In the premium blank apparel space, two brands consistently lead the conversation: Next Level Apparel and Bella+Canvas.

Both brands specialize in fashion-forward, retail-quality garments designed for custom printing. They’re widely used by print shops, online clothing brands, POD sellers, and DTF businesses that want a softer feel and more modern fit than standard blanks.

But when you compare them style-by-style, differences in fabric composition, singles count, fit, print surface, and price start to matter.

This guide compares their most popular styles across seven premium categories to help you choose the right blank for your next custom apparel project.

We compare Next Level and Bella+Canvas across:

Tri-Blend
100% Cotton
Ladies Cropped Tee
Cotton/Poly 50/50 Blend
CVC V-Neck
Ladies Relaxed V-Neck
Sueded Tee

About the Brands

Next Level Apparel

Next Level Apparel started in 2003 in Los Angeles and quickly became popular with print shops and clothing brands. The company focuses on making soft, modern-fitting blank shirts that feel more like retail clothing than basic promotional tees.

Their shirts are known for:

Soft tri-blend fabrics
Sueded styles with a smooth feel
Slightly fitted, modern cuts
Good quality at a reasonable premium price

Many brands choose Next Level when they want a shirt that looks and feels high-end without paying luxury-level prices.

Bella+Canvas

Bella+Canvas has been making premium blank apparel since the 1990s. The brand is especially known for very soft cotton and fashion-forward styles.

Bella+Canvas shirts are popular because they offer:

Very soft fabric
A wide range of modern colors
Slimmer, retail-style fits
Lightweight and comfortable feel

Clothing brands and online stores often choose Bella+Canvas when comfort, style, and presentation matter most.

Head-to-Head Matchups

Tri-Blend: Next Level 6010 vs Bella+Canvas 3413C

Tri-blend tees combine cotton, polyester, and rayon for a soft, lightweight feel with subtle texture.

Similarities

50/25/25 blend (poly/cotton/rayon)
Pre-shrunk
Tear-away labels
Side-seamed construction

Key Differences

Bella+Canvas 3413C: 3.8 oz, 40 singles (softer surface)
Next Level 6010: 4.3 oz, 32 singles (slightly more structured)
Bella offers significantly more color options

Printing Insight
Higher singles (40 vs 32) means a smoother print surface especially noticeable with DTF fine detail.

Verdict:
Bella+Canvas 3413C wins for softness and print clarity.

100% Cotton: Next Level 3600 vs Bella+Canvas 3001C

Premium 100% cotton remains the top choice for most retail brands.

Similarities

Combed ring-spun cotton
Side-seamed
Pre-shrunk
Lightweight (4.2–4.3 oz)

Key Differences

Bella 3001C uses Airlume cotton for smoother feel
Next Level 3600 has slightly more tapered sleeves
Bella offers more colors

Printing Insight
Both print extremely well for DTF and DTG. Bella’s higher refinement gives slightly smoother detail under close inspection.

Verdict:
Bella+Canvas 3001C edges out for softness and surface consistency.

Ladies Cropped Tee: Next Level N5080 vs Bella+Canvas B8882

Cropped tees are popular for fashion brands and women’s collections.

Similarities

Side-seamed
Tear-away labels
Lightweight construction

Key Differences

Bella B8882 uses a flowy poly/viscose blend
Next Level N5080 is more structured cotton/poly
Bella drapes more naturally

Printing Insight
Viscose blends require slightly lower heat for DTF to prevent shine marks.

Verdict:
Bella+Canvas B8882 wins for style and drape.

Cotton/Poly Blend: Next Level 6200 vs Bella+Canvas 3650

Blends balance softness and durability.

Similarities

Lightweight
Heather options
Tear-away labels

Key Differences

Bella 3650: 52/48 blend
Next Level 6200: 65/35 blend (higher poly)
Bella offers broader color selection

Printing Insight
Higher cotton ratios typically provide slightly better adhesion for DTF.

Verdict:
Bella+Canvas 3650 wins for softness and color variety.

CVC V-Neck: Next Level 6240 vs Bella+Canvas 3005C

CVC shirts provide a softer feel at a lower cost than tri-blends.

Similarities

Combed ring-spun cotton blend
32 singles
Heathered appearance

Key Differences

Bella 3005C: 52/48 blend
Next Level 6240: 60/40 blend
Bella’s neckline cut is slightly more refined

Printing Insight
Both perform well with DTF; Bella has a slightly smoother finish.

Verdict:
Bella+Canvas 3005C wins for softness and fit.

Ladies Relaxed V-Neck: Next Level 3940 vs Bella+Canvas 6405

Relaxed V-necks are popular for boutique brands.

Similarities

100% ring-spun cotton
Side-seamed
Lightweight

Key Differences

Bella 6405 uses Airlume cotton
Bella offers more fashion-forward colors
Slightly softer hand feel

Printing Insight
DTF performs extremely well on both due to smooth cotton faces.

Verdict:
Bella+Canvas 6405 wins for softness and retail presentation.

Sueded Tee: Next Level 6410 vs Bella+Canvas 3301C

Sueded shirts undergo brushing for extra softness.

Similarities

32 singles
Cotton/poly blend
Pre-shrunk
Side-seamed

Key Differences

Next Level 6410: 60/40 blend
Bella 3301C: 52/48 blend
Next Level feels slightly more substantial

Printing Insight
Both are excellent for DTF; Next Level’s slightly thicker construction hides press marks better.

Verdict:
Next Level 6410 wins for structure and durability.

Which Brand Should You Choose?

Choose Bella+Canvas if:

You prioritize softness and drape
You want maximum color selection
You’re building a fashion-forward brand

Choose Next Level if:

You prefer slightly more structured retail fits
You want strong value pricing
You like thicker-feeling sueded options

How These Brands Compare to Other Popular Blanks

While Bella+Canvas and Next Level dominate the premium blank market, many printers also compare them to mid-range and bulk options depending on the project.

If you're weighing cost efficiency versus retail softness, these guides break down additional comparisons:

Gildan vs Hanes – Best for bulk printing and promotional apparel
Hanes vs Fruit of the Loom – Comfort vs value-driven printing
Gildan vs Next Level Apparel – Structured durability vs premium retail feel

Exploring these comparisons can help you determine whether a premium blank is necessary or if a mid-tier option better suits your printing goals.

Final Takeaway

Next Level and Bella+Canvas both dominate the premium blank market, but Bella+Canvas wins in most softness-driven categories thanks to its Airlume cotton and broader color range.

Next Level remains a strong contender for sueded and structured retail styles.

The best choice depends on your target audience, printing method, and brand positioning not just the label.

Next Level vs Bella+Canvas FAQs

What’s the main difference between Next Level and Bella+Canvas shirts?

Both brands produce premium blank tees. Bella+Canvas focuses heavily on softness and drape with its Airlume combed cotton, while Next Level offers slightly more structured fits and a balanced mix of fabric blends for everyday wear.

Which brand feels softer to wear?

Many people find Bella+Canvas softer overall, especially in lightweight and tri-blend styles due to its refined cotton and finishing process. Next Level is also soft but typically feels slightly more substantial.

How do Next Level and Bella+Canvas fit differently?

Bella+Canvas tees tend to have a slimmer, fashion-forward retail fit. Next Level shirts usually offer a more relaxed or classic fit, which many customers prefer for everyday wear.

Are Bella+Canvas shirts more expensive than Next Level?

Often yes. Bella+Canvas is generally priced slightly higher due to premium fabrics and expanded color ranges. Pricing differences depend on the specific style and supplier.

Which brand prints better for DTF, screen printing, and embroidery?

Both brands perform well across print methods. Bella+Canvas is especially popular for DTG and detailed prints because of its smooth surface. Next Level also prints cleanly and can be slightly more forgiving in high-volume screen printing environments.

Do Next Level or Bella+Canvas shirts shrink after washing?

Both brands use pre-shrunk fabrics, so shrinkage is minimal. Washing in cold water and drying on low heat or air drying helps maintain size and shape.

Which brand has better color and style options?

Bella+Canvas typically offers a wider range of fashion-forward colors, especially heathers and modern tones. Next Level provides a strong selection that covers most standard apparel needs.

Which brand should I choose for a retail clothing line?

For a soft feel, modern silhouette, and expanded color range, Bella+Canvas is a popular choice. If you want balanced comfort, structure, and often more flexible bulk pricing, Next Level is an excellent option.

Can both brands be used for custom apparel businesses and merchandise?

Yes. Both Next Level and Bella+Canvas are widely used by custom apparel businesses, print shops, and merchandise brands because they offer strong quality, printability, and style consistency.