What 250GSM actually means, and why our tanks hold their shape

I studied fashion and textiles before we started Basic Respect, so fabric is the part I get nerdy about. Here's what goes into ours, in plain English.

First, what GSM means

GSM is grams per square metre. It's how much a square metre of the fabric weighs, and it's the easiest way to compare how heavy one fabric is against another. Ours is a 250GSM organic cotton rib.

Why we went heavier

Heavier fabric is usually used for garments that get worn and washed over and over across their life. That's exactly what a tank is. It's the thing you grab most days.

The weight is what keeps it in shape. It stops the stretching, fraying and tearing you get early on with lighter tanks, after only a few wears. Ours keeps its shape after wash after wash.

Why a 2x2 rib

There are two rib knits you'll see a lot. A 1x1 rib is common on other form-fitting garments. A 2x2 rib is the more durable knit, and historically it's what tanks and similar pieces were made in. So that's what we use. It gives you the close fit without the fabric feeling thin.

Three or four samples to get the tank right

The men's tank took us about three or four samples. Because a tank is such a common garment, we did our homework first. What we liked, what we didn't, and what the brands doing it best were getting right.

The neckline and the back were the two things we cared about most. We figured that's what you'd notice, and what you'd value.

How we tested it

Simple. We wore our samples almost every day and kept washing them. After a few washes the shape and the fit were the same as day one. That's the whole promise, really.

"I love your tank so much that I had to wear it every day, and I need another because I can't be waiting for it to dry."

A customer, and still our favourite review.

How to wash it so it lasts

Cold wash, then line dry. A machine dry is fine too, but line dry if you want to be sure.

Quick answers

What does 250GSM mean? The fabric weighs 250 grams per square metre. Heavier fabric holds its shape better through a lot of wear and washing.

Will the tank lose its shape? We wore and washed our samples almost every day, and the shape and fit stayed the same after a few washes.

What's a 2x2 rib? A rib knit with two raised rows and two recessed rows. It's more durable than a 1x1 rib and it's what tanks were traditionally made in.

How should I wash it? Cold wash and line dry. Machine drying is fine, but line drying is the safest.

Want the why behind the cotton itself? Read why we chose organic cotton.