HEAVYWEIGHT PERFORMANCE SHELL

340 GSM Heavyweight Fabric

The industry-standard shell weight for insulated outerwear. Rugged enough to hold down fill without rippling, weather-sealed with DWR & PU coatings — built for puffer jackets, parkas, and winter performance gear.

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Grams / m²
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Min. Order
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Max Waterproof
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Countries
OEKO-TEX 100Certified Safe
ISO 9001:2015Quality System
PU CoatedWaterproof Shell
Cold-Rated−20°C Tested
DHL / FedExExpress Delivery

What Is 340 GSM Fabric?

340 GSM fabric is a heavyweight performance shell specifically engineered as the outer layer for insulated garments. At this density, the fabric provides enough structural rigidity to hold down or synthetic fill panels flat and even — preventing the rippling, bunching, and cold-spot formation that plagues lighter shells.

"340 GSM is the sweet spot where shell durability meets insulation performance. Go lighter and the fill shifts. Go heavier and you're carrying unnecessary weight. This is why it's the global standard for premium puffer jackets."

We manufacture 340 GSM shells in both high-tenacity nylon and recycled polyester, with optional DWR treatment, PU coating (5,000–10,000mm waterproof), and full membrane lamination (20,000mm+) for extreme conditions.

Every roll is tested for tear strength (ASTM D1424), waterproof rating (AATCC 127), hydrostatic head pressure, and seam-seal compatibility before it leaves our Sialkot facility.

340
GSM — Sweet Spot
340 GSM heavyweight shell fabric used in puffer jacket construction showing quilted panel detail
Quality Lab — Sialkot

Available 340 GSM Variants

Six configurations engineered for different end-uses — from team puffers to expedition parkas.

Nylon
Taffeta Shell
Nylon
Ripstop Shell
rPET
Recycled Poly
Poly
Plain Weave
PU
Coated Shell
Membrane
Laminated

Where 340 GSM Fits

Understanding where this weight sits in the full fabric range — and why it's the go-to for insulated outerwear.

Lightweight
70–120 GSM
Lining, windbreakers, packable shells
Midweight
130–200 GSM
Track pants, light jackets, activewear
Heavyweight
210–340 GSM
Puffers, parkas, ski jackets, winter coats
Ultra-Heavy
350–500 GSM
Tactical gear, tents, heavy-duty covers
Industrial
500+ GSM
Upholstery, bags, industrial applications
340 GSM sits at the upper end of the heavyweight category — heavy enough for serious insulation support but still flexible enough for garment construction. It's the most requested GSM for OEM puffer and parka production worldwide.

Why 340 GSM Performs

The specific properties that make this weight class the industry standard for insulated outerwear shells.

Fill Retention

Structural density prevents down and synthetic insulation from shifting, bunching, or creating cold spots over time.

Puncture Resistance

High GSM eliminates feather poke-through — down quills and synthetic fibers stay contained within quilt channels.

Wind Block

Dense weave structure creates an effective wind barrier even before coatings are applied — critical for winter performance.

Coating Bond

Heavier fabric bonds more reliably with PU coatings and membrane laminations — fewer delamination issues in the field.

Seam Strength

Thicker material holds stitch lines and tape seals securely — essential for waterproof garment construction at seam points.

Shape Retention

Garments hold their structured silhouette wash after wash — no sagging, stretching, or loss of panel alignment.

Premium Hand Feel

Despite the weight, high-tenacity yarns and calendering produce a smooth, crisp hand — not stiff or cardboard-like.

What It's Used For

340 GSM shells dominate the insulated outerwear category across performance, fashion, and workwear segments.

Puffer Jackets
Parkas
Down Jackets
Ski Jackets
Expedition Gear
Rain Coats
Insulated Vests
Workwear Jackets
Quilted Jackets
Cold-Storage Gear

Shell Weight Comparison

How 340 GSM stacks up against lighter and heavier shell options across key performance metrics.

Property200 GSM340 GSM450 GSM
Fill SupportMinimal — fill shiftsExcellent — holds panels flat BestOverkill — adds weight
Puncture ResistanceFeather poke-through likelyStrong barrier BestMaximum but unnecessary
Wind ProtectionRequires coatingNaturally wind-blocking BestNaturally wind-blocking
Garment WeightVery light LightestModerateHeavy Heaviest
PackabilityHighly compressible BestModerate — compresses wellBulky — hard to pack
Coating BondCan delaminateStrong, reliable bond BestStrong bond
Seam StrengthAdequate for light useExcellent for taped seams BestVery strong
Hand FeelSoft, flexible SoftestCrisp, premiumStiff, boardy Stiffest
Cost Per MeterLowest CheapestModerateHighest Priciest
Best ForLight shells, linersPuffers, parkas, ski VersatileTactical, industrial
Key insight: 340 GSM wins on 5 of 10 metrics — and it's the only weight that scores "excellent" on fill support, puncture resistance, wind protection, coating bond, and seam strength simultaneously. That's why it dominates the insulated outerwear market.

Honest Assessment

Advantages
  • Optimal density for holding down and synthetic insulation flat
  • Eliminates feather poke-through in down-filled garments
  • Naturally wind-resistant even without additional coatings
  • Superior PU coating and membrane lamination adhesion
  • Strong seam integrity — ideal for fully taped waterproof construction
  • Maintains garment shape and silhouette over hundreds of wash cycles
  • Versatile across puffers, parkas, ski jackets, and workwear
  • Premium crisp hand feel despite the weight
Disadvantages
  • Heavier than midweight shells — not suitable for packable ultralight gear
  • 15–30% higher material cost than 200–250 GSM alternatives
  • Less breathable than lighter fabrics — moisture can accumulate during high-output activity
  • Longer production lead time due to heavier fabric handling
  • Not suitable for sublimation on nylon (polyester variant available)
  • Overkill for non-insulated garments — adds unnecessary cost and weight
Our mitigation: For breathability concerns, we recommend membrane lamination (PTFE or PU) which adds 5,000–15,000 g/m²/24hr breathability while maintaining waterproofing. For sublimation needs, our recycled polyester 340 GSM variant accepts dye-sub printing beautifully.

Three Levels of Protection

340 GSM's density makes it the ideal base for durable, long-lasting water protection treatments.

DWR water repellent treatment on fabric surface showing water beading
Level 1

DWR Treatment

Durable water repellent finish causes water to bead and roll off the surface. Not fully waterproof — ideal for light rain and snow. Retains full breathability and fabric hand feel.

Water BeadingFull BreathabilityLight ProtectionLowest Cost
PU coated waterproof fabric for puffer jacket shells
Most Popular

PU Coating

Polyurethane coating applied to the fabric back creates a waterproof barrier rated 5,000–10,000mm. The standard choice for puffer jackets — fully waterproof, seam-tape compatible, and cost-effective.

5K–10K WaterproofSeam-Tape ReadyDurableBest Value
Membrane laminated fabric with waterproof breathable layer
Premium

Membrane Lamination

PTFE or TPU membrane laminated between fabric layers. Waterproof to 20,000mm+ with breathability of 10,000–15,000 g/m²/24hr. For expedition-grade parkas and premium alpine jackets.

20K+ WaterproofHigh BreathabilityExpedition GradePremium Price

Make It Yours

340 GSM is one of the most treatment-friendly weights — almost any finish can be applied with excellent adhesion.

01

Fiber Type

Nylon, recycled polyester, or standard polyester — each with distinct performance profiles.

02

Weave Structure

Taffeta, ripstop, oxford, or plain weave — selected based on end-use and aesthetic needs.

03

Coating Level

DWR, PU coating (5K–10K), or membrane lamination (20K+) — matched to your waterproof spec.

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Color & Dyeing

Pantone-matched solid colors, heathered effects, or solution-dyed for maximum colorfastness.

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Finish Treatments

Anti-pilling, UV stabilizer, anti-static, or antimicrobial — layered on top of base coating.

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Print Method

Screen printing, heat transfer, or sublimation (polyester only) for branded outerwear.

Ordering Process

From first contact to delivery — a streamlined 5-step process for bulk fabric orders.

Inquiry

Day 0

Samples

3–5 Days

Approval

1–2 Days

Production

18–25 Days

Delivery

4–7 Days
Total turnaround: 26–39 days from inquiry to doorstep. Rush orders available in 18–22 days for uncoated variants.

MOQ, Capacity & Lead Time

500 pcs
Minimum Order Quantity
Fabric-only: 200 meters
25K pcs/mo
Manufacturing Capacity
Scalable to 50K+ on demand
18–25 days
Production Lead Time
Rush orders: 12–15 days

Frequently Asked Questions

340 GSM hits the sweet spot between shell durability and insulation efficiency. Lighter shells (200–250 GSM) can ripple or bunch around down/synthetic fill, while heavier shells (400+ GSM) add unnecessary weight and reduce packability. At 340 GSM, the fabric holds insulation panels flat, resists punctures from fill movement, and provides a robust barrier against wind and rain without making the garment feel like armor.
Not at all. While 340 GSM sounds heavy, modern weaving techniques and high-tenacity yarns keep the fabric supple and flexible. For skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering, 340 GSM shells are actually the industry standard for insulated jackets. The weight is in the shell — the overall garment weight depends on the insulation type and thickness you choose.
Yes. We offer three levels of water protection: DWR (water-repellent, beads off light rain), PU coating (waterproof to 5,000–10,000mm), and membrane lamination (waterproof to 20,000mm+ with breathability). For puffer jackets, PU coating is the most common choice — it's fully waterproof, cost-effective, and bonds well with seam-taped construction.
At this weight the differences are more pronounced. Nylon 340 GSM is stronger (1.5× tensile strength), more abrasion-resistant, and has a softer hand — ideal for premium parkas. Polyester 340 GSM is more UV-stable, accepts sublimation, and costs 15–20% less — ideal for printed team winter jackets. Both can be treated with DWR or PU coating.
We provide free A4-size fabric swatches (up to 3 options) shipped via DHL/FedEx at no charge. We can include both nylon and polyester versions at 340 GSM so you can compare hand feel and performance before committing to a full order.
340 GSM works with all common insulation types: 600–800 fill power goose down, duck down, recycled down, and synthetic fills (Primaloft, Thinsulate, Coreloft). The shell's density is sufficient to contain any of these without poke-through. For the highest fill powers (800+), we recommend pairing with a down-proof inner liner for added security.
Yes — this is actually one of 340 GSM's strongest advantages. The fabric thickness provides excellent grip for seam tape, and the dense weave prevents tape adhesion failures that can occur with lighter shells. We test all our 340 GSM coated fabrics for seam-tape compatibility per AATCC 127 standards before shipping.
Our 340 GSM fabrics carry OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and ISO 9001:2015 certifications. DWR treatments meet AATCC 22 standards, and PU coatings are tested to AATCC 127 for waterproof rating. Additional certifications (bluesign®, REACH) available on request for specific orders.

Ready to Start Your 340 GSM Order?

Get a detailed quote with pricing, lead time, and free fabric samples — typically within 4 business hours.