If you only learn one thing about towels, make it this: GSM. It tells you more about quality than almost anything else on the label.
What GSM actually means
GSM stands for grams per square metre — the density of the fabric. The higher the GSM, the more cotton is packed into every centimetre, which means a thicker, softer, more absorbent towel. As a rough guide:
- 300–400 GSM: light and fast-drying, but thin.
- 400–600 GSM: the plush, everyday quality zone.
- 600–900 GSM: heavy, spa-style bath towels — gorgeous on a rail, but heavy.
Why we chose 500 GSM
Here’s the thing most brands miss: a poncho isn’t a bath towel. You don’t just lie on it — you wear it. That changes everything. At 500 GSM, our cotton is plush and seriously absorbent, yet still light enough to throw on, move in and dry quickly. Go much heavier and it becomes a lovely towel you can’t comfortably wear all afternoon. 500 is the sweet spot for a poncho built for real beach days.
How to judge a towel in your hands
Beyond GSM, look for 100% cotton, a dense, even pile, and a weight that feels substantial without being a workout to carry. Then check the care label — a quality towel rewards gentle washing.
Want the easy answer? Meet the 500 GSM poncho →