What is GSM in bedding?

If you've ever bought cotton bedding, you've surely seen the thread count on the label — 200, 400, 600 threads. But when you look for linen, that number disappears and another one appears: GSM. What does it mean? Why does it change? And above all, what GSM should you look for?

GSM: what it is exactly

GSM stands for grams per square meter. It is literally the weight of one square meter of fabric. The higher the GSM, the denser and heavier the fabric. The lower the GSM, the lighter and more breathable.

In the textile world, GSM is the standard measure for determining the density of a fabric — and in linen, it is the most honest indicator of quality available.

Why linen uses GSM and not thread count

Cotton is measured in thread count because its fibers are fine and can be easily counted per square centimeter. More threads per centimeter = softer and denser fabric.

Linen plays by different rules. Its fibers are naturally thicker and more irregular than cotton — counting threads doesn't make sense because the fiber itself already has a different thickness. What matters in linen is the total weight of the fabric, not the number of threads.

What GSM is good for linen bedding?

There isn't one single correct GSM — it depends on the climate where you live and how you want your bed to feel. But there are indicative ranges:

Why we chose 170 GSM

At Gema Home, we work exclusively with European linen of 170 GSM. It wasn't an arbitrary decision — it's the point where linen finds its best version.

With 170 GSM, the fabric is dense enough to last for years and provide that pleasant weighted feeling on the body, yet light enough to be cool in summer and warm in winter. It's the GSM we use on our own beds.

GSM is important, but not everything

A good GSM is necessary but not sufficient. What also determines the quality of linen are:

The origin of the fiber. Linen grown in Western Europe — France, Belgium, the Netherlands — has unique climatic conditions that produce longer and stronger fibers. Our linen is 100% European Flax® certified.

The stonewash finish. Stonewashing mechanically pre-softens the linen, eliminating that initial stiffness and accelerating the natural softening process. A 170 GSM stonewashed linen immediately feels softer than one without this treatment.

OEKO-TEX® certification. Guarantees that neither the fiber, nor the dyes, nor the manufacturing process contain harmful substances. It's not a decorative seal — it's the most demanding standard in the textile industry.