Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight Garment Dye T-Shirt Blank 7.5 oz
The Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight Garment-Dyed T-Shirt brings genuine heavyweight construction — 7.5 oz — together with a garment-dye finish that produces the washed, pigment-faded aesthetic that the current streetwear and premium custom apparel market demands. Available in sizes S through 2XL across 4 colorways (Black, White, Oatmeal, Cement) at DTF Jersey, this blank is built for custom brands and boutique apparel operations that want a heavyweight product with a distinctly elevated, non-commercial feel.
Key Features of the Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight Garment Dye
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7.5 oz 100% heavyweight cotton — noticeably thicker and heavier than standard 5–6 oz blanks
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Garment-dyed after construction for a naturally faded, washed-out pigment finish
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Boxy, oversized silhouette consistent with current streetwear and premium apparel trends
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Dropped shoulders for a relaxed, modern fit
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Ribbed crewneck collar with a vintage-weight feel
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Available in 4 colorways: Black, White, Oatmeal, Cement
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Sizes S through 2XL
Premium Heavyweight Blanks for Streetwear Brands and Boutique Custom Apparel
The 7.5 oz weight puts this blank in a different category from every standard cotton tee on the market. When customers pick it up, the weight communicates quality before they look at the print — which is exactly what independent streetwear brands and boutique apparel labels in the NJ and NY market need to justify premium retail prices. The garment-dye process adds a second layer of distinction: the muted, natural tonal variation of Oatmeal and Cement in particular is not achievable through standard dyeing.
For decorators, the heavyweight construction holds DTF transfers and screen prints with exceptional flatness — the extra fabric weight reduces the movement and elasticity that can cause edges to lift on lighter blanks. The limited colorway selection (Black, White, Oatmeal, Cement) is intentional: these are the neutrals that premium apparel brands build around.
Compatible Printing and Decoration Methods
The Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight Garment Dye accepts the following decoration methods:
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DTF transfers — excellent adhesion on heavyweight cotton
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Screen printing (plastisol and water-based)
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Heat transfer vinyl
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Embroidery
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DTG printing
Order Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight Garment Dye Blanks at DTF Jersey
DTF Jersey stocks the Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight Garment Dye in Black, White, Oatmeal, and Cement across sizes S through 2XL. Order for your premium brand or boutique custom apparel program. Shipping throughout New Jersey 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
Shaka Wear Garment Dye: 7.5 oz with a lived-in finish.
A 7.5 oz 100% USA cotton blank, pigment-dyed after construction for a softer hand and a faded retro tone, in sizes XS to 5XL. Same heavyweight build as the standard Max Heavyweight, finished so it looks broken in from the first wear.
What colors does the Garment Dye come in?
Four colorways at DTF Jersey, chosen as the ones that read most clearly as garment-dyed: Black, White, and the two neutrals, Oatmeal and Cement. Because pigment dye sits on the surface of the fibers, tone shifts slightly from piece to piece within the same colorway.
Dye note: All four stocked colorways are 100% USA cotton. Because the blanks are pigment-dyed after construction, tone and depth shift slightly from piece to piece even within one colorway, and the finish softens with washing. Shaka Wear notes that each garment is uniquely crafted and will vary in color, design, and spec. Swatch colors shown here are approximate. Order a sample if an exact shade matters.
Special order: Beyond the four colorways stocked at DTF Jersey, the Shaka Wear Garment Dye is offered in a wider range of pigment-dyed shades. All are 100% USA cotton. These colors are not held in regular stock. Contact us to confirm current availability and lead time before ordering.
It arrives already broken in.
A standard-dyed blank looks new until someone wears it for a season. This one starts there. Pigment dye applied after construction gives the cotton a softened hand and a slightly faded tone from the first wear, which is the finish vintage-leaning labels usually pay a premium to source.
Heavyweight cotton, dyed after it is sewn.
At 7.5 oz this sits at the top of the blank weight range. The USA cotton is spun to 16 singles and densely knit, which is what makes the surface print cleanly despite the pigment finish sitting on top of the fibers.
The cut runs slightly oversized rather than boxy, with 3.5% Lycra ribbing at the collar, shoulder-to-shoulder neck tape, and double-needle stitching throughout. Reinforced seams and a satin label finish it closer to a retail piece than a promo blank.
How the Garment Dye takes ink, transfers, and heat.
The densely knit 7.5 oz surface is built for clean printing, but pigment dye sits on top of the fibers rather than inside them, which can affect how adhesive bonds compared to a standard-dyed blank. Press one piece from the same batch before committing a full run. More help in the DTF Jersey FAQs.
DTF printing and care for the Garment Dye.
A finished DTF transfer is applied with a heat press. The steps below cover a clean bond on heavyweight cotton, and the care guidance keeps the print and the knit holding form through repeated washing.
Applying DTF transfers to the Garment Dye
General pressing guidance for a clean, durable bond on washed 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.
- 5Test one piece from the same batch before a production run, since pigment-dyed surfaces can bond differently than standard-dyed cotton.
Settings that work on an unwashed cotton blank are a starting point here, not a guarantee. Confirm against the instructions supplied with your transfer.
Keeping a printed Garment Dye looking right
To help a DTF-printed Max Heavyweight 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-duty knit.
- ✓Tumble dry low or hang to dry, and avoid high heat on the printed area.
- ✓Do not iron directly over a transfer.
Pigment-dyed garments are meant to soften and fade gently with wear, so the shirt keeps developing character rather than looking worn out. Avoid bleach, which strips the surface pigment unevenly.
Garment Dye size chart
| Size | Chest Width | Body Length | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 17.5" | 26.5" | 16" |
| S | 18.5" | 29" | 17" |
| M | 20.5" | 30" | 18.25" |
| L | 22.5" | 31" | 20" |
| XL | 24.5" | 31.5" | 21.25" |
| 2XL | 26.5" | 33" | 22.5" |
| 3XL | 28" | 35" | 23.5" |
| 4XL | 30" | 37" | 24.5" |
| 5XL | 32" | 39" | 25.5" |
Measuring: Approximate laid-flat dimensions in inches, from the manufacturer size chart. Chest width is measured pit to pit; length runs from the highest shoulder point to the hem. Sizes: The Shaka Wear Garment Dye is made XS to 5XL. Availability by size changes, so check the size selector for what DTF Jersey has ready now; other sizes can be special-ordered. Fit: The Garment Dye runs slightly oversized rather than boxy. Customers who prefer a closer fit may consider sizing down. Because each garment is pigment-dyed and uniquely finished, allow a small tolerance in color and spec from piece to piece.
Build the drop around the tee.
Streetwear drops rarely stop at the shirt. Pair the Max Heavyweight with blank totes and caps from the same warehouse so the whole capsule ships together, and press everything with one DTF order.
Building a capsule? Blanks, totes, caps, and DTF transfers all ship from Elmwood Park, NJ in one package. Tell us the pieces and quantities and DTF Jersey will confirm availability.
Shop Blank Apparel →The rest of the Shaka lineup.
Shaka Wear builds the same heavyweight construction across cuts, sleeve lengths, and finishes. DTF Jersey currently stocks the Max Heavyweight and the Garment Dye. The rest of the range is available by special order.
SHMHSSMax Heavyweight Short Sleeve
In stock
SHGDDGarment-Dyed Drop Shoulder
SHMHOMax Heavyweight Oversized
SHMCSMax Heavyweight Cropped
SHGDLSGarment-Dyed Long Sleeve
SHMOLOversized Long Sleeve
SHTDSSMax Heavyweight Tie-Dyed
SHGMTGarment-Dyed Muscle Tee
SHGRSGarment-Dyed Reverse Tee
SHGDN9.0 oz Designer Tee
SHMHSSTTall Max Heavyweight SS
SHMHLSMax Heavyweight Long Sleeve
SHMHLSTTall Max Heavyweight LS
Looking for a cut we do not stock? Special-order Shaka Wear styles are available with lead time. Tell DTF Jersey the style code, sizes, and quantities and we will confirm availability.
Contact Us →A garment-dyed blank for vintage-leaning labels.
Vintage & heritage-style brands
The pigment finish gives a drop the faded, worn-in look that vintage-leaning labels build their identity around, without sourcing actual deadstock.
Small-batch drops
Tonal variation between pieces is part of the appeal on a limited run, where each shirt reading slightly differently supports the story rather than undermining it.
Neutral-palette collections
Oatmeal and Cement sit in the muted range that dominates current streetwear, and pigment dye gives those neutrals depth that flat-dyed cotton cannot match.
Print shops & decorators
Densely knit for clean printing, with reinforced seams and a satin label. No minimums, so shops can test how the pigment surface takes a transfer first.
Shaka Garment Dye vs Acid Wash Oversized.
Two washed-look blanks with different weights and different kinds of variation. The Shaka is heavier and pigment-dyed for an even faded tone. The acid wash is lighter and individually treated, so each piece carries its own fade pattern.
When the blank should feel substantial and the fade should read even across the garment. Heavier, denser, with tonal shift between pieces rather than within one.
When the graphic needs horizontal room and the fade should be visibly unique per shirt. Lighter, wider through the chest, individually washed.
Fixes and answers before you press.
Common problems & fixes
Frequently asked
Stocked in Elmwood Park for the Northeast.
Order Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight 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 Max Heavyweight here is sold blank. For designed, printed, ready-to-wear shirts, head to our custom apparel collection.
Shop Custom Apparel →