How Much Does A T-Shirt Weigh? - Measuring Stuff

Most people have probably never considered how much a t-shirt weighs.

However, a t-shirt’s weight can tell you a great deal about the quality of the shirt.

It can also help you plan if you intend to mail t-shirts.

Table of contents

1. How much does a t-shirt weigh?
2. Why does t-shirt weight matter?
3. What fabric weights are available?
4. What else affects a t-shirt’s weight?
5. What is the best way to ship a t-shirt?

How much does a t-shirt weigh?

A small t-shirt has less fabric than a larger t-shirt, so how much a t-shirt weighs depends largely on its size. A t-shirt with short sleeves can weigh anywhere between about 47 and 255 grams or about 1.66 to 9 ounces.

Other t-shirt weights:

• An extra-small t-shirt will generally weigh around 101 grams or about 3.6 ounces.

• A small t-shirt usually weighs about 128 grams or 4.5 ounces.

• A medium t-shirt usually weighs 137 grams or 4.8 ounces.

• A large t-shirt will often weigh about 144 grams or 5.1 ounces.

• An extra-large t-shirt usually weighs about 160 grams or around 5.6 ounces.

Why does t-shirt weight matter?

How much a t-shirt weighs can give you an idea of the shirt’s quality and what type of material was used to make it.

For example, synthetic materials such as polyester are made with hollow fibers. Because they are hollow, these fibers weigh less than natural fibers such as cotton.

Shirts that weigh less may also have less durability than slightly heavier t-shirts because they’ll have fewer threads per square inch.

Even a lightweight t-shirt should weigh a certain amount in order to remain durable and last for more than one season of wear.

If a t-shirt is heavier, it will be more expensive to ship a large number of them, so heavier t-shirts are sometimes more expensive solely because of their weight.

However, this increase in price is often worthwhile if you want a t-shirt that will stand up to frequent wear and washing.

What fabric weights are available?

T-shirts are often classed as lightweight, mediumweight, or heavyweight, and each is designed with a specific function in mind.

Although a heavier weight can sometimes point to higher quality, you may want to consider different fabric weights when choosing a shirt, as this can affect how comfortable it will be in certain situations.

Lightweight shirts are designed to be breathable, making them a more comfortable choice in hot weather. Lightweight fabric tends to cling more and can be prone to wrinkles.

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It can also be somewhat transparent if it is stretched too much. Lightweight t-shirts are usually designed to be either form-fitting or very loose and flowy.

Mediumweight fabric t-shirts don’t cling quite as much and tend to move more with the wearer.

They’re thick enough to offer good durability but thin enough for airflow. Shirts made from mediumweight fabrics are often a good choice as undershirts for sweaters or button-up shirts.

Heavyweight fabrics tend to be best for cold weather, as they breathe less and are much warmer. Because they’re so thick, they’re also very durable.

The thicker fabric also means that they move less freely than a thinner shirt might, and you’ll feel the fabric more against your skin.

What else affects a t-shirt’s weight?

Aside from quality and type of fabric, some other factors can also affect a t-shirt’s weight. Some t-shirts have 3/4 or full-length sleeves, and this extra fabric adds more weight to the shirt.

Other shirts are designed to be long or flowing, and this can add slightly more weight.

How tight or loose the fit of the shirt is can also change the weight, as a tighter t-shirt will require less fabric and will therefore weigh less.

If a t-shirt has an applique design on the front or back, this can add a bit more weight to the shirt.

If the ink is applied directly to the shirt, however, the additional weight will be minimal.

Glitter, 3D decorations such as jewels or beads, or any other decorations can also add a bit of weight to a t-shirt.

What is the best way to ship a t-shirt?

As long as you know the rough weight estimate for the particular t-shirt you’re shipping, you can also calculate an estimated shipping cost.

It’s important to remember that any additional weight adds additional shipping charges.

For this reason, it’s often best to send t-shirts in lightweight, flexible plastic mailer bags instead of boxes.

T-shirts don’t need much protection against bumps during shipping, so a sturdy mailer bag is often more than durable enough for sending out a t-shirt or two.

If you’re shipping a large number of shirts, though, a sturdy box is often the better choice.