For relaxed French-terry sweat shorts, we often start around 320 GSM when a customer wants more drape. A lighter training short can be right for a different use; our catalog includes styles from 240 GSM. If a customer still finds the French terry too thin, we can discuss a brushed fleece option. Then set the length by the inseam, in centimeters, for each size.
Why do sweat shorts feel thin?
Shorts are judged on drape more than a hoodie is. A hoodie has weight across the shoulders to pull it straight; shorts hang from the waist and only the fabric's own weight makes them fall. In a light fabric, they cling to the thighs and bunch up when you walk.
Customers often come back to us saying their first shorts felt thin. That is why 320 GSM French terry is a starting point for a fuller casual short, not a minimum for every short we make. French terry has loops on the inside; it's the usual shorts fabric because it feels dry and doesn't overheat.
Fleece-lined shorts: the fix we suggest
When 320 GSM French terry still feels too thin for a customer, we suggest fleece-lined shorts: the inside loops are brushed into a soft fleece. The fabric feels fuller and drapes more, without going to a very heavy weight.
The trade-off: fleece is warmer. For a hot climate or gym shorts, compare lighter fabrics and check both drape and comfort on the worn sample.
Our catalog shorts run from 240 GSM, cotton-spandex blends for training, up to 420 GSM heavy cotton for streetwear. Most sit between 300 and 355 GSM.
How long should sweat shorts be?
Set the length by the inseam: measured from the crotch seam down the inside of the leg to the hem. Give it in centimeters for your base size, and we grade the rest.
Do not choose an inseam from a generic number alone. The same measurement lands differently with a different rise, leg opening and wearer. Send a pair you like with its size, or give the desired knee position on the person who will wear it; we can measure that reference for the sample.
Also give the leg opening, measured flat. A wide opening with a heavy fabric makes the classic straight streetwear short.
The Dubai order that needed a longer short
One Dubai customer needed shorts that covered the knee but had not stated that in the first spec. We raised the length before sampling. The useful lesson is to ask each buyer where the hem should fall on their customer, then set the inseam from that reference.
It's a good example of why we ask where the garment will be sold before we ask for measurements.
Waistband, pockets, hem
- Waistband: covered elastic, elastic plus drawcord, or a rib band. Elastic is the commonest reason we rework shorts and sweatpants: in the past, waistbands came out 2 cm over or under. Customers don't accept that and neither do we. It takes a dedicated waistband machine and trained workers, and we agree the waist relaxed and stretched on the sample.
- Pockets: side seam pockets, a back pocket, zip pockets or cargo pockets. List each one.
- Hem: a folded, stitched hem, a raw cut edge for a vintage look, or a split side hem. A raw edge curls a little after washing.
Shrinkage and washes
Shorts shrink like any cotton knit. Our fabrics shrink 0 to 5% depending on the fabric, and washing and tumble-drying can take length off the leg. When length matters, we wash the fabric before cutting.
Washed shorts are possible; the wash is done at a partner wash house and works best on 100% cotton.
Shorts as part of a set
Shorts often come as a set with a hoodie or a tee. We ask the mill for one fabric lot for the set. If two dye lots arrive, we cut them separately and match top and bottom from the same lot where possible.
How many pieces, how long?
Full custom starts at 100 pieces per style and per color, sizes split inside. We confirm sample and bulk timing after the fabric, measurements and decoration are set. Shorts are quoted from the selected fabric and details.
For a smaller run, our stock shorts start at 50 pieces per style, colors and sizes mixed. See stock blanks.
FAQ
Can shorts have a print on the leg?
Yes, usually on one front leg near the hem or the hip. Keep it clear of the side seam.
DTF on shorts?
DTF may suit a small run; agree on the care routine and test the decorated sample before promising hot tumble-dryer use.
Can I get a liner in gym shorts?
Ask us with a photo. It changes the construction and the fabric.
Next step
Send a pair of shorts you like with its size, or your inseam and leg opening for size M, plus the fabric. See our styles on the custom sweat shorts page and include a photo or measurement sketch in your inquiry.
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