Next Level vs Gildan T-Shirts: Which Should You Print On?

February 20, 2026 6 min read By Cameron Wells

Quick Answer

Gildan is generally the more affordable, boxier, heavier-cotton option; Next Level trends softer, more fitted, and closer to a retail-store feel.
Both brands are available in the Bear Grips Pro Shops catalog, so you can compare directly with your own design.
Next Level triblend and CVC styles suit fitted, retail-style merch; Gildan suits budget-friendly bulk-style projects like event giveaways.
Base prices for both brands' tees in the catalog sit in a similar range, generally $19.88-$25.88 VIP.

Table of Contents

Side-by-side comparison
When to pick Next Level
When to pick Gildan
You can carry both
Frequently Asked Questions

Next Level and Gildan are two of the most recognized names in blank apparel, and they solve slightly different problems. Gildan built its reputation on affordable, durable basics used across promotional and bulk-event apparel. Next Level built its reputation on a softer, more fitted, more retail-feeling shirt. Both are available in the Bear Grips Pro Shops catalog, so the choice comes down to what your design and audience call for.

Next Level vs Gildan Side by Side

	Next Level	Gildan
Fit	Fitted, retail-style cut	Boxier, classic promotional cut
Fabric options	Cotton, CVC, triblend	Cotton and cotton/poly blends
Feel	Softer, lighter drape	Heavier, more durable-feeling
Best for	Brand launches, gym merch, retail-style drops	Bulk event shirts, budget giveaways, youth and hoodie styles
Available at Bear Grips Pro Shops	Yes, 7 styles	Yes, several tee, polo, hoodie, and hat styles

When to Pick Next Level

Choose Next Level when the shirt is meant to feel like a retail purchase, not a promotional giveaway: a brand launch, gym or fitness merch a member would wear out in public, or a fitted women's tee. The triblend and CVC options in particular lean into a softer, more premium feel.

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When to Pick Gildan

Choose Gildan when the priority is a dependable, classic tee at a lower cost, especially for bulk-style projects like event giveaways, fundraiser shirts, or youth sizing where the design matters more than the fabric feel. Gildan also covers hoodie and polo styles that fill out a shop beyond just tees.

You Do Not Have to Pick Just One

Most Pro Shops vendors are not locked into a single brand. A gym might sell a Next Level triblend tee as the "premium" option next to a Gildan cotton tee as the "everyday" option, letting customers self-select their price point and fabric preference within the same shop.

Compare Brands in Your Own Shop

List Next Level and Gildan side by side and let customers pick their favorite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Next Level more expensive than Gildan?

Base prices for both brands in the catalog fall in a similar range, generally $19.88-$25.88 VIP for the tee styles covered here. The exact price depends on the specific style and fabric.

Which brand is softer, Next Level or Gildan?

Next Level, especially the triblend styles, generally feels softer and more fitted than Gildan's classic cotton cut.

Can I sell both brands in the same shop?

Yes. Many vendors offer a Next Level style as a premium option alongside a Gildan style as a budget-friendly option.

Does Gildan have a triblend option like Next Level?

The Gildan styles in the Bear Grips Pro Shops catalog are cotton and cotton/poly focused. For a triblend feel, the Next Level triblend styles are the direct option.

Cameron WellsCustom Apparel and POD Industry Writer

Cameron has been writing about the custom apparel and print on demand industry for seven years, with a background in e-commerce operations. He covers platform comparisons, no-minimum vendors, and what is changing for small custom merch businesses.