Revealing : How to Measure Denim oz (ounce) and Why It Matters?

Alike all other fabrics, Denim too has its own language and grammar. If you're planning to launch your own denim collection, this is very important that you know some of basics so that whenever you start your conversation with private label denim jeans manufacturer, you can have effective communication.

The weight of knitted fabric (hosiery or also known as t-shirt fabric) is measured in gsm and weight of denim is measured in ounce. Ounce is usually abbreviated as ‘oz’ in writing. This unit (oz) of weight is used to categorise denim fabric by weight. The higher the ounces, the heavier the denim. The weight of denim matters because it influences how the garment feels to wear and how durable it is.

Interestingly though, there’s no universal standard for denim weight categories. Brands that predominantly sell 10-12 oz. denim might consider 14 oz. heavy, while others might see 14 oz. as a lightweight. Basically, it depends on style and brand which weight of denim they prefer to manufacture what.

Still, most agree on the following categorisation of denim weights:

• Less than 12 oz. = lightweight

• 12-16 oz. = midweight

• Above 16 oz. = heavyweight

So if your jeans are made from denim that’s more than 16 oz., you can rightfully call them heavyweight.

Being world's most reputed private label denim jeans manufacturer, we at Billoomi Fashion® have contacts for denim fabric manufacturers and we do source variety of denim fabric starting from 4 oz to 24 oz for our clients for manufacturing of various kinds of clothing using denim as base fabric.

Denim Weights Conversions

1oz = 34 gms

This is about the weight of the paper used to print an average newspaper. Today’s news is tomorrow’s fish and chip paper, not quite heavy enough for denim.

2oz = 68 gms

Getting more like average printer paper, still not a denim weight. Some super light linings can come in sub-100 gsm (2oz).

3oz = 102 gms

About the weight of a lightweight polycotton or lining.

4oz = 136 gms

4oz denim and chambrays are great for the summer months, think lightweight shirts, summer dresses and crafts.

5oz = 170 gms

Lightweight denim is easy to sew and great for shirts, skirts and jackets. If it has a bit of elastane for stretch, then why not give a pair of leggings a go.

6oz = 203 gms

Sitting out in the summer months, a 200gsm (6oz) shirt or shorts would help to keep cool. About the weight of a t-shirt fabric.

7oz = 237 gms

Lightweight trousers, not really what you would know as jeans but a lovely summer alternative.

8oz = 271 gms

A nice weight for Spring or Autumn where you're not quite as commited to your summer wardrobe. Nice for lightweight trousers, blazers and suits.

9oz = 305 gms

A light weight denim to create a lightweight pair of trousers or a heavier style shirt.

10oz = 338 gms

According to the Levi's denim dictionary, 10oz is still considered a lightweight denim, suitible for warmer weather styles but will be more durable than the lighter lightweights.

11oz = 373 gms

In the all-year-round bracket for suiting, lighter weight jeans, jackets and crafting projects.

12oz = 407 gms

Levi's consider 10.5oz to 12.5oz as midweight denim. Most their jeans are in that bracket including the famous 501s.

13oz = 441 gms

Weight categories are not precise and relative to what you're used to using but to many 13oz is considered as the start of the heavyweight category. A great weight for durable jeans and warm jackets.

14oz = 475 gms

Heavyweight jeans for those who need durability. Useful for structured garments and heavyweight jackets.

16oz = 542 gms

More challenging to sew but great for a heavyweight jacket or a structured garment.

17oz = 576 gms

Outdoor wear for cooler climes.

18oz = 610 gms

Heavy fabric for heavy jeans, there is a fan base out there for denim which can be rough and uneven with a vintage look.

19oz = 644 gms

We're really talking about a super heavyweight category here. The weight of the cloth will pull the piece down allowing it to drape but cab be rigid.

20oz = 678 gms

20oz denim is heavy! Not to everyones tast but is still very much a jeans weight.

21oz = 712 gms

21oz denim is really heavy! Not to everyones tast but is still very much a jeans weight.

22oz = 746 gms

22oz denim is rough and kinda uncomfortable to wear as trousers. Good for upholstery and other interiors projects though.

23oz = 780 gms

22oz denim is really rough and actually uncomfortable to wear as trousers - but some people love it! Good for upholstery and other interiors projects.

24oz = 814 gms

You can buy 24oz denim jeans but it really is a niche persuit. Heavy, rough and difficult to wear in. Probably better suited to upholstery projects.

Here is the ready calculator to convert ounce into gsm and vice versa : Click Here >>