What Does GSM Mean & Why GSM Important?

GSM means grams per square meter which means weight of piece of fabric per square meter. Now we have towels ranging from 300 GSM to 1200 GSM. But one very common misconception about GSM is thinking GSM is equals to thickness. It is more of a density of the towel not the thickness. Density mean thread construction per square meter. If thread is heavier, more spun & twisted and run more compactly on warp & weft then density of fabric will be more. Simple rule of thumb is lower the GSM lighter & thinner the towel and vice versa. Does that mean higher GSM towel absorbs more? There is no straight forward no or yes to that. Absorption depends on 2 factors; GSM & Blend. Blend is material construction, which mostly heavier for organic cotton, lesser for combed cotton and lighter for polyester artificial fibers.