Gildan 5400 Long Sleeve T-Shirt Blank for DTF Printing
The Gildan 5400 Long Sleeve T-Shirt extends the heavy cotton print surface of the classic cotton tee through fall and winter seasons — a 6.1 oz 100% pre-shrunk cotton construction with the same structural quality decorators expect from the Gildan lineup. Available in sizes S through 3XL across 11 colorways, it is the standard long sleeve blank for school programs, seasonal branded merchandise, fall event shirts, and custom apparel lines that need coverage without moving into fleece weight.
Key Features of the Gildan 5400 Long Sleeve
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6.1 oz 100% preshrunk cotton — heavier than standard short sleeve cotton for better seasonal coverage
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Taped neck and shoulders for consistent structural shape
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Double-needle collar, sleeves, and bottom hem for durability
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Quarter-turned body eliminates center fold crease
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Flat-seam construction for a clean finished appearance
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Available in 11 colorways: Black, White, Sport Grey, Charcoal, Red, Royal, Purple, Forest Green, Dark Heather, Military Green, Navy
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Sizes S through 3XL
The Seasonal Blank for Fall Events, School Programs, and Cool-Weather Merch
The long sleeve tee occupies the practical gap between short-sleeve summer apparel and full-weight fleece — it is what schools reach for in October, what fall fundraiser programs need, and what seasonal branded merchandise lines add to round out a collection. The Gildan 5400's 6.1 oz weight gives it enough body to feel substantial without the bulk of a sweatshirt, making it suitable for layering or standalone wear through NJ and Northeast fall temperatures.
For decorators, the long sleeve format creates additional print placement options: sleeve prints, forearm prints, and wrist area logos are all accessible on the 5400 in ways that are not possible on a short-sleeve blank. Combined with chest and back placements, it gives custom apparel programs more real estate to work with per garment.
Compatible Printing and Decoration Methods
The Gildan 5400 accepts the following decoration methods:
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DTF transfers (chest, back, and sleeve placements)
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Screen printing
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Heat transfer vinyl
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DTG printing
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Embroidery
Order Gildan 5400 Long Sleeve Blank T-Shirts at DTF Jersey
DTF Jersey carries the Gildan 5400 in all 11 colorways across sizes S through 3XL. Order blanks for your fall program or combine with our DTF transfer printing service. Shipping throughout New Jersey, New York, and the Northeast.
All Blank orders of $200 or more are shipped FREE same day via UPS Ground. Blank orders under $200 will qualify for the following shipping options:
UPS Blank Apparel Shipping (2-4 Business Days): $9.95
UPS Ground (1-2 Business Days): $16.95
UPS Standard Overnight (1 Day): $39.95
Read our Shipping Policy for more information.
Fill out the Blank Apparel Return Form within 45 days of receiving your order to submit a request for a refund or return.
Note: All blank orders shipped outside of the continental US are not eligible for return, exchange, or refund.
Warm your heat press to 280-300 F / 155-160 C
Medium pressure for 9-13 seconds.
Pressure 6 KG
Allow 10 seconds to cool before peeling
Cold Peel / Hot Peel
For more questions: FAQs
Choose options
A heavy cotton long sleeve for fall and winter merch.
The 5400 is the long sleeve version of the classic Gildan 5000. 5.3 oz US cotton in most colors with rib cuffs and a classic fit in S to 3XL, built for fall events, seasonal merch, and cool-weather programs, with extra sleeve and forearm print placements.
What colors does the 5400 come in?
DTF Jersey stocks the Gildan 5400 long sleeve in eleven colors, from core solids like Black, White, and Navy to Charcoal, Forest Green, and Dark Heather for fall and seasonal programs. Fiber content changes with the color family, so check the note below before you press.
Fiber note: Most Gildan 5400 colors are 100% US cotton. Sport Grey is 90/10 cotton and polyester, and Dark Heather is 50/50. In the wider Gildan 5400 range, Ash is 99/1, and Graphite Heather, Safety Green, and Safety Orange are 50/50 cotton and polyester. Safety Green meets ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility standards. Test press settings on a blend color before a full run.
Special order: Beyond the stocked colors above, the Gildan 5400 is offered in a 25 color range. Fiber content varies by color: solids are 100% US cotton, Ash is 99/1, Sport Grey is 90/10, and Dark Heather, Graphite Heather, Safety Green, and Safety Orange are 50/50 cotton and polyester. Safety Green meets ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility standards. These colors are not held in regular stock at DTF Jersey. Contact us to confirm current availability and lead time before ordering.
It turns a print into a product people pay for.
When someone wears a 5400 it does not feel like a stiff promo shirt. The heavy cotton, the classic fit, and the sturdy build move your custom work up a tier from basic blanks, without the cost of a premium retail brand. For Northeast shops, that is a better product at a price bulk orders can still absorb.
Heavy cotton coverage, built to last.
At 5.3 oz the 5400 is a true heavy cotton long sleeve. The 100% cotton is spun to 20 singles for a sturdy, durable hand that stands up to seasonal wear and repeated washing, giving DTF transfers and screen prints a solid, even base across chest, back, and sleeves.
The cut is a classic fit with taped neck and shoulders and a narrow rib collar that holds its shape, plus a tear-away label for easy rebranding and fabric that keeps sizing consistent across reorders.
How the 5400 takes ink, transfers, and heat.
Solid cotton colors press the same, but Sport Grey and Dark Heather carry polyester and can behave differently under heat. Test settings on the exact blend color before a full run and always confirm settings for your specific transfer. The long sleeve format also opens up forearm and cuff placements. More help in the DTF Jersey FAQs.
DTF printing and care for the 5400.
The heavy 100% cotton face of the Gildan 5400 is well suited to DTF (direct-to-film) transfers across chest, back, and sleeve placements. A finished DTF transfer is applied with a heat press, and the sturdy cotton surface gives the ink a solid, even base to bond to.
Applying DTF transfers to the 5400
General pressing guidance for a clean, durable bond on heavy cotton:
- 1Use a flat heat press for even, consistent pressure across the whole design.
- 2Follow the temperature, time, and pressure recommended by your transfer supplier, since settings vary by film and adhesive.
- 3Pre-press the shirt briefly to remove moisture and flatten wrinkles before applying the transfer.
- 4Peel the carrier film as directed for your specific transfer, hot or cold peel.
- 5For sleeve or forearm prints, use a smaller heat platen or a sleeve press so pressure stays even around the cuff and seam. Test Sport Grey and Dark Heather first, since the polyester content can behave differently under heat.
Handheld presses can work for small one-off designs, but a dedicated flat heat press is recommended for bulk and full-size prints where even pressure matters. Always confirm exact settings with your DTF transfer supplier or the DTF Jersey FAQs.
Keeping a printed 5400 looking right
To help a DTF-printed Gildan 5400 hold up over time, general care guidance is:
- ✓Wait at least 24 hours after pressing before the first wash.
- ✓Turn the shirt inside out before washing to protect the print surface.
- ✓Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle to protect both the print and the heavy cotton fabric.
- ✓Tumble dry low or hang to dry, and avoid high heat on the printed area.
- ✓Do not iron directly over a transfer.
The Gildan 5400 holds its shape through repeated wear and wash, which keeps sizing consistent across reorders and seasonal programs. Follow the care label and your transfer supplier guidance for best results.
Long sleeve size chart
| Size | Chest Width | Body Length | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18" | 28" | 32.5" |
| M | 20" | 29" | 34" |
| L | 22" | 30" | 35.5" |
| XL | 24" | 31" | 37" |
| 2XL | 26" | 32" | 38.5" |
| 3XL | 28" | 33" | 38.5" |
Measuring: Approximate laid-flat dimensions (chest width is half the full chest). Length runs from the highest shoulder point to the hem; chest is measured seam to seam below the armhole. Fit: The Gildan 5400 runs a classic fit with a seamless body. Sizes run S to 3XL with rib cuffs at the wrist. It shares overlapping color options with the short sleeve Gildan 5000 for programs ordering both. Availability can vary by stock level.
Build the order around the same Gildan family.
Round out a seasonal apparel program with the short sleeve Gildan 5000 and other Heavy Cotton styles for a matched, year-round run. Availability varies; contact us to confirm a style before ordering.
5000Unisex Heavy Cotton Tee
In stock
5000BYouth Heavy Cotton Tee
In stock
5000LWomen's Heavy Cotton Tee
5400BYouth Heavy Cotton Long Sleeve
5300Unisex Heavy Cotton Pocket Tee
5200Unisex Heavy Cotton Tank Top
5V00LWomen's Heavy Cotton V-Neck
5700Unisex Heavy Cotton Raglan
5100PToddler Heavy Cotton Tee
Mixing styles in one order? Pair the 5400 long sleeve with the short sleeve Gildan 5000 for a full Heavy Cotton apparel run across seasons. Tell us the styles and quantities and we will confirm stock and pricing.
Shop Blank Apparel →A seasonal long sleeve for fall events and cool-weather merch.
Merch & apparel brands
Durable heavy cotton and a full color range make the 5400 the go-to for school spirit shirts, field day tees, and class programs that need to match school colors.
DTF & screen print shops
Double pique closes up the surface, so transfers and screen prints land cleanly. The 5400 is the natural upsell from the Gildan 5000 on repeat custom orders.
Print-on-demand & online sellers
Consistent sizing, a broad color range, and a soft hand make the 5400 a dependable base for Etsy, Shopify, and POD stores where reviews and returns matter.
Teams, events & bulk orders
A softer tee people actually keep wearing, at a price that still works across large group runs, uniform programs, and event merchandise.
Gildan 5400 vs Gildan 5000.
The same Gildan Heavy Cotton family in two sleeve lengths. The 5400 is the long sleeve for fall and cool-weather programs; the 5000 is the short sleeve for year-round and warm-weather work. Same 5.3 oz cotton build, overlapping color options.
When you want a softer, lighter tee with a closer cut and a smoother print surface, at a price that still works for volume. The natural upgrade from a basic cotton blank.
When you need the short sleeve version for year-round and warm-weather work. Same 5.3 oz heavy cotton build as the 5400, in a classic short sleeve tee.
What customers say about DTF Jersey.
Fixes and answers before you press.
Common problems & fixes
Frequently asked
Stocked in Elmwood Park for the Northeast.
Order Gildan 5400 blanks online for local pickup, NJ-area fulfillment, or fast shipping across the region. Pickup is available at 495 Mola Blvd, Unit #8, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407.
We print it too.
The 5400 here is sold blank. For designed, printed, ready-to-wear shirts, head to our custom apparel collection.
Shop Custom Apparel →