Kwaliteit gaming kleding herkennen bij aankoop

Recognizing quality gaming clothing when purchasing

Table of contents

Last updated: September 30, 2026

How to recognize quality gaming clothing: what you really need to pay attention to

Recognizing the quality of gaming clothing when making a purchase comes down to one simple question: will this garment still feel good two years from now? At HTT Streetwear, we understand the need for durable clothing, especially among buyers who have previously been disappointed by prints that cracked after just two washes.

Htt Bold Series No Signal Hoodie Mens Hero Back(1)
Htt Bold Series No Signal Hoodie Mens Hero Back(1)
Key Insight You can recognize the quality of gaming clothing by four things: fabric weight in GSM, the fibers used, the printing technique, and the finishing of the seams. Check these four points to avoid most disappointments.

Materials and textile fibers: the foundation of every garment

The fiber a garment is made of determines how it feels, how long it lasts, and how well it breathes. An explanation of textile fibers and their properties helps with this: cotton is soft and breathable, while polyester is strong and dries quickly.

Textile fibers can broadly be divided into three groups:

  • Cotton: soft and breathable, but shrinks more quickly if washed incorrectly
  • Polyester: strong and colorfast, but less breathable
  • Blends: combine comfort with shape retention

Cotton, polyester, or a blend: what works for gaming clothing

For a T-shirt you wear often, 100% combed cotton is a good choice. Combed cotton means that short fibers have been removed, making the fabric smoother and stronger.

Pro Tip Do not look only at the cotton percentage, but also at the terms 'combed' or 'ring-spun'. These say more about the quality than a general cotton label.

What the GSM value means for clothing: what the weight tells you about quality

The meaning of the GSM value for clothing is simple: GSM stands for grams per square meter and indicates how heavy the fabric is. The higher the number, the sturdier and thicker the garment.

GSM Garment type Best use
180-200 Lightweight T-shirt Summer, sports
260-280 Heavyweight T-shirt Daily wear, streetwear
400-440 Heavy hoodie Winter, long sessions

From 180 GSM to 440 GSM: what suits each use

For clothing you wear daily, fabric between 260 and 280 GSM can be a good option. It is sturdy enough to hold its shape, but not so heavy that you quickly become too warm.

How to check the quality of prints on clothing: screen printing, sublimation, and durability

Checking the quality of prints on clothing starts with the technique. Screen printing applies ink in layers to the fabric and can last a long time with solid colors. Sublimation infuses the ink into the fibers and can work well for bright, full-coverage designs.

How to check a print before buying:

  • Feel the print: a thick, rubbery layer is usually a bad sign
  • Look at the edges: sharp edges indicate a neat print
  • Check the stretch: a good print stretches with the fabric
  • Read the care instructions: washing inside out keeps the print looking good for longer
Note Do not wash a printed design at a high temperature and avoid direct sunlight. This can damage the ink and cause cracking.

Stitching, seams, and finishing: a close visual inspection

The finishing tells you more about quality than the outside ever can. Turn a garment inside out and examine the seams. This can give you insight into the garment's durability.

What exactly to look for in a good seam

A high-quality garment often has side seams instead of a single seam at the side. This can help retain its shape and prevent the fabric from pulling. But there is more. Go through these points one by one:

  • Double-stitched edges: two rows of stitching instead of one. With a single row, you will eventually see the fabric stretching at points under tension, such as the armpit and side seam.
  • Stitch density: count the stitches per centimeter. A dense, even stitch (usually eight to twelve per centimeter) holds better than a loose, irregular stitch. Loose stitches mean less yarn per centimeter and therefore faster tearing.
  • Reinforced neckline: a ribbed collar that does not stretch out. Gently pull the neckline: a good collar springs back, while a poor one stays stretched out.
  • Coverstitching at the sleeves and hem: a flat, wide finish with multiple rows. This is the finish you see on good sportswear and streetwear because it follows the stretch of the fabric without pinching.
  • No loose threads: a sign of careless production. You can snip one loose thread, but many loose threads point to rushed factory work.

How to recognize poor finishing

  • Single seam in the side seam: the fabric pulls more quickly, and the seam may become wavy after washing.
  • Uneven stitching: a long stitch here and there between short stitches. These are the spots where the seam fails first.
  • Collar without ribbed finishing: a straight-cut neckline stretches out and becomes loose.
  • Visible thread ends on the inside: usually a sign that the finishing has not been checked.
Pro Tip Place two garments next to each other, turn both inside out, and compare the seams. You can see the difference between a neat coverstitch and a sloppy single seam within seconds, even without a magnifying glass.

A care label with clear washing instructions is also a good sign. Brands that think about care usually think about the rest as well. With our own pieces, such as the HTT 004 // AFTERIMAGE Zipped Hoodie, you can check the finishing yourself as soon as the package arrives: turn it inside out and place the seams next to those of an old shirt. The difference in stitch density and finishing can give you insight into the quality.

Fit, sizing, and breathability: lasting comfort

The fit determines whether you reach for a garment often or leave it hanging. An oversized fit with dropped shoulder seams provides room without losing its shape. Sizing only works if the brand provides clear measurements, so always check the size chart before ordering, especially with a boxy or loose fit.

Why gaming places different demands on textiles

During a long session, you move very little, but your body still produces heat and moisture. Without good moisture wicking, that moisture can remain in the fabric, making you feel cold once you stop or causing you to stick to the fabric while playing. This is one area where a lower-quality shirt and a quality shirt can differ.

HTT BLANKS Boxy T-Shirt – 280 GSM →

What to look for:

  • Moisture wicking: cotton absorbs moisture, while polyester wicks it away. A blend with a substantial share of cotton feels pleasantly breathable, while the polyester content helps move moisture away. For long sessions, a blend often works better than 100% cotton or 100% polyester.
  • Air circulation under the fabric: a loose, boxy fit lets more air through than a tight fit. That is one of the reasons why oversized gaming clothing is not only a style choice, but also a comfort choice.
  • Weight versus warmth: a 440 GSM hoodie retains heat, which feels great in winter but can become too warm during intense sessions. A 260 GSM T-shirt is then the better choice.
  • Seams that do not pinch: flat seams (coverstitch) prevent pressure points in places you lean on for long periods, such as your back against a chair.

Fit and sizing: how to choose the right size

Keep these points in mind when choosing:

  • Shoulder seams: do they sit at the edge of your shoulder (regular fit) or extend well past it (oversized)? Both can work well, but they fit differently.
  • Length: a boxy fit is often slightly shorter in the body. Check the length measurement in centimeters, not just the chest measurement.
  • Sleeves: with an oversized fit, the sleeves are often meant to be slightly roomier. Sleeves that are too tight on a loose-fitting body feel inconsistent.
Key Insight For gaming apparel, choose a fabric that wicks away moisture and allows air to pass through, along with a fit that provides room without becoming baggy. A cotton-polyester blend, a boxy or oversized fit, and flat seams work together to provide comfort that lasts for hours.

This way, you can choose a garment you will genuinely want to wear during your longest sessions.

Washing instructions, shrinking, and fading: how to keep your garment looking good for longer

Shrinking and fading are the two biggest enemies of your favorite garment. Both can be prevented with the right washing instructions.

These habits can help keep your clothes looking good for longer:

  • Wash at a maximum of 30 °C
  • Dry hanging, away from direct sunlight
  • Iron only at a low temperature
  • Wash similar colors together

Shopping online: assessing customer reviews, product data, and value for money

When shopping online, you cannot see the fabric up close. That is why you rely on product data and customer reviews to estimate quality.

Look for these signs on an online platform:

  • Full product specifications: GSM, fiber composition, finish
  • Clear size chart: with measurements in centimeters
  • Honest photos: including details such as seams and prints
  • Return policy: so you can exchange it if the fit is not right
Pro Tip Always compare the GSM value between products. A 280 GSM shirt at a low price can be a better deal than a thin shirt for the same price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you recognize the quality of cotton in streetwear?

Look at the cotton weight and the finishing. Combed cotton feels softer and smoother than standard cotton because the short fibers have been removed. A care label stating 100% combed cotton and a GSM of 260 or higher indicates sturdy fabric. Also check whether the garment is pre-shrunk and reactively dyed: this limits shrinkage and fading. The HTT BLANKS Boxy T-Shirt reflects this in its 280 GSM fabric made from 100% combed cotton.

Why is a hoodie's weight (GSM) important for quality?

GSM stands for grams per square meter and indicates how much fabric a garment contains. A higher GSM means a heavier, sturdier fabric with a fuller drape that is less likely to show through or lose its shape. For hoodies, good quality is often between 400 and 440 GSM. The HTT 004 // AFTERIMAGE Zipped Hoodie uses 440 GSM cotton, while the HTT 420GSM Heavyweight Set is made from 420 GSM French terry. Note: a higher GSM is not always better, because a summer T-shirt should be lighter.

How can you check whether a print on a shirt will stay looking good for a long time?

Look at the printing technique and the edges of the print. With screen printing, the ink should sit as a smooth layer in the fabric, not as a thick plastic layer on top. Rub your thumb over the print: if it feels rubbery and you can almost peel it off, it will crack more quickly after washing. With sublimation, the print is embedded in the fibers and is less likely to fade. Always wash inside out at 30°C and avoid the dryer to preserve print quality.

How do you prevent gaming clothing from shrinking or losing its shape quickly?

Choose garments with a pre-shrunk construction and follow the washing instructions on the care label. Wash inside out at a maximum of 30°C with a mild detergent, do not bleach, and do not soak. Avoid the dryer and hang to dry out of direct sunlight. Garments with a sturdy construction, such as side seams and double-stitched ribbed cuffs, can retain their shape better. The HTT Street Attitude Oversized T-Shirt has a pre-shrunk construction to retain its fit, which limits shrinkage.

Recognizing quality gaming clothing when shopping isn't luck, but a matter of knowing what to look for. At HTT Streetwear, we build our collection around exactly those details: heavyweight cotton, sturdy finishing, and prints that last. Check out our premium hoodies and oversized T-shirts and add your favorite to your cart.

Back to blog