What is DTF printing?

DTF (Direct to Film) printing is a heat transfer method that prints designs onto special film and transfers them to fabric using heat and pressure.

What materials can DTF be used on?

DTF printing works on cotton, polyester, blends, leather, nylon, and many other fabric types without pre-treatment.

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DTF Basics

Gildan 8000 (G800) DryBlend Size Chart & Fit Guide

A Gildan 8000 medium measures 20" chest, 29" body in 5.5 oz 50/50 DryBlend. Full G800 size chart S-3XL, 40+ colors, fit notes, and DTF press temps.

Darrin DeTorres• DTF Database Founder

March 6, 2026

7 min read

Table of Contents

Gildan 8000 (G800) DryBlend T-Shirt: Complete Style Guide

The Gildan 8000 is the go-to budget-friendly moisture-wicking blank. Also known as the G800, this 5.5 oz DryBlend tee uses a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend to pull moisture away from the body while maintaining the soft feel of cotton. It is the top choice for athletic teams, outdoor events, 5K races, summer camps, and any application where comfort in warm conditions matters.

Gildan 8000 Specifications

Specification	Detail
Style Number	8000 (also called G800)
Product Line	DryBlend
Fabric Weight	5.5 oz/yd²
Fabric Content	50% cotton / 50% polyester (DryBlend moisture-wicking)
Fit	Classic, relaxed fit
Collar	Seamless collar
Tag	Tear-away neck tag
Features	DryBlend moisture-wicking technology, minimal shrinkage, color retention

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Gildan 8000 Size Chart

Size	Chest Width	Body Length
S	18"	28"
M	20"	29"
L	22"	30"
XL	24"	31"
2XL	26"	32"
3XL	28"	33"

Sizing is identical to the Gildan 5000 in most dimensions. For a full comparison, see our Gildan Size Chart Complete Guide.

Color Availability

The Gildan 8000 is available in 40+ colors.

Core Neutrals: White, Black, Sport Grey, Ash Grey, Charcoal Blues: Navy, Royal, Carolina Blue, Sapphire Reds & Pinks: Red, Cardinal Red, Maroon, Heliconia, Safety Pink Greens: Forest Green, Irish Green, Safety Green Yellows & Oranges: Gold, Daisy, Safety Orange, Tennessee Orange Purples: Purple Safety/Hi-Vis: Safety Green, Safety Orange, Safety Pink — these are 50/50 blends on the G800 just like the rest of the line.

Check availability at SanMar, S&S Activewear, or JiffyShirts.

DTF Printing on the Gildan 8000

The 50/50 polyester content in the G800 requires special attention when pressing DTF transfers. Polyester is more heat-sensitive than cotton and can scorch, melt, or cause dye migration (color bleeding through the transfer) at higher temperatures.

Recommended DTF Press Settings:

Setting	Value
Temperature	280–295°F
Time	10–12 seconds
Pressure	Medium-light
Peel	Cold peel

Critical Tips for Poly Blend DTF:

Never exceed 300°F on the G800 — polyester scorching begins above this temperature
Watch for dye migration on dark colors (especially Red, Navy, Black) where the garment dye bleeds through the white DTF transfer layer
Pre-press for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture
Use a Teflon sheet to protect the transfer and garment
Consider doing a test press on a sample before running a full order

For a complete poly-blend temperature reference, see our DTF Transfer Temperature Guide.

Gildan 8000 vs. Other Gildan T-Shirts

Feature	G800 (DryBlend)	G500 (Heavy Cotton)	G640 (Softstyle)
Weight	5.5 oz	5.3 oz	4.5 oz
Fabric	50/50 Cotton/Poly	100% Cotton	100% Ring-Spun
Moisture Wicking	Yes	No	No
Shrinkage	Minimal	Low (1-3%)	Low (1-3%)
Color Retention	Excellent	Good	Good
DTF Temp	280–295°F	305–325°F	300–315°F
Best For	Athletic, outdoor, events	General custom apparel	Premium retail

Bottom line: Choose the G800 when moisture-wicking performance matters. Choose the G500 for standard DTF work. Choose the G640 for premium feel.

Where to Buy Gildan 8000 Wholesale

SanMar — Full catalog. Requires reseller account. S&S Activewear — Wholesale pricing. Fast shipping. JiffyShirts — No minimums. 1–2 day shipping.

About the Author

Darrin DeTorres

DTF Database Founder

Darrin DeTorres has over 10 years of experience in the print industry, specializing in screen printing, sublimation, embroidery, HTV, and DTF printing. He runs Notice Me Marketing and Media, a custom apparel production company that prints thousands of shirts per month.