Costuming Tips & Tricks

If you've spent any time on social media researching tutu net, you've probably seen discussions comparing Denier and GSM as though they're interchangeable measurements. They're not.

One of the most common questions we receive at Tutu.com is:

"Can you tell me the GSM of your tutu nets if I know the Denier?"

The short answer is no—there is no direct conversion.

While both Denier and GSM describe characteristics of fabric, they measure completely different things. Understanding the difference can help you make better material choices and avoid one of the biggest misconceptions about tutu net.

Let's take a closer look.

What Is Denier?

Denier measures the thickness of the individual thread used to make a fabric.

Think of it as measuring the size of the yarn—not the finished fabric.

What Is GSM?

GSM (Grams per Square Meter) measures the total weight of the finished fabric.

In other words, it tells you how much the woven or knitted fabric weighs—not how thick each individual thread is.

Why Can't You Convert Denier to GSM?

There isn't a simple formula because two fabrics made with the same Denier thread can have very different weights.

That depends on factors such as:

• How tightly the fabric is woven

• The weave or mesh construction

• The finishing process

• The fiber used (nylon vs. polyester)

A thicker thread does not automatically create a heavier fabric.

Approximate GSM of Our Tutu Nets

Although there isn't an exact conversion, these are the approximate ranges for the nets Tutu.com carries.

40 Denier Diamond-Hole Crinoline Net

SKU begins with 590

• Approximately 35–40 GSM

• Our most popular tutu net

• Easier to hand pleat

• Finger-presses beautifully

60–70 Denier Crinoline Net

60-inch net (SKU begins with 530)

• Approximately 45–50 GSM

• Slightly stiffer

• Slightly coarser than the 54-inch net

70–80 Denier Stiff Crinoline Net

• Approximately 50–60 GSM

• One of our stiffest polyester nets

Want to compare these nets for yourself? Browse Tutu.com's complete selection of Professional Tutu Net in a variety of widths, stiffnesses, and colors.

Finish Matters Just as Much as Weight

Here's where many online discussions become misleading.

Two nets may have nearly identical Denier and GSM measurements but feel completely different.

That's because the finishing process greatly affects stiffness.

For example, the stiffest polyester nets we carry (finished in China) are noticeably stiffer than horsehair nets finished here in the United States—even though their weights and Deniers are very similar.

What About Horsehair Net?

Our 100% nylon horsehair net is every bit as strong as the stiffest polyester nets, but it has a much smoother, less coarse feel.

We most often use it when restoring older rental costumes by adding a center row to give a floppy tutu new life.

Additional advantages include:

• Dyes relatively easily

• Excellent quality

• Softer hand while maintaining strength

By comparison, very stiff polyester nets require extremely high heat to dye well, and that heat can actually soften the fabric.

→ Shop Highest-Quality Stiff Tutu Net (Also Called Horsehair Net) White

→ Shop Highest-Quality Stiff Tutu Net (Also Called Horsehair Net) Black

Which Net Is Easier to Pleat?

The 54-inch (590-series) nets are generally much easier to hand pleat because they finger-press exceptionally well.

The stiffer nets resist folding more, making hand pleating more difficult.

So...Which Tutu Net Is Best?

There isn't a single "best" tutu net.

The internet's search for the holy grail of the stiffest net is really based on a misunderstanding.

There is no "holy grail" tutu net.

Choosing the right net depends on your construction method, desired stiffness, and personal preference—not simply its Denier or GSM.

If you're working with a lighter net, simply use more fabric.

Adding an extra half to full piece per row in the upper rows often produces the support you're looking for.

For example, when we use our 54-inch 590-series net, we gather more net into each row than when using the stiffer 60-inch 530-series net.

Different nets simply require different construction techniques.

Claudia's Recommendation

The best way to discover your favorite tutu net is simple:

Purchase a yard or two of several different nets and experiment.

Try:

• Ruffling

• Gathering

• Hand pleating

You'll quickly learn which one feels best in your hands and produces the results you prefer.

These differences are also demonstrated in many of our TutuSchools courses, where students work hands-on with a variety of professional tutu nets.

After decades of making professional ballet costumes, I've found there isn't one perfect net—only the one that's perfect for your technique, your project, and your personal preference. — Claudia Folts

Explore Our Professional Tutu Nets

Whether you're creating your first classical tutu or producing costumes for a full ballet company, we offer professional-quality tutu nets in a wide range of stiffnesses, widths, and colors to suit every project.

→ Shop Professional Tutu Nets