GSM is one of the most important terms to understand when shopping for bath and beach towels. We regularly field calls from clients asking us to explain GSM, and we’re always happy to provide insight.

Used for both cotton and bamboo fabric, GSM is a measure of weight that means "grams per square meter" expressed as a number. GSM is directly aligned with a towel’s quality, feel, and performance. In cotton bath towels the typical range is between 300 and 900 GSM -- with the higher GSM towels will be heavier, softer, and more absorbent.

Luxury spa and hotel towels, for example, are often made from the highest GSM cotton fabric; they are incredibly thick and soft, but can be challenging to wash at home because they are so heavy. Understanding the various qualities and benefits of GSM or grams per square meter can help you choose the perfect bathroom towels that feel great; perform well; and are easy to care for.

What GSM (grams per square meter) means for towels

GSM is a universal standard for calculating and comparing the weight of all fabric, including cotton towels. It is derived by precisely measuring the weight of one square meter of any fabric in grams.The typical range for cotton bath towels is between 300 to 900 GSM, with the upper end of the range feeling softer and more absorbent.

To put these numbers in perspective, the GSM of a lightweight cotton shirt or summer dress would fall in the low- to mid-100s. Denim fabric has a GSM somewhere around 400. A heavyweight wool coat or blanket would measure about 700 GSM. Cotton fabric with higher GSM is a denser with a greater concentration of fibers; this is why GSM correlates with quality when it comes to bath towels. A high GSM denotes luxury. The towel will be fluffy, soft, absorbent, and heavy.

The importance of high GSM in towels

High GSM is a mark of quality in cotton towels. In general, a cotton bath towel that weighs 400 GSM and above is considered to be good quality. The fabric in these soft towels is woven more densely, and thus is softer and more absorbent than a lower GSM fabric (for example, that found in standard kitchen towels).

A general guideline to GSM ranges in cotton towels is as follows:

• 300 to 400 GSM: Lightweight, thinner, coarser
• 400 to 600 GSM: Medium weight, soft and absorbent, good for bath or beach towels
• 700 to 900 GSM: Heavy, soft and absorbent, high-priced, luxury bath towel

When shopping for cotton bath towels, begin by looking in the 400 to 600 GSM range. These towels are considered medium-weight, which makes them ideal for bath and beach. They should be soft and absorbent, and also easy to care for. Move on to higher GSM for towels that are thicker, plush, and even more absorbent.

The benefit of higher GSM towels

The GSM number directly correlates to the quality of a cotton bath towel. Towels with a higher GSM are softer, more absorbent, and more luxurious. In most cases, they are also more expensive. A low GSM bath towel will be lightweight, coarse, and unabsorbent; using this type of towel is an unpleasant experience and not effective for drying off.

Here at Fine Linen and Bath, we typically recommend choosing a cotton bath towel of 400 GSM and above. A towel in the 400 to 600 GSM range is considered mid-weight, but still of high quality. These towels offer consistent, reliable performance and a wonderful feel; they are soft and absorbent without being too heavy. This means they can air dry relatively quickly, and can easily be washed and dried in a regular load. 

Characteristic of Different Weights of Towels

In all cases, quality cotton bath towels should be laundered with care to keep them looking and feeling great.