The Guide to Next Level Apparel Sizing
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Next Level Apparel is one of the most widely used blank brands for custom decoration programs. Known for combed ringspun cotton, modern fitted silhouettes, and an extensive color palette, Next Level blanks sit in the mid-to-premium tier of the wholesale market. Their sizing runs consistently more fitted than standard wholesale brands — understanding that is the starting point for getting the right size every time.
How Next Level Sizing Runs
Next Level garments are cut with a fashion-forward, slightly fitted silhouette. Compared to brands like Gildan or Hanes, Next Level runs approximately half a size to one full size smaller in the chest and body.
• Men ordering unisex styles: Generally true to size when compared to other fitted blank brands. Order your usual size unless you prefer a relaxed fit, in which case size up one.
• Women ordering unisex styles: Size down one from your usual women's size for a standard fit. Next Level's unisex styles are cut to men's proportions — narrower at the hip and longer in the body than women's-specific cuts.
• Women ordering ladies' styles: Fitted ladies' styles from Next Level (such as the 1510 and 3900) can run significantly smaller than unisex. Always check the garment-specific size chart and compare measurements to a garment you already own.
• 100% cotton styles: Cotton shrinks. If the garment is not pre-shrunk, size up one to account for first-wash shrinkage. Most Next Level cotton styles are pre-shrunk, but a small amount of additional shrinkage is normal on the first warm wash.
How to Measure for Next Level Apparel
Always measure the body, then compare to the garment's size chart — not the size label. Next Level publishes individual size charts per style that list actual garment measurements.
• Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest with the tape level and horizontal under the arms.
• Body length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder straight down to the bottom hem.
• Garment measurement: If comparing to a garment you own, lay it flat on a clean surface and measure the half-chest (armhole seam to armhole seam) and double it for the full chest circumference.
Popular Styles and Their Sizing
Next Level 3600 — Unisex Cotton T-Shirt
100% combed ringspun cotton at 32 singles. The most popular Next Level blank for custom decoration. Side-seamed construction with a modern fitted silhouette. Slightly fitted through chest and body. True to size for men; women should size up one for a relaxed fit or order their usual unisex size for a fitted look.
|
Size |
Chest (in) |
Body Length (in) |
|
XS |
35 |
27 |
|
S |
38 |
28 |
|
M |
41 |
29 |
|
L |
44 |
30 |
|
XL |
48 |
31 |
|
2XL |
52 |
32 |
|
3XL |
56 |
33 |
|
4XL |
60 |
34 |
Next Level 6210 — CVC Crew
Chief Value Cotton blend — 60% combed ringspun cotton / 40% polyester. Lighter and softer than the 3600 with a slight stretch. Popular for retail programs where a softer tri-blend feel at a lower price is the goal. Fits very similarly to the 3600 — slightly fitted, true to size for men.
|
Size |
Chest (in) |
Body Length (in) |
|
XS |
33 |
26.5 |
|
S |
36 |
27.5 |
|
M |
39 |
28.5 |
|
L |
42 |
29.5 |
|
XL |
45 |
30.5 |
|
2XL |
49 |
31.5 |
|
3XL |
53 |
32.5 |
Next Level 6010 — Triblend Crew
50% polyester / 25% combed ringspun cotton / 25% rayon. The softest, most drapey fit in the Next Level lineup. The rayon content adds a relaxed, lived-in feel. Runs slightly more relaxed than the 3600 but still fashion-fitted rather than standard. Popular for lifestyle, vintage, and fashion-forward programs.
|
Size |
Chest (in) |
Body Length (in) |
|
XS |
34 |
26.5 |
|
S |
37 |
27.5 |
|
M |
40 |
28.5 |
|
L |
43 |
29.5 |
|
XL |
46 |
30.5 |
|
2XL |
50 |
31.5 |
|
3XL |
54 |
32.5 |
Next Level 9300 — Unisex Pullover Hoodie
60% combed ringspun cotton / 40% polyester fleece. The standard Next Level hoodie blank. Midweight, side-seamed, and slightly fitted compared to Gildan or Hanes hoodies of the same size label. Men should order true to size; women should size up one for a relaxed fit.
|
Size |
Chest (in) |
Body Length (in) |
|
XS |
38 |
26 |
|
S |
41 |
27 |
|
M |
44 |
28 |
|
L |
47 |
29 |
|
XL |
50 |
30 |
|
2XL |
54 |
31 |
|
3XL |
58 |
32 |
Next Level 9301 — French Terry Hoodie
60% cotton / 40% polyester French terry. Lighter and more structured than standard fleece, with a smooth exterior and looped interior. Popular for corporate, lifestyle, and smart-casual programs. Fits similarly to the 9300 — slightly fitted, size up one for a relaxed look.
|
Size |
Chest (in) |
Body Length (in) |
|
XS |
36 |
25.5 |
|
S |
39 |
26.5 |
|
M |
42 |
27.5 |
|
L |
45 |
28.5 |
|
XL |
48 |
29.5 |
|
2XL |
52 |
30.5 |
|
3XL |
56 |
31.5 |
Women's and Ladies' Sizing
Next Level produces a wide range of women's-specific styles. Key points:
• Fitted ladies' styles (e.g. 1510, 3900): Run significantly smaller than unisex. A women's medium in a fitted Next Level style is typically equivalent to an XS or S in the unisex range. Always compare chest measurements to the specific style chart.
• Relaxed ladies' styles (e.g. 3900 Boyfriend Tee): Cut with more room at the hip and a slightly boxier body. Order based on the chest measurement from the size chart.
• Unisex fit section on Next Level's chart: Next Level includes a "Unisex Fit" column in their size charts that shows what a unisex size feels like compared to women's sizing. Use this when ordering unisex styles for a mixed-gender program.
Youth Sizing
Next Level youth sizes run from XS (4/5) through XL (14/16). Youth sizing proportions differ from adult sizing — shorter body length relative to chest width and different sleeve ratios. Do not try to bridge youth and adult sizing based on label alone; always measure and compare to the youth-specific chart for each style.
Sizing Tips for Bulk and Custom Decoration Orders
• When in doubt, size up. It is easier to size down later than to stretch a too-small garment.
• Order samples in at least two sizes before committing to a bulk run. Measure against the published chart and compare to known garments.
• For programs mixing men and women in one unisex style, communicate clearly that Next Level unisex runs like men's sizing — women should typically size down one for a standard fit or order true size for a relaxed look.
• For custom print placement, Next Level's fitted cut means print placement templates need to be verified at each size. Designs placed based on a large may not center correctly on an XS without adjustment.
• Always check the style-specific chart on Next Level's website before ordering a new style. Sizing varies between styles, and a measurement assumption carried over from the 3600 will not always hold for the 6210 or the triblend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Next Level Apparel run small?
Yes, compared to standard wholesale brands like Gildan, Next Level runs approximately half to one full size smaller due to their modern fitted cut. Men should order their usual size; women ordering unisex styles should typically size up one.
What is the difference between the Next Level 3600 and 6210?
The 3600 is 100% combed ringspun cotton with a firm hand feel; the 6210 is a 60/40 cotton-poly CVC blend that is softer and slightly more drapey with a subtle stretch. Both have a modern fitted cut and similar sizing, but the 6210 runs about half an inch narrower in the chest across most sizes.
Should women size up in Next Level unisex styles?
For a standard fit, women should size down one from their usual women's size when ordering a Next Level unisex style, or order their usual size for a relaxed, oversized fit. Next Level's unisex styles are cut to men's proportions.
What sizes does Next Level Apparel offer?
Most unisex and men's styles run from XS through 3XL or 4XL. Women's styles vary by cut. Youth styles run from XS (4/5) through XL (14/16). Availability varies by style — check the individual product page for exact size range.
How do I measure for a Next Level hoodie?
Measure the chest at its fullest point with the tape level and horizontal, then compare to the garment size chart for that specific style. For the most accurate result, measure an existing hoodie you like the fit of flat on a surface, then match those measurements to the Next Level chart.