Reference Guide

Textile Glossary

  • G
    GSM

    Grams per square metre — the universal measure of fabric weight. Lighter fabrics (80–120 GSM) are sheer or light-weight; heavier weights (300+ GSM) are used for upholstery, denim, and outerwear.

  • w
    Warp

    The longitudinal yarns held under tension on a loom, running the full length of the fabric. The warp forms the structural skeleton of any woven textile and determines much of its dimensional stability.

  • W
    Weft

    The transverse yarns woven over and under the warp threads. Also called fill or filling yarn. Weft insertion speed is a primary determinant of loom productivity and fabric width.