Guide

# Fabric Guide: Viscose Goni, Heavyweight Cotton, and Care

Last updated: 29 September 2026

Every man | made piece lists its fit and fabric under the story, for example "Oversize Boxy, Viscose Goni". Here is what those words mean and how to look after each.

## Viscose Goni

Viscose is a fibre made from plant cellulose, usually wood pulp. It is soft, breathable, and cool on the skin, and it drapes: it falls and moves rather than holding a stiff shape, which suits a loose shirt in a warm climate.

Goni is the Indonesian word for sacking. In fabric it names a textured weave with a visible, slightly irregular grain, like woven sacking but soft to the touch. [Blue Roses](https://manmade.fit/volume/gun-n-roses/blue-roses) is cut from viscose goni.

Viscose is weaker when wet. Wash it cold, by hand or on a gentle cycle, do not wring it, dry it in the shade, and iron on low from the inside.

## Cotton and What GSM Means

GSM is grams per square metre: the weight of the fabric. Around 150 to 180 gsm is a light tee, around 200 to 240 gsm a mid to heavyweight tee, and above 250 gsm heavyweight. Heavier cotton feels more substantial and holds a boxy shape instead of clinging.

[Executioner](https://manmade.fit/volume/the-verdict/executioner) is cut from 230 gsm cotton sold by Indonesian mills as Cotton Arizona, a firm, dense knit that holds a boxy shape.

Wash cotton cold or warm, inside out, and avoid a hot tumble dryer, which is the main cause of shrinking.

## Looking After the Motifs

- Turn the piece inside out before washing, so embroidery and prints do not rub against other clothes.
- Never iron directly on a print or embroidery; iron from the inside or around it.
- Skip bleach and strong stain removers on coloured motifs.

## Read next

- [Oversize boxy fit guide →](https://manmade.fit/guides/oversize-boxy-fit)
- [FAQ →](https://manmade.fit/faq)
- [The Archive →](https://manmade.fit/archive)