States.

Even though companies write 5oz or 6oz weight for their shirts in product description, what they really mean is 5 ounce per yard square or 6 ounce per yard square.

A 6 oz shirt is around 200 gsm

A 5 oz shirt is around 170 gsm

GSM means grams per meters squared.

It is a measuring unit for Metric system (now known as International System of Units) used in majority of the world.

This is why you might come across gsm quite often.

You can find an excellent calculator at this website that helps you convert from gsm to oz, and vice versa.

Fun Fact: United States, Myanmar and Liberia are the only countries that do not use International System of Units (SI)

How should you determine the weight of the shirt when purchasing it?

If you are planning on purchasing a shirt, see the weight of the shirt in the description.

Many product descriptions usually mention the weight in ounce (oz) in USA.

If the seller hasn’t mentioned the weight of the shirt, just message them and ask

Sellers usually love answering customer’s questions!

Although it can be challenging, sometimes just by looking at the picture you can see and guess the thickness of the shirt.

Zoom in on the picture if possible to see if you can see through it.

If you are purchasing a shirt in a physical store, just tough one layer of the shirt and see how it feels.

If you can see through it, then it is probably light weight.

Once you have seen enough light weight, medium weight and heavy weight shirts, you will be able to determine the weight of the shirt just by looking at it or else feeling it.  

Does the weight of the shirt determines whether it is Moisture Wicking?

No. Moisture Wicking is a fabric type that has been treated with certain chemicals.

Regardless of the weight of the shirt, a moisture wicking shirt should be able to get rid of the sweat from the inner part of the fabric towards the outer surface.

You can read more about Moisture Wicking here.

Conclusion

So, it appears that the weight of the shirt should be one of the number 1 factors you should be looking for in a shirt.

Depending on the season, your activity and your preference, your shopping analysis should consist of choosing different weight of the shirt based on different criteria.

Pro Tip: If durability is your top priority, go for Heavy Weight shirts. However, if a Light Weight shirt is made of good quality material, then you can make an exception.

Common Questions:

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