It’s no accident why these two t-shirts are the most popular premium blanks in the apparel decorating community. Both of these American born companies each have over 20+ years of experience in the apparel industry. We’ll do a side by side comparison so you can make the best decision for whatever your needs are, so let’s go!
Material
Bella+Canvas 3001
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton (Ash – 99% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% poly)
- 32 singles 4.2 oz.
Next Level 3600
- 100% combed ring-spun cotton (Heather Grey 90% cotton, 10% polyester)
- 32 singles 4.3 oz.
Our pick: Bella+Canvas 3001
Both are combed ring-spun and 100% cotton, but the Bella+Canvas is noticeably softer. You can definitely tell when you hold both of them in your hands. It’s pretty amazing a t-shirt can feel this soft. Both print and wash really well and both will last many washes.
Fit
Bella+Canvas 3001
- style: fitted
- sleeve fit: fitted, slightly roomier vs. Next Level 3600.
- shoulder taping: Y
- side seams: Y
- hem length: slightly long
Next Level 3600
- style: fitted
sleeve fit: fitted, more snug vs. Bella+Canvas 3001. - shoulder taping: Y
- side seams: Y
- hem length: slightly long
Our pick: Tie
Both of these fit and drape really well. The hem can be slightly long for some people but not so much so that it would be a deal breaker. If you like your sleeves to be a bit more fitted, then the 3600 is for you. If you like a sleeve that’s fitted but with a little bit of room then you’ll like the 3001 more.
Colors
Bella+Canvas 3001
Bella+Canvas offers an amazing palette of colors for their most popular t-shirt, 65 to be exact. As you can see, there are plenty of distinguishable colors in the entire color spectrum.
Next Level 3600
Next Level offers the 3600 t-shirt in 48 vibrant colors. The entire color spectrum is well represented especially the monotones.
Our pick: Bella+Canvas 3001
The color selection for both are really impressive. These two blanks lead the industry in the amount of colors available. With this being said, we’re picking Bella+Canvas. Not only is this blank offered in 17 more colors, but they’re offered in all the right hues.
Cost
Bella+Canvas 3001
Apparel decorators such as ourselves are grateful for the Bella+Canvas 3001. At an affordable price point, this blank meets the requirements of our most demanding customers and is a pleasant surprise for our not so demanding customers.
Next Level 3600
The same can be said of the Next Level 3600. At an affordable price point for a premium reliable blank, this meets the requirements for apparel decorators as well as the most demanding customers.
Our pick: Tie
Both of these premium blanks are offered at an affordable price point. We hope these two blanks remain affordable and continue to be a reliable option for both decorators and consumers for a long time to come.
Conclusion
Our pick: Bella+Canvas 3001
While we love both blanks and if we could only choose one, it would be the Bella+Canvas 3001. When you wear this t-shirt, it feels super soft and premium. It hangs and drapes well and it just feels good when you wear it. All in all, as an apparel decorator we’re just grateful that we’re able to offer both the Bella+Canvas 3001 and Next Level 3600 to our customers.