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How to Choose the Right Fabric GSM for Custom Sports Jerseys

04 October, 2026 | jhon smith

Quick answer: GSM (grams per square metre) measures fabric weight. At Rigid Sportswear our jersey fabrics range from 160 to 220 GSM. Choose 160–165 GSM (Honeycomb, Salina, Dot knit) for light, breathable cricket and football jerseys, 180 GSM (Diamond knit, Mars, Rigid Premium) for a balanced everyday team kit, and 200–220 GSM (Lacoste, Superpoly, 4-way Lycra) for extra durability, stretch or a premium feel.

What Does GSM Mean?

GSM stands for grams per square metre. A 160 GSM fabric weighs 160 grams per square metre of cloth. The higher the number, the heavier and usually thicker the fabric. GSM does not tell you the knit type, so two fabrics of the same weight can feel very different – that is why we list both the fabric name and GSM.

Our Jersey Fabrics and Their GSM

Standard fabrics

FabricGSMBest for
Honeycomb160 GSMLight, airy cricket and football jerseys
Salina160 GSMBudget-friendly, breathable team kits
Dot knit165 GSMFootball, volleyball and everyday team wear
Dax knit165 GSMSmooth finish for sharp sublimation prints
Diamond knit180 GSMBalanced weight with a textured look
Lacoste200 GSMCollared and polo-style jerseys
Superpoly220 GSMDurable kits for contact sports like kabaddi

Premium fabrics

FabricGSMBest for
Signature knit160 GSMLightweight premium match kits
Jacquard165 GSMTextured, premium look
Reebok knit165 GSMSoft, comfortable training and match wear
Mars180 GSMPremium everyday team kits
Rigid Premium180 GSMOur signature premium fabric
4-way Lycra220 GSMMaximum stretch for kabaddi, basketball and fitted kits

See all fabrics, collar types and sizes on our size chart page.

Choosing GSM by Sport

  • Cricket: long hours in the sun – 160–165 GSM (Honeycomb, Salina, Dot knit).
  • Football and futsal: fast and sweaty – 160–180 GSM.
  • Kabaddi: full contact – 220 GSM Superpoly or 4-way Lycra for strength and stretch.
  • Basketball and volleyball: 165–180 GSM with good stretch; 4-way Lycra for a fitted kit.
  • Corporate and polo-style jerseys: 200 GSM Lacoste for a structured, collared look.

Beyond GSM: Knit and Fibre

All these fabrics are polyester-based, which is what makes full sublimation printing possible. Knits differ in airflow, stretch and texture even at the same weight. For casual cotton wear, see our cotton vs polyester guide.

Prices

Sublimation jerseys start from ₹380 per piece (₹280 for 30+), depending on the fabric. See the full price list or our sublimation jersey manufacturing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GSM is best for cricket jerseys?

Light, breathable fabrics around 160–165 GSM, such as Honeycomb, Salina or Dot knit, are popular for cricket because players wear them for long hours in the sun.

What GSM is best for football jerseys?

Around 160–180 GSM works well for football. Dot knit (165 GSM), Dax knit (165 GSM) and Diamond knit (180 GSM) are good choices.

Which fabric is best for kabaddi?

Kabaddi needs strength and stretch, so heavier fabrics like Superpoly (220 GSM) or 4-way Lycra (220 GSM) are a good fit.

Is higher GSM always better quality?

No. Higher GSM means heavier fabric, not necessarily better. For sports, the knit, breathability and fit matter as much as weight.

What GSM are Rigid Sportswear jersey fabrics?

Our jersey fabrics range from 160 GSM (Honeycomb, Salina, Signature knit) to 220 GSM (Superpoly, 4-way Lycra). See the full list on our size chart page.