Fabric Guide: What GSM & Blend For Football Jerseys vs. Training Kits.
GSM and blend are the two specs that actually determine how a kit performs — here's what they mean and how to choose.
What GSM Actually Means
GSM (grams per square metre) measures fabric weight. A lower GSM fabric is lighter and more breathable; a higher GSM fabric is heavier, more opaque, and generally more durable under repeated washing. Neither is "better" — the right GSM depends on what the garment is for.
Match Jerseys: Lighter, Breathable, Built For 90 Minutes
A match football jersey is usually built from a lighter, moisture-wicking polyester — enough weight to hold sublimated colour and graphics cleanly, but light enough not to add heat load over a full match.
Training Kits: Heavier, More Durable, Built For Repetition
Training wear gets washed and worn far more often than a match kit, so a slightly heavier, more durable fabric blend usually makes more sense — trading a little breathability for a garment that holds its shape and colour across a full season of daily use.
Blend Matters As Much As Weight
A 100% polyester fabric sublimates cleanly and dries fast, which is why it's the standard for match and training kits. Blends with a small percentage of spandex or elastane add stretch, which some clubs prefer for a closer, more athletic cut — worth discussing if fit is a priority.
What To Tell Us
- Match kit, training kit, or both
- Climate you're playing in most (hot/humid vs. cool/wet)
- Preference for a closer athletic fit vs. a standard cut
- Budget range, since heavier or blended fabrics cost more per metre
Send those and we'll recommend a specific fabric and GSM rather than a generic "premium polyester" answer. See our full football kit range for what we build from it.