Overview
While Next Blend t-shirts are pretty common at print-on-demand vendors, the 6010 tri-blend style is not widely available. Of the three companies I’ve used so far in my research project, only Printify carries it at the moment. Custom Cat also offers it, but I haven’t testing their services yet as of this writing.
I purchased my samples for this shirt model from Printify in mid-2020. The starting price has gone up about $0.75 in that time, but it looks like one of the suppliers on their platform has expanded the size range they offer.
Overall, the Next Level 6010 is a quality t-shirt that is well-made and takes beautifully to printing. The color options and fabric content are attractive but non-standard, so you should evaluate them carefully to see if they work for your customer base.
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
This t-shirt style is a bit of an oddball among those I’ve tested so far in that it’s not 100% cotton. Sellers market it as a Tri-Blend with a fiber content of 50% polyester, 25% cotton, and 25% rayon.
The fabric is a lightweight jersey knit (4.3oz) with a soft hand. It also has a fluid drape, likely due to the rayon content. The surface has a slight fuzziness to it that’s visible to the eye but not really to touch.
I happen to love this fabric because of the drape and soft hand. But that’s purely a matter of personal preference. I suspect it won’t be as sturdy as some other shirts in the long run because of the rayon content. Even with 50% polyester to add strength, rayon is a somewhat delicate fiber. Definitely a tradeoff for the other qualities it offers.
Colors
The color selection, however, it noteworthy in how different it from most other styles. I purchased these samples from Printify, and they don’t offer a true white or black. The Heather White is more of a pale gray, and the Vintage Black is dark charcoal.
While the manufacturer does offer shades of classic black and white, they’re hard to find with POD suppliers. I looked at sites beyond the core three I’ve been using, and so far the only place I’ve found these shades is Teespring (aka Spring). CustomCat also has the Next Level 6010 but only in the same Heather White and Vintage Black as Printify.
The entire color range is mostly “heathered” shades, and they have several that I’ve not seen replicated in other styles.
I could see some of these colors used in a retro-style line. They have a nice, vintage vibe. But if you’re looking for a more standard color range, you’ll want to look at a different style.
Construction
These shirts have side-seam construction, which I always prefer for better sizing and print placement. There’s no signs of the fabric being off grain – the garment just hangs well with no twisting or crooked seams or hems.
Both samples are well made with neatly finished seams, double-needle hems, and taped shoulder and collar seams. The taping is particularly important given the rayon content: because it has such fluid drape, gravity tends to pull it out of shape more easily than other fibers.
Styling
This t-shirt option has fairly standard unisex styling. All measurements were below average, and it has the slimmest fit (by a small margin) of those reviewed so far.
Measurements – Before and After Washing
These shirts are pretty consistent in sizing between the two colors, which speaks to good quality control by the manufacturer and their suppliers.
They did, however, shrink in length – both body and sleeves – at different rates. The black one shrank at a rate below the average in this group while the shrinkage of the white shirt was right on average.
The chest width remained almost unchanged in each.
All measurements in inches.
Before Washing
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 28.375″ | 22.5″ | 9″ |
| White | 29.25″ | 22.25″ | 8.875″ |
After 2nd Wash
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 27.5″ | 22.25″ | 8.75″ |
| White | 27.625″ | 22.125″ | 8.5″ |
Shrinkage After 2 Washes
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 3.1% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| White | 5.6% | 0.6% | 4.2% |
Print Quality
The print quality is one of the best in the test group. I’m very impressed with how little difference in color intensity of the design there is between the two shirts – in most other pairs, there’s much greater variation. I suspect the gray tones of the “Heather White” play a role in this result. The design details are well-defined with crisp lines.
The design is well-placed on each shirt. You can see that the center spire is nicely lined up with the tag on the center back collar.
I haven’t noticed any meaningful degradation in the print job on either shirt after two washings. And even though an underlayment would have been used on the black shirt before printing the actual design, the fabric has remained quite fluid with less reduction in the drape as compared to other styles I’ve reviewed. Overall, I’m super pleased with how the design turned out on both of these samples!
Pricing and Suppliers
The manufacturer labels this a unisex shirt, and you can navigate to it through both the Unisex and Men’s menus on their site. Printify labels the style as “Unisex” and lists it under the Men’s Clothing area of their site.
The unisex sizing ranges from XS to 3XL according to the manufacturer. Availability from POD suppliers seems to only be S-3XL, however.
Color availability caps at 11 from one of the Printify providers. CustomCat is the same.
Without any volume or other discounts, the base prices start at $13.93 per shirt for a small – depending on the POD supplier – when checked on March 7, 2022. Larger sizes (2XL and higher) can cost more.
This pricing is slightly above average for the shirts I’ve looked at so far.
Conclusion
The Next Level 6010 is a quality t-shirt that is well-made and takes exceptionally well to printing. The manufacturer seems to have excellent quality control in their materials and construction.
Color options are non-standard, and a classic white and black are hard to find from POD suppliers. The fabric is soft and lightweight with nice drape.
Largely because of the available colors, I would judge this t-shirt style to be a more niche option for the designer looking for a more distinctive angle. But if those colors – and the fabric blend – work for you, this is a great option at a reasonable cost.
