Cotton 101: everything before you buy a T-shirt
Cotton is a simple material with a specific set of properties. This page explains what they are, what GSM means, and why LAMAN uses nothing else.
What is GSM?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It is a direct measure of how dense a fabric is. A square metre of fabric is weighed — that number is the GSM.
A higher GSM means more material per square metre: heavier, denser, more structured. A lower GSM means lighter, more flowing, more air through the weave.
Most brands do not publish GSM. We state it on every product because it is the most honest description of what you are buying. Describing a fabric as "lightweight" or "premium" without a number tells you nothing.
180 GSM
247
Light, airy summer weight
210 GSM
Relentless
Year-round balanced weight
320 GSM
Heavy
Structured heavyweight
What cotton actually does
Moisture absorption
Cotton fibre absorbs moisture and releases it through evaporation. In Indian heat this keeps the skin dry without synthetic moisture-wicking treatments.
Breathability
The natural open weave of combed cotton allows airflow. No coating or treatment is needed to achieve this — it is a property of the fibre.
Zero static charge
Cotton does not build up static electricity. This means it does not cling to the body or trap odour.
Tensile strength when wet
Cotton fibre gains strength when wet. This is why cotton garments hold their shape through repeated washing.
Biodegradable
Pure cotton breaks down naturally at end of life. A polyester garment does not.
No microplastic shedding
Synthetic fibres shed plastic particles with each wash. Cotton does not. This is the whole reason we use no polyester.
Why no polyester
Polyester is a synthetic polymer derived from crude oil refinement.
SourceIn Indian heat it holds sweat against the skin rather than releasing it.
SourceSynthetic garments release microplastic fibres during home laundering.
SourceCotton absorbs, breathes and biodegrades. That is the whole reason we use it.