When it comes to custom shirt printing, the blank t-shirts you use are just as important as your design and your printer set up. The two most popular brands of blank apparel are Gildan and Next Level Apparel.
If you’re trying to decide which shirt fits your printing needs best, this guide’s for you. We’ll look at quality, durability, and print compatibility so you can choose the best shirt for your custom prints.
Why Your Choice of T-Shirt Is Important for Printing
Before we get into the comparison of the two brands, you need to know why your choice of blank shirt is so important. The kind of fabric, styling, and finish will all reflect in how your finished product will look and feel.
- Fabric Type – Different fabrics absorb and react to inks differently. Cotton gives you bold, rich colors. Blends might feel softer but can mute your print slightly.
- Durability – You don’t want your customer’s favorite design to fade or crack after two washes. A good blank holds the print and shape for the long run.
- Fit & Comfort – Even the best designs won’t sell if the shirt feels boxy or rough.
- Cost & Availability – For business owners, cost per unit and bulk availability can make or break your margins.
Both Gildan and Next Level Apparel perform great across popular methods like DTF printing, screen printing, DTG, and heat transfers — but they serve slightly different purposes.
Gildan T-Shirts: Reliable, Durable, and Cost-Effective
Gildan is one of the most well-known names in the blank apparel industry, offering a wide range of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. Gildan t-shirts are known for their affordability, durability, and availability, making them a top choice for bulk orders and custom printing.
Benefits of Gildan T-Shirts
- Durable & Long-Lasting – Gildan t-shirts are made from sturdy cotton blends that hold up well after repeated washes.
- Wide Range of Styles – Available in 100% cotton, polyester blends, and heavyweight options.
- Affordable for Bulk Orders – Cost-effective option for businesses and event printing.
- Good for Multiple Printing Methods – Works well for DTF printing, screen printing, heat transfers, and embroidery.
Best Gildan T-Shirts for Printing
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Gildan G500 – Classic heavy cotton t-shirt, great for screen printing.
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Gildan G200 – Ultra cotton t-shirt, ideal for heat transfers and embroidery.
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Gildan Sweatshirt (G180) – Mid-weight crewneck sweatshirt, excellent for DTF prints.
Pro Tip: For DTF transfers, pre-press Gildan shirts for 3–5 seconds before applying the design. This helps remove moisture and ensures better adhesion.
Next Level Apparel: Premium Feel and Modern Fit
Next Level Apparel is known for its premium feel, trendy fit, and high-quality fabric blends. The brand is popular among fashion-forward brands, retail stores, and high-end printing businesses.
Benefits of Next Level Apparel T-Shirts
- Super Soft Fabric – Made from ring-spun cotton and tri-blends, Next Level shirts offer unmatched comfort.
- Modern & Retail Fit – Slightly more fitted than standard Gildan t-shirts.
- Great for Premium Printing – Works exceptionally well for DTG and DTF prints.
- High-Quality Construction – Reinforced seams and pre-laundered fabric for shrink resistance.
Best Next Level Apparel T-Shirts for Printing
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Next Level 3600 – Premium 100% ring-spun cotton tee, soft and perfect for DTF and DTG prints.
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Next Level 6210 – CVC blend tee, moisture-wicking and lightweight.
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Next Level 6010 – Tri-blend tee, incredibly soft with a retail-quality feel.
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Next Level Apparel T-Shirts for Fashion Brands – Designed for high-end custom branding.
Pro Tip: Lower your heat press temperature slightly when applying DTF transfers to Next Level shirts. Their softer fabric can show press marks if overheated.
Gildan vs. Next Level Apparel: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gildan | Next Level Apparel |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Feel | Thicker and more structured; durable cotton texture | Softer, smoother fabric with a premium hand feel |
| Fit | Classic, boxy cut for a traditional t-shirt look | Slim, modern fit with a retail-style silhouette |
| Best For | Bulk orders, schools, events, and promotional printing | Fashion brands, retail collections, and premium merch |
| Printing Methods | Excellent for DTF, screen printing, and heat transfers | Ideal for DTF, DTG, and sublimation printing |
| Durability | Highly durable and holds shape after many washes | Softer material that benefits from gentle washing |
| Price Range | Budget-friendly and ideal for large orders | Slightly higher cost for a premium finish |
| Top Style | Gildan G500 – Classic heavy cotton tee | Next Level 3600 – Premium ring-spun cotton tee |
1.Fabric Quality
- Gildan – More structured and thicker; good for bulk printing.
- Next Level Apparel – Softer, lightweight, and premium feel.
2. Fit & Style
- Gildan – Classic, boxy fit; traditional t-shirt shape.
- Next Level Apparel – More fitted, stylish cut.
3. Best for Printing Methods
- Gildan T-Shirts – Best for screen printing, heat transfers, and embroidery.
- Next Level Apparel – Ideal for DTG, sublimation, and DTF printing.
4. Durability & Longevity
- Gildan T-Shirts – Holds up well after multiple washes.
- Next Level Apparel – Softer, but may require extra care when washing.
5. Pricing & Availability
- Gildan – More affordable and widely available for bulk orders.
- Next Level Apparel – Slightly more expensive but offers a premium product.
Pro Insights from a DTF Transfer Printer
After printing thousands of shirts at DTF Virginia what we have found in actual results is this:
- DTF Transfers on Gildan stick very well especially on the G500 & G200. The heavier cotton holds the powder adhesive nicely.
- Next Level shirts have prints that look next level. The smooth surface gives the DTF Transfers the look of being printed directly on the fabric.
- For long runs Gildan will save you time and money. For brand building Next Level will give your products a more premium feel.
Which T-Shirt Is Better for Printing?
The best choice depends on your specific printing needs:
For Bulk Orders & Cost Efficiency → Go with Gildan t-shirts.
For Premium Soft Feel & Retail Quality → Choose Next Level Apparel t-shirts.
For Heavyweight & Durable Sweatshirts → Gildan sweatshirts are a great option.
For Modern Fit & High-End Branding → Next Level is the preferred brand.
Final Thoughts
Both Gildan T-shirts and Next Level Apparel T-shirts offer great options for custom printing, but they serve different markets. If you need affordable, durable shirts for bulk printing, Gildan is the way to go. If you want a premium, high-quality blank for retail apparel, Next Level Apparel is an excellent choice.
Looking for the best blank t-shirts for your custom prints? Browse our collection and find the perfect Gildan and Next Level Apparel shirts for your business today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best shirt for DTF printing?
Both brands work great. For sharp, colorful prints, Next Level 3600 is amazing. For cost-effective jobs, go with Gildan G500.
Does Gildan work for DTG or heat transfers?
Yes! Gildan’s cotton tees are perfect for DTG and heat transfers. Just avoid heavy polyester shirts for sublimation.
Why does fabric softness matter?
Softer shirts print smoother and feel better to wear. For DTF printing, smooth fabric helps the film stick and look clean.
Which lasts longer after washing?
Gildan tends to keep its shape longer, while Next Level feels softer but needs gentle washing to stay that way.
Is Next Level worth the extra cost?
If you sell to fashion customers or retail stores, yes. The soft feel and fit can justify a higher price point.
Can I sublimate on Gildan or Next Level shirts?
Only if the shirt has polyester. Next Level 6210 works better than 100 % cotton Gildans for sublimation.
What’s most popular with DTF Virginia customers?
Our top picks are the Gildan G500 for large custom orders and the Next Level 3600 for premium prints.
