Safety Shirt Weights | NationalSafetyGear

Everything You Need to Know About Safety T-Shirt Weights

When shopping for safety t-shirts, especially online, it can feel like a bit of an uphill battle deciphering between brands, weights, colors, and fabric. While you can navigate through most of it fairly easily with just a little research, t-shirt weights can sometimes cause a bit of confusion.

Put simply, the weight of a safety shirt or even a regular t-shirt refers to the fabric thickness. In the textile industry, ounce weight is used to explain how much a square yard of fabric weighs. While this can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, you can get a pretty good idea of what the shirt will feel like in person just by knowing this number.

What Are Common T-Shirt Weights?

When it comes to the standard weight for men’s safety t-shirts, it can range about 5oz. from a lightweight blend to a heavyweight blend.

Lightweight safety t-shirts are chosen for their luxurious feel, breathability, and softness. These blends typically feature higher quality cotton blends that are soft to the touch. The lightweight fabric typically clings closer to the body and feels good against the skin. Lightweight fabrics are often used in performance dri-fit safety t-shirts because they provide moisture-wicking properties and are ideal for use in the sun. Very light t-shirt weights can range from 3.4 oz. all the way up to around 5.5 oz. for a standard weight shirt.

Heavyweight safety t-shirts are warmer and long-lasting. Heavier weight shirts tend to be a cheaper option and have a somewhat more abrasive feel on the skin, but they block wind and weather better so are ideal for outdoor workers in fall or winter. The durability of a heavyweight blend safety shirt is appealing for businesses looking to get a lot of use out of them over time. Heavyweight t-shirt weights can range from 6.1 oz. to 7.1 oz.

How Do Fabrics Contribute to T-Shirt Weights?

The type of fabric or fabrics used to create safety shirts can greatly impact its weight and ultimately its feel. Some of the most commonly used fabrics for t-shirts include:

Cotton – Most shirts are made with either 100% cotton or some blend of cotton. Depending on the way the cotton is used, it can result in cheap safety shirts that are somewhat scratchy. They aren’t uncomfortable but are a much heavier weight option. Cotton is rarely used for safety shirts since they do not hold the vibrant dyes very well after repeated washings.

Polyester – Polyester fibers are actually made from plastic. They don’t absorb water and are great for any performance, moisture-wicking, lightweight t-shirts. They are often used alone, mixed with cotton, or combined with Spandex.

Rayon/Viscose – These fibers are typically blended with cotton to create a soft shirt that is lightweight and good for breathability.

Blends – 50/50 blends are made of cotton and polyester. These blends are very popular among top brands because they can help keep you cool in hot weather, while still providing some protection on cooler days. This is the perfect midweight t-shirt choice. Most non-ANSI safety shirts (those without reflective stripes) are made from a 50/50 blend.

Ultimately, choosing the right t-shirt weights for your business comes down to practicality. You must take into consideration how the safety t-shirts will be used, your overall budget, and the brands you prefer to work with.