How Much Does a Shirt Weigh? A Complete Guide for Every Fabric and Style

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How Much Does a Shirt Weigh? A Complete Guide for Every Fabric and Style

Wondering how much does a shirt weigh? Learn the average shirt weights by material, size, and type in this SEO-friendly guide—great for shipping, travel, and shopping smart.

Javed Iqbal

April 23, 2025

4Min Reads

Fashion and Style

How Much Does a Shirt Weigh? A Complete Guide for Every Fabric and Style

If you’ve ever packed for a trip, mailed clothing, or run an online store, you’ve probably asked yourself, how much does a shirt weigh? The answer depends on several factors, including the fabric, size, and style of the shirt. From lightweight summer tees to heavier flannel or dress shirts, shirt weight can vary more than you might think.

In this article, we’ll break down the typical weights of different shirt types, explain what influences shirt weight, and share why it’s useful to know—whether you’re calculating shipping, organizing your wardrobe, or choosing fabrics wisely.

Why Shirt Weight Matters

Understanding how much a shirt weighs can help in many ways:

Shipping Clothing: Helps estimate postage or packaging needs
Travel Packing: Lighter shirts mean easier, lighter bags
Laundry Planning: Weight can impact laundry loads and machine capacity
Online Selling: Helps customers get accurate shipping and handling info
Fabric Shopping: Guides your choice in buying bulk or choosing comfortable clothes

Now let’s explore how different factors impact shirt weight.

Average Weight of a Shirt by Type

Here’s a general idea of how much different types of shirts usually weigh:

Shirt TypeAverage Weight (oz)Average Weight (grams)
Basic Cotton T-Shirt	5–7 oz	140–200 g
Long Sleeve T-Shirt	6–9 oz	170–255 g
Polo Shirt	6–10 oz	170–280 g
Dress Shirt	7–11 oz	200–310 g
Flannel Shirt	10–14 oz	280–400 g
Linen Shirt	5–7 oz	140–200 g

Note: These values vary based on size (S–XXL), fabric thickness, and manufacturing quality.

How Fabric Affects Shirt Weight

Different fabrics have different densities and weaves, which directly affect shirt weight:

Cotton: The most common material, varies in thickness. A typical 100% cotton shirt weighs about 5.5 to 7 oz.
Polyester: Usually lighter than cotton. A polyester-blend shirt can weigh 4–6 oz.
Linen: Breathable and light, weighing around 5 oz on average.
Wool or Flannel: Heavier materials, commonly used in colder climates, can weigh over 10 oz.
Piqué Cotton (used in polo shirts): Heavier and textured—often around 8–10 oz depending on weave.

Speaking of piqué and polo shirts, we’ve broken that down in detail in our article: What Is a Polo Shirt? A Timeless Wardrobe Essential Explained. It's worth checking out if you’re considering shirt types beyond basic tees.

Size and Fit: Do They Change the Weight?

Absolutely! A medium-sized shirt will weigh less than an extra-large shirt, even if it’s made from the same material.

Small (S): Lightest weight
Medium (M): Average weight (most charts use this for reference)
Large (L) and XL: Heavier due to more fabric
Oversized or Tall Fits: Add significant grams/ounces to total shirt weight

So when comparing shirt weights, always consider size and cut.

What About Shirts with Graphics or Prints?

Printed shirts, especially those with large logos or screen-printed graphics, tend to weigh a little more.

Light graphic: Adds around 0.5 oz
Full-front print: May add 1–2 oz depending on ink and design size

The type of print also matters. For instance, vinyl or puff prints weigh more than DTG (Direct to Garment) prints.

Shirt Weight for Travel and Packing

If you’re a frequent traveler or backpacker, knowing the weight of each shirt helps with smart packing.

Pack lightweight shirts (4–6 oz) for comfort and space-saving
Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics for convenience
Use shirt weight to balance your carry-on or suitcase, especially with strict airlines

Bonus tip: roll your shirts to save space and avoid wrinkles, especially with mid-weight or heavier fabrics.

Shirt Weight in E-commerce and Shipping

For online sellers or buyers, shirt weight impacts:

Shipping costs
Packaging choices
Bundle deals (e.g., 2 shirts under 1 lb to save on postage)

Platforms like eBay or Etsy often ask for item weights, so having accurate info helps avoid miscalculations. Most single t-shirts fall under 7 oz—well within first-class mail limits.

Shirt Care and Weight

Interestingly, shirt weight can change slightly after multiple washes:

Shrinkage: Cotton shirts may lose up to 5% of their weight as they shrink
Absorption: Damp shirts can weigh significantly more
Wear and tear: Older shirts gradually lose fibers, reducing weight over time

So don’t be surprised if your favorite tee feels lighter a year later!

Quick Weight Comparison: Shirts vs. Other Clothes

Clothing ItemAverage Weight
T-Shirt	5–7 oz (140–200 g)
Jeans	16–24 oz (450–680 g)
Hoodie	20–30 oz (570–850 g)
Sweatpants	12–18 oz (340–510 g)
Socks (1 pair)	1.5–2 oz (40–55 g)

This can help you plan laundry loads or travel packing more efficiently.

Conclusion

So, how much does a shirt weigh? It depends—but on average, expect a basic cotton shirt to weigh between 5 to 7 ounces (140 to 200 grams). Materials like flannel or polyester, added prints, or larger sizes can push that number higher. Whether you're managing shipping costs, packing light for a trip, or just curious, understanding shirt weight helps you make smarter choices.

Don’t forget to explore our other fashion insights, like this helpful breakdown on What Is a Polo Shirt? A Timeless

Wardrobe Essential Explained, to deepen your clothing knowledge and enhance your wardrobe.

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