How many T-shirts can you make from 1 kg of fabric?

At our typical 0.22–0.32 kg per T-shirt, 1 kg of fabric makes roughly three to four T-shirts. The real number depends on GSM, sizes and the marker, so treat it as an estimate.

Why is knit fabric consumption given in kg, not metres?

Knit fabric is usually bought and sold by weight. GSM varies, so kilograms tie more directly to fabric cost than metres do.

Does a bigger size range increase fabric consumption?

Yes. Larger sizes use more fabric, so an order weighted towards XL and above uses more per piece on average than one centred on small and medium.

Is the consumption figure the same as the weight of the finished garment?

No. Consumption includes fabric lost between pattern pieces on the marker, at the ends of lays and in testing. The finished garment weighs less than the fabric used to make it.

Fabric & decoration

Fabric consumption per garment: how much fabric does a T-shirt, polo or hoodie use?

As a guide, a T-shirt uses about 0.22–0.32 kg of fabric, a polo about 0.28–0.38 kg, a hoodie about 0.55–0.85 kg and a two-piece casual set about 0.80–1.20 kg. The exact figure depends on fabric weight (GSM), the size range, the usable fabric width, how tightly the patterns nest on the marker, and whether the fabric is tubular or open-width.

Mr. YuKnitwear manufacturing, FoshanUpdated 14 November 20263 min read

Key takeaways

T-shirt: about 0.22–0.32 kg of body fabric per piece.
Polo shirt: about 0.28–0.38 kg per piece, plus flat-knit collar and cuffs.
Hoodies and sweatshirts use about 0.55–0.85 kg per piece.
A two-piece casual set takes about 0.80–1.20 kg.
Knit fabric is bought by weight, so GSM and marker efficiency drive fabric cost directly.

Fabric is usually the biggest cost in a knit garment, and knit fabric is bought by the kilogram. If you know roughly how much each garment needs, it is easier to compare quotes, see why a price moved and plan your budget.

Typical fabric consumption by garment

These are the body-fabric ranges in our standard product specifications.

Garment	Typical fabric	Typical GSM	Fabric per piece
T-shirt	Single jersey	180–260	≈ 0.22–0.32 kg
Polo shirt	Piqué (4-way or 6-way)	200–260	≈ 0.28–0.38 kg
Hoodie / sweatshirt	French terry or fleece	320–480	≈ 0.55–0.85 kg
Casual set (2 pieces)	Interlock, ponte or terry	varies	≈ 0.80–1.20 kg per set

Trims come on top: rib for collars and cuffs, flat-knit polo collars, hood linings and pocket fabric. The product pages cover T-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts and casual sets.

What drives consumption

1. Fabric weight (GSM)

GSM is the weight of one square metre of fabric. For the same pattern, heavier fabric uses more kilograms. A 260 GSM T-shirt uses noticeably more fabric by weight than a 180 GSM one, even though the cut pieces are the same size. Our knit fabric and GSM guide explains typical weights.

2. Size range and ratio

Larger sizes have larger pattern pieces. An order with many 2XL and 3XL pieces uses more fabric per piece on average than one centred on S and M, so planning the uniform size run affects fabric cost too.

3. Usable fabric width

Only the usable width, after the edges and any defects are taken off, can hold pattern pieces. Pieces that do not fit neatly across the width leave waste.

4. Marker efficiency

The marker is the layout of pattern pieces on the fabric. A tight marker mixes sizes so small pieces fill the gaps between large ones, and it wastes less. Garments with many shaped pieces, such as hoodies with hoods and pockets, nest less tightly than simple T-shirts.

5. Tubular vs open-width fabric

Many basic T-shirts are cut from tubular fabric, where the body tube width can match the garment width. Open-width fabric is slit and finished flat, which suits most other styles and wider markers. The choice changes how pieces can be laid out.

6. Allowances and losses

Consumption also covers end-of-lay waste, shrinkage allowance, fabric testing and a small allowance for replacement panels. Our shrinkage guide explains why the shrinkage allowance matters.

A simple illustrative calculation

This is an illustration, not a costing formula. Real consumption comes from the actual marker.

Suppose the pattern pieces for one T-shirt cover about 1.0 m² of fabric, after allowing for waste between pieces. At 180 GSM that is 1.0 × 180 g = 0.18 kg. At 240 GSM it is 1.0 × 240 g = 0.24 kg.

The same pattern in the heavier fabric uses a third more by weight, which is why changing GSM changes the price even when the style stays the same.

How the factors compare

Factor	Effect on consumption	What you can do
Higher GSM	Increases kg per piece	Choose the lightest GSM that meets the brief
Larger sizes	Increases kg per piece	Plan a realistic size ratio
Many pattern pieces	Lowers marker efficiency	Simplify panels where design allows
Narrow usable width	Can increase waste	Let the factory suggest fabric width
Small order per colour	Fewer sizes to mix in a marker	Combine sizes in one cut where possible

What to settle before you ask for a quote

Fix the fabric type and GSM range first. Send the full size range and size ratio with the request, and list every trim: rib, collars, hood lining and pocket fabric. Ask whether the quote assumes tubular or open-width fabric. If you change GSM, sizes or design details later, consumption needs checking again. The final specification belongs in your tech pack, covered in how to write a tech pack.

Final thoughts

Kilograms per piece is the simplest way to understand knit fabric cost. Use the ranges above for early budgeting, then let the factory work out real consumption from your pattern, size ratio and fabric. Send us your tech pack and size breakdown and we will quote on your actual specification.