Activewear Fabric and Material Glossary: GSM, Mesh, Terry, Fleece and More

At a glance: Read material terms as separate pieces of information. Fibre, construction, finish, fit and performance are related, but one label cannot establish all of them.

GSM and finished weight

GSM means grams per square metre of fabric. It is not the completed garment’s weight or a direct quality score. Compare it within the intended use, alongside composition and construction. See GSM for training shirts and sweatpants.

Cotton, polyester and spandex

These are fibre descriptions. A blend should state its percentages where available. They do not establish one universal cut or drying time. CottonWorks’ stretch-fabric discussion also shows why construction and blends matter when considering extension and recovery.

Mesh, terry, fleece and twill

Mesh describes an open fabric structure. French terry has a looped reverse, while brushing or napping creates a fleece surface in relevant knit constructions. Fleece can use different fibres. Twill has a diagonal weave pattern. For construction details, use the CottonWorks knit guide and woven-fabric guide.

Four-way stretch and shape recovery

Stretch direction is different from return to shape after extension. Neither a tight fit nor a stretch label supplies a measured compression or wash-durability result. Read the four-way stretch explanation for shorts.

AOP, embroidery and laser marking

AOP means all-over print and describes design coverage rather than one guaranteed production method. Embroidery uses stitching for the decorative detail. Laser processes vary, so do not assign every mark a fixed depth or permanent appearance. Check the actual garment or accessory.

UPF, insulation and grip

UPF is a tested UV-transmission rating for fabric; it does not cover exposed skin. Vacuum insulation describes construction, not a universal retention time. Silicone grip describes a contact feature, not a clinical compression rating or a promise of zero movement.

Use the term in a buying decision

Find the size chart, care label and missing specification before ordering. Use fit, stretch and recovery checks or the bottle selection hub to apply the vocabulary to a particular product.