T-Shirts
Heavyweight Cotton T-Shirt Manufacturer: 240–260 GSM Jersey
A heavyweight T-shirt is a tee in 100% cotton single jersey at the top of the 180–260 GSM range, typically 240–260 GSM. We make them with same-lot dyed spandex rib collars, clear TPU shoulder tape and stretch seams, so the heavier body keeps a clean neckline wash after wash.
Specification
- Fabric
- 100% cotton single jersey
- Weight
- 240–260 GSM (range 180–260 GSM)
- Consumption
- ≈ 0.22–0.32 kg / piece (upper end for heavyweight)
- Neck rib
- 1×1 or 2×2 spandex rib, 220–300 GSM, same-lot dyed
- Shoulder
- Clear TPU elastic tape, 3–5 mm
- Labels
- Woven or tagless heat-transfer
Key takeaways
- 240–260 GSM is the heavyweight end of our 180–260 GSM cotton jersey range.
- Neck rib is dyed in the same lot as the body, which avoids shade variation.
- Clear TPU tape in the shoulder seams stops the neckline dropping after washing.
- Seams use high-stretch polyester thread so they move with the fabric.
- Fabric is relaxed 24–48 hours before cutting, with shrinkage allowance built into the pattern.
People buy heavyweight tees for structure: a shirt that hangs straight, does not cling, and survives hard laundering. This page covers how we build heavyweight cotton T-shirts at 240–260 GSM within our custom T-shirt programme.
What makes a good heavyweight T-shirt
Weight alone does not make a good tee. A 260 GSM body with a weak collar will still look tired after ten washes, because the heavier body pulls on the neckline. Three things have to work together.
The fabric weight has to suit the use. 240–260 GSM single jersey gives an opaque, structured body for streetwear blanks, merchandise and cool-climate uniforms. The collar has to recover, and spandex rib (95% cotton / 5% spandex) at 220–300 GSM holds its shape against the weight of the body. Shrinkage has to be controlled: fabric is relaxed before cutting and shrinkage is built into the pattern, so the size you approve is the size that arrives.
If you are unsure where your programme sits, our knit fabric GSM guide explains how weight affects drape, warmth and cost, and why knit garments shrink covers shrinkage control.
Construction details
Every component comes from our T-shirt bill of materials.
- The 1×1 or 2×2 neck rib is dyed in the same lot as the body, so collar and body match in every carton.
- Clear TPU elastic tape (3–5 mm) or woven tape sits in the shoulder seams to stop them stretching after washing.
- Back-neck binding is a self-fabric strip (1.2–1.5 cm) or cotton herringbone tape over the overlock seam, for a clean inside finish.
- Seams are overlock and coverstitch, with high-stretch polyester filament looper thread and spun polyester needle thread.
- Labels are woven main labels or tagless heat-transfer labels, plus care/content and size labels.
Customisation options
| Option | Choices |
|---|---|
| Fabric weight | 240–260 GSM heavyweight (full range 180–260 GSM) |
| Neck rib | 1×1 or 2×2 spandex rib |
| Labels | Woven main label or tagless heat-transfer |
| Decoration | Screen print, DTG, heat transfer, embroidery |
| Embroidery backing | Non-woven interlining behind chest embroidery |
| Packing | Individual polybag, hangtag, carton ratio |
How we make it
Heavyweight tees follow our eight-stage manufacturing process. These stages matter most here:
- Fabric inspection & relaxation: rolls rest 24–48 hours before cutting to release knitting tension.
- Print & embroidery: decoration is applied to cut panels before sewing for accurate placement.
- Sewing: TPU tape, back-neck binding and the coverstitched collar go in at this stage.
- Inspection & needle detection: every piece is inspected and passes 100% needle detection before packing.
Need a lighter tee for events and giveaways? See promotional T-shirts.
Final thoughts
A heavyweight T-shirt is only as good as its collar and its shrinkage control. Specify 240–260 GSM cotton jersey, same-lot dyed spandex rib and taped shoulders, and agree a shrinkage allowance before bulk. Send us your tech pack or a reference sample, and we will confirm MOQ, pricing and lead time with your quote.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What GSM counts as a heavyweight T-shirt?
In our range, 240–260 GSM single jersey is the heavyweight end. It gives a heavier, more structured tee than the 200–220 GSM typical of everyday uniform shirts.
Do heavyweight tees shrink more?
Any cotton knit can shrink. We relax fabric for 24–48 hours before cutting, and build shrinkage test results into the pattern as an allowance before production.
Which decoration works best on a heavyweight tee?
Screen print, DTG, heat transfer and embroidery are all available. Heavier jersey gives embroidery a stable base, and we add non-woven backing under chest embroidery.
What is the minimum order for heavyweight T-shirts?
MOQ depends on fabric colour, weight and decoration, and is confirmed with your quote.
RFQ · Tech pack or brief welcome