Cotton Standards 101: What Makes a Good Tee, Great

Introduction: Why Cotton Quality Matters

It’s the most worn fabric on earth - but not all cotton is created equal.

The difference between a tee that lasts years and one that loses shape after three washes often comes down to cotton quality and fabric weight.

At GOODMATES, we build every piece - from our Men’s and Women’s Basics Tees to our Kids and Youth ranges - on one simple principle: start with better cotton.

This is your guide to understanding what separates average cotton from great cotton - and how the right GSM, weave, and finishing make all the difference.

The Cotton Basics: What Is GSM?

GSM stands for grams per square metre - a measure of fabric density.

It’s a small number that has a big impact on comfort, durability, and how a tee feels on your body.

Lower GSM (150–170): Lightweight, breathable, and ideal for layering or hot weather.
Mid GSM (180–200): Balanced weight - soft but structured.
Higher GSM (220+): Heavyweight fabric with a premium, substantial drape.

It’s a detail you can feel immediately - the difference between “just another tee” and your go-to for years.

Combed Cotton: The Unsung Hero of Quality

Beyond GSM, the real test of quality is in how the cotton is made.

Most mass-market tees use carded cotton - a faster, cheaper process that leaves short fibres and impurities behind. Those short fibres cause pilling, stiffness, and early wear.

GOODMATES uses combed cotton, where the fibres are carefully brushed to remove imperfections. The result is smoother, stronger, and softer fabric that resists wear and holds its shape wash after wash.

Benefits of Combed Cotton

Soft feel: The fabric sits gently against the skin.
Stronger yarns: Longer fibres mean fewer breakages.
Consistent colour: Smooth yarn holds dye evenly.
Longer lifespan: Better structure = less stretching and twisting.

This is the foundation of every GOODMATES piece - from a 185gsm Kids Tee to a 225gsm Men’s Everyday Tee.

Why GSM Alone Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

A common misconception is that heavier automatically means better.

That’s not always true.

A 225gsm tee made from low-grade cotton can feel thick but coarse. A 185gsm tee made from premium combed cotton feels softer, stronger, and far more breathable.

The difference lies in fibre length and fabric density, not just weight.

At GOODMATES, we engineer both:

Our 185gsm+ fabric uses long-staple combed cotton for softness and flexibility.
Our 225gsm+ fabric increases density, not bulk - giving the garment its signature structured feel without heaviness.

That’s how we get the best of both worlds: breathable and strong.

How Finishing Techniques Define Feel and Fit

Once cotton is woven, finishing makes or breaks the final product.

Here’s what happens behind the scenes at GOODMATES:

1. Pre-Washing

Every tee is pre-washed before it ever reaches you.

That removes residual shrinkage, so what you buy is what you’ll keep - the same fit, wash after wash.

2. Enzyme Treatment

Enzyme finishing smooths the fabric surface by removing micro fuzz.

It’s what gives GOODMATES cotton its distinct silky finish - not shiny, just soft.

3. Colour-Fast Dyeing

We use environmentally responsible, high-fastness dyes. That means deep, lasting colour that won’t fade in the wash or under Aussie sun.

These finishing steps might sound small - but they’re what separate disposable basics from premium ones.

Fabric Weights in Real Life: Choosing the Right Tee

The beauty of having both 185gsm and 225gsm options is versatility. Each has its place.

185gsm Basics Tees (Men’s, Women’s, Kids, Youth)

Light enough for summer, substantial enough for layering - these are your everyday workhorses.

Best for: Daily wear, layering, and warm weather.
Feel: Soft, breathable, comfortable from day one.
Styles: Men’s and Women’s Basics Tees, Youth Tees, Long Sleeves.

225gsm Everyday Tees (Men’s and Women’s)

A thicker, more structured feel. Perfect when you want something that drapes with presence.

Best for: Cooler days, elevated streetwear looks, or anyone who prefers a heavier tee.
Feel: Dense, smooth, premium - the tee that “feels expensive.”
Styles: Men’s Everyday Tee, Women’s Everyday Tee.

Both share the same commitment to durability and comfort - the difference lies in preference and purpose.

Beyond Tees: Why Cotton Works Across the Range

Cotton is more than just a t-shirt fabric - it’s the backbone of the entire GOODMATES collection.

Long Sleeves: Made from 185gsm combed cotton for trans-seasonal comfort.
Fleece & Hoodies: Heavier cotton-blend fleece provides warmth and breathability without synthetics that trap heat.
Trackpants: Soft brushed cotton fleece that maintains structure wash after wash.

By grounding the whole range in natural fibre, we keep it breathable, reliable, and consistent - so every piece feels part of the same family.

Why Premium Cotton Is Worth It

Good cotton isn’t just softer - it’s smarter.

Here’s why it’s worth investing in better basics:

Longevity: One good tee outlasts five cheap ones.
Comfort: Natural fibres regulate temperature.
Value: Cost per wear drops dramatically when the garment lasts years.
Sustainability: Natural, biodegradable, and produced responsibly.

It’s why we see cotton not just as a material, but as the foundation of good design.

Sustainability Through Simplicity

Fast fashion burns through low-grade cotton to chase trends. We take the opposite approach - make fewer, better things, and make them last.

All GOODMATES cotton pieces are built around three sustainability principles:

Natural Materials: 100% cotton, no synthetics that shed microplastics.
Durability: High-quality fibres mean fewer replacements and less waste.
Timeless Design: Clean silhouettes that stay relevant beyond a single season.

Sustainability isn’t about slogans - it’s about responsibility, quality, and respect for the clothes you wear.

How to Care for Premium Cotton

To get the most life out of your tees:

Wash cold with similar colours.
Use a gentle, eco-friendly detergent.
Avoid tumble drying where possible - air-dry in the shade.
Fold instead of hanging to maintain shoulder structure.

Good cotton ages beautifully when treated well. Over time, it softens without sagging - developing that lived-in comfort that only natural fibres can achieve.