In the crowded world of blank apparel, Next Level Apparel has carved out a reputation as a trusted source for premium basics. Under CEO Brett Bjorkman, the family-founded company has spent decades building garments that meet the exacting standards of brands and designers, combining performance, feel, and operational transparency.
Brett Bjorkman explains the company’s approach: “It’s about quality, consistency, and transparency. We focus on premium fabrics, ethical sourcing, and operational rigor. Brands and designers trust us because every garment—T-shirt, hoodie, base layer—is built to perform, feel great, and meet the highest ethical standards.”
Next Level Apparel takes the notion of “basics” seriously. “We elevate the blank canvas. Every piece balances comfort, durability, and printability. That means soft, resilient fabrics engineered for performance—basics that are anything but ordinary,” Bjorkman says. The company’s garments are designed to hold up under printing, embroidery, or embellishment while maintaining softness and longevity, making them versatile tools for creative expression.
Global operations are a critical part of Next Level’s success. Bjorkman explains, “We manage global operations through one operating standard (one set of specs, QA protocols, compliance requirements, and performance metrics) executed by a 500+ person global team across the U.S., Central America, the Dominican Republic, the EU, and Asia. We pair that standard with disciplined processes, boots on the ground leadership, and supplier accountability, all monitored through real-time data and audits. The result is consistent quality and compliance…the same benchmark, every facility, every shipment.”
Third-party verification underlines the company’s operational rigor. “We embed accountability at every step. Partnerships with the Fair Labor Association, Oritain, Altana, and, most recently, our membership with the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, allow us to verify materials and production rigorously,” Bjorkman says. These relationships give brands confidence in the quality and traceability of each garment, ensuring consistent standards from raw material to finished product.
Innovation is also central to the company’s mission. Bjorkman highlights the role of fabric development: “Fabric innovation drives everything. We engineer textiles to perform under printing, embroidery, or embellishment while maintaining feel and longevity. Subtle improvements in yarns, knit, and finishing can dramatically enhance both comfort and durability.” Every adjustment in knit, yarn, or finishing techniques contributes to garments that last longer and perform better.
Technology underpins Next Level Apparel’s supply chain. “Data gives us visibility and control. Real-time tracking, analytics, and AI tools help reduce waste, anticipate demand, and deliver on time. It’s about proactive decision-making, not just reactive fixes,” Bjorkman explains.
Looking ahead, Next Level Apparel is focused on expanding globally while maintaining its high standards. “We’re expanding responsibly sourced, elevated essentials globally. Our mission is simple. Prove that premium quality and ethical production can coexist. Basics aren’t just functional, they’re foundational to a brand’s identity, and we aim to set that standard worldwide,” says Bjorkman.
With decades of experience, operational discipline, and a focus on product and fabric innovation, Next Level Apparel has become a benchmark for premium blank apparel. For brands and designers, the company demonstrates how attention to quality, accountability, and precision at every stage of production can turn a simple garment into an essential building block for success.
