Finding out the weight of a shirt can be a more complicated process than expected. Checking the label in the neck doesn’t always give you the answer right away.

Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to find out, ‘how much does a shirt weigh?’ and I have personal experience to share on the subject.

Having worked in fashion retail, I know just how important knowing the weight of a shirt can be for buyers and sellers alike. I have found that the weight is helpful when doing crafts or tie dye with the shirts.

If you’re struggling to find out what a specific shirt weighs, read this guide today.

What Is The Average Weight Of A Shirt?

Some sources report that the average weight of a shirt is 0.5 pounds, or around 226 grams. However, this number can vary dramatically depending on the type of shirt along with several other factors.

T-shirts, for example, weigh a lot less on average than button-up shirts. This can be due to differences in material, as well as additions like buttons and pockets adding to the weight.

A t-shirt will weigh between 3 and 7 ounces, or around 100 to 200 grams. This can make it significantly less heavy than other shirts, creating a broad range of how much a shirt can weigh.

I found out how much my baby’s t-shirt weighed when I made a baby sleeper teddy bear pattern of my own!

Different Factors For Shirt Weight

The first factor to consider when looking at the weight of a shirt is its material. Something made of a thick, sturdy material like corduroy will obviously weigh more than one made from lightweight polyester.

There are a few lightweight options to be considered when looking at a shirt’s weight. These include:

• Lightweight polyester
• Cotton
• Synthetic cotton blends
• Linen
• Some silks

By paying attention to the materials used in a shirt, you will be able to more easily ascertain its weight at a glance.

The size and gender a shirt is intended for are also good indicators as to its weight. A shirt for men will typically weigh more than a shirt for women, as men are usually larger.

As such, the size of a shirt also makes a large impact on its weight. A larger shirt will often weigh more than a smaller one, even if it is made of lighter materials. This may change on a case-by-case basis.

Like size, age is also a factor when considering a shirt’s weight. A child’s medium will weigh far less than a shirt for an adult. This should always be remembered when finding out how much a shirt weighs.

The thread and thickness of the material used in a shirt will also affect its weight. Using thicker types of a lightweight material will inevitably increase the weight, making it more akin to a typically heavier material.

Finally, any extra graphics, designs, or features such as buttons on a shirt will increase its weight. This can even double the weight, depending on the features.

Why Shirt Weight Matters

So now that you know the answer to the question ‘how much does a shirt weigh?’ it is good to know why that matters.

For selling on an online store, knowing the weight of your shirt will help your customers be able to pick the right size.

I have also personally found that knowing the weight of a shirt helps when it comes to shipping. Knowing the weight of your shirt will allow you to adjust the price for delivering it accordingly. 

When loading a washing machine or dryer, knowing how much your shirts weigh can help make sure that you don’t overload your machine.

I like to know how much my shirts weigh to prevent potential damage, as well as ensure my clothes are all washed and dried properly.

Different shirt weights come with different pros and cons.

Lightweight shirts (3oz):

• Softer
• More flexibility
• Dries quickly
• Prone to wrinkles

Medium-weight shirts (3-7oz):

• Variable thickness
• Good middle ground
• Can take longer to dry
• Can have wrinkles

Heavyweight shirts (7oz+):

• Can be soft or coarse
• Suitable for colder weather or working conditions
• Fewer wrinkles
• Will take a lot longer to dry

How To Identify The Weight Of A Shirt

The easiest way to identify the weight of a shirt is to look it up online.

The shop you bought it from will often have measurements such as size, weight, and material that can be used to easily find out how much your shirt weighs.

If the store doesn’t have the weight, or you don’t know where the shirt came from, then the manufacturer’s website won’t be of much help. Unlike stores, these don’t usually contain information regarding the shirt’s weight.

In this situation, when I need to find out the weight of a shirt, I simply weigh it myself.

A bathroom scale is unsuitable for this, as it will often only show weight in large fractions. Therefore, a kitchen scale which is accurate to the gram will be much more useful. 

Make sure that your kitchen scale is calibrated for accuracy and that you fold the shirt so that all the material is on the scale. 

If your scale only weighs in grams, you can convert it to pounds by dividing the weight of your shirt in grams by 454.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So, on average, how much does a shirt weigh? Well, if it is of standard materials and size, you can expect a shirt to weigh around 0.5 pounds.

If it is made from certain materials, for different ages, or is in a larger or smaller size, the shirt’s weight will vary. This can result in it being as light as 3 ounces, or perhaps even heavier than 7.

It is good to keep an eye on the weight of your shirts as this can impact its purpose, washing requirements, and shipping costs when selling.

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