Overview
The Next Level 3600 cotton t-shirt is widely available from multiple print-on-demand suppliers. All three of the suppliers I’ve been using in this research project – Printful, Printify, and Gooten – carry it in varying combinations of color and size options.
I purchased my samples for this shirt model from Gooten in early 2021. The starting price is largely unchanged, and it remains one of the more affordable options in this space. Do check around among the various suppliers at the time you place an order, however, if getting the lowest possible price is key: there are definitely fluctuations in the market.
The quality of the Next Level 3600 t-shirt itself is excellent for the price with soft fabric and solid construction. The print quality of my samples, however, was inconsistent and so I cannot give this style my full endorsement before testing with other POD suppliers.
This post is part of a research project into the best print-on-demand t-shirt options. I’ve summarized my findings in a separate post and am also providing more detailed reviews of the individual options.
I’ve sewed and enjoyed a variety of needlework for almost my entire life, having a solid background in textiles and garment construction. I’ve relied on this lifetime of experience as I evaluated each sample.
Methodology
In order to better compare all of the styles, I used the following approach:
- Unisex size XL
- Two colors: 1 black, 1 white (or closest equivalent)
- Same design file. I did have to resize for one or two shirts depending on the vendor, but I was starting with an Illustrator file and so could keep the same resolution.
- Measured 3 points on each shirt upon receipt:
- Center back from base of collar to hem
- Chest width just below the arm hole
- Sleeve length from shoulder seam to hem along the top center
- Washed each shirt twice using the label instructions and then remeasured along the same points.
I examined the construction and fabric quality of each sample. The print quality was part of my evaluation, but I considered it a secondary factor for this particular project.
Certain parts of my conclusions – such as about the fabric quality – are a bit subjective. But I’ve tried to balance that out by describing the specific elements that went into my judgment.
Fabric and Construction
Fabric Content
The colors I purchased (black and white) are 100% ring-spun cotton. The Heather Grey (90% cotton, 10% polyester) is the only color not made of all cotton.
The fabric is a lightweight jersey knit (4.3oz) with a soft hand. Purely in terms of the fabric itself, this is one of my favorite shirts tested.
Colors
According to the manufacturer’s website, they offer this shirt in 37 colors. The most I found at any supplier as of this writing (March 2022) is 25 from Printify which is one of the best I’ve seen in terms of percentage of manufacturer options available.
The color range includes a core of basic colors including red, white, black, navy, and grey. But then they have some interesting variations such as “Desert Pink,” “Stonewash Denim,” and “Antique Gold.”
Both of my samples are what I would consider “true” colors. The black is one of the deepest shades among my sample set while the white has no hint of cream or ivory.
Construction
These shirts have side seam construction, which I definitely prefer for the more consistent sizing and design placement you get.
Both samples are reasonably well made with neatly finished seams, double-needle hems on the sleeves and bottom edge, and taped shoulder and collar seams. Unlike with many other styles, however, top stitching on the collar goes only around the back where the taping was attached, presumably for cost savings. The stitching does not come around to the front.
Styling
This t-shirt option has fairly standard unisex styling. It has one of the slimmer fits but the body and sleeve lengths are above average within the test group.
Measurements – Before and After Washing
The shirts were pretty consistent in measurement between the two samples, both before and after washing. Generally, I think this points to good quality control at the manufacturing end, particularly in fabric sourcing.
The stitching in the hems and seams puckered only a limited amount as compared to other tested options. Overall shrinkage percentage after two washes was right on or below average.
All measurements in inches.
Before Washing
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 30″ | 23″ | 9.125″ |
| White | 30″ | 22.375″ | 9.375″ |
After 2nd Wash
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 28.875″ | 22.375″ | 8.75″ |
| White | 29″ | 22.25″ | 8.875″ |
Shrinkage After 2 Washes
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 3.8% | 2.7% | 4.1% |
| White | 3.3% | 0.6% | 5.3% |
Even after two washes, the fabric remains very smooth with less “fuzz” appearing than I’ve noticed in other styles reviewed.
Print Quality
The print quality is where I have my problems with these shirts. Oddly, the black shirt looks fairly good with nice color reproduction and only minor deterioration in the print job after washing.
The printing on the white shirt, however, is really faded. It was like this upon receipt, so it’s not an issue with putting it through the wash.
These results would not be so odd if it were not for the fact I ordered these from the same POD supplier at the same time. My preliminary judgment is that there’s a major quality control problem with the printer. But I need to order another set of samples from a different vendor before coming to a final conclusion about this shirt.
Pricing and Suppliers
The manufacturer labels this a Unisex t-shirt and make it available under both the Unisex and Men’s sections on their site. They use a male model on the product page. The three POD vendors I looked at market the style a couple different ways:
- Printful: Under Men’s only
- Printify: Under Men’s only
- Gooten: Under Unisex (the only one of the three with this specific category)
The unisex sizing ranges from XS to 6XL according to the manufacturer. The broadest range I’ve seen so far among POD suppliers is XS-4XL.
Color availability caps at 25 from one of the Printify providers. But other options are all over the place: a different Printify vendor offers only 2 colors while multiple other suppliers have anywhere from 15 to 22.
Without any volume or other discounts, the base prices from USA-based suppliers start at $9.40 per shirt for a small – depending on the POD supplier – when checked on March 17, 2022. Most commonly, however, the starting price point is just over $10. Larger sizes (2XL and higher) can cost more.
This pricing is below average for the shirts I’ve reviewed so far.
Conclusion
I’ve haven’t come to a final conclusion about the Next Level 3600 t-shirt. The shirt itself is of good quality for the price with nice fabric and consistent sizing. There’s a few shortcuts taken in the construction but they’re consistent with the value pricing. But I experienced quality control with the printing of the design.
While there’s a solid color range available, you will have to check multiple suppliers if you’re looking for a particular shade. The vendors are all over the place in what they offer. The size range can also vary quite a bit with S-3XL, XS-3XL, and XS-4XL being the most common seen.
If you find a supplier who gives you consistent print results, do give this style a try. It’s good value for the cost. I will be getting samples from a different vendor before making up my mind.
