Microfiber Towel GSM Explained – Which Weight Is Best?
GSM might sound technical, but it’s one of the most important things to understand when choosing a microfiber towel. Let’s break down what GSM means and how to pick the right weight for different detailing tasks.
What Is GSM in Microfiber Towels?
GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. It tells you how thick and dense the towel is. A higher GSM means the towel is heavier, thicker, and more absorbent. A lower GSM means it’s lighter, thinner, and typically dries faster.
GSM Ranges and What They’re Good For
- 200–300 GSM: Best for dirty jobs, engine bays, wheels, and interiors
- 350–400 GSM: Ideal for contact washing, drying, and general paint-safe use
- 500+ GSM: Great for ultra-soft tasks like final wipe-downs or ceramic coating leveling
Examples from Jimbo’s Detailing Towels
Everyday Microfiber Towel – 300 GSM
Perfect for interiors, dirty work, and multipurpose use. Still soft enough for exterior use with proper technique.
Orange Wash Microfiber Towel – 390 GSM
Our go-to for swirl-free contact washing. High-pile, paint-safe, and just the right balance between soft and effective.
Softer Than Soft Microfiber Towel – 550 GSM
Insanely soft. Use it for leveling coatings, wiping down soft black paint, or luxury finishes where nothing else will do.
Which GSM Is Best for You?
If you’re doing contact washing, stick with 350–400 GSM. For drying, you can go higher. For interiors or dirty jobs, 300 GSM is ideal. The key is matching the GSM to the job—not using one towel for everything.
Want to Learn More?
- How to Wash Microfiber Towels
- Best Towels for Washing a Car Without Swirls
- Edged vs Edgeless Towels – What’s the Difference?
Featured Towels
FAQs
What GSM is best for washing a car?
390–400 GSM is ideal for washing your car without scratching or swirling. It’s soft enough for paint but still effective for cleaning.
Is higher GSM always better?
Not always. Higher GSM towels are softer and more absorbent, but they’re also bulkier and slower to dry. Use them when softness matters most.
Can I use a 300 GSM towel on paint?
You can, but be careful. Lower GSM towels work better on interiors, wheels, and jambs. Use higher GSM for safer paint contact.
