Next Level Apparel is redefining quality and sustainability in basics
Next Level Apparel, founded in 2003 and based in California offers customisable T-shirts, fleece, and tri-blend styles designed for printing and embellishment. Serving wholesale partners worldwide, it is recognised for its high-quality, ethically sourced blank garments. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, CEO Brett Bjorkman shares insights on how the brand drives quality, innovation, and sustainability while shaping the next chapter of the global basics market.
How does Next Level Apparel maintain its reputation for premium quality while ensuring affordability across its product lines?
Quality has never been an afterthought at Next Level Apparel; it has always been the foundation of everything we do. Throughout my career, I have learned that truly premium products come from meticulous attention to detail at every stage, from the yarn and fabric to the fit and construction.
Our ability to deliver quality at an accessible price lies in our investment in skilled people, efficient processes, and strong systems that minimise waste and inefficiency. When a team is committed to doing things right the first time, it saves both time and cost down the line.
Quality for us is as much about operational discipline as it is about craftsmanship. We are continually seeking ways to elevate our standards, exceed ethical expectations, and set new industry benchmarks while ensuring our products remain affordable for our customers.
Can you share how innovation in fabric technology influences your product development?
Fabric innovation is central to everything we do. Over the years, we have developed custom fabrics engineered to support a wide range of printing and embellishment techniques while maintaining exceptional softness, durability, and fit.
These advancements go beyond technical improvement. They empower our customers to realise their creative visions without compromise, ultimately enhancing the longevity, performance, and value of the final product.
What role does customisation and on-demand manufacturing play in your growth strategy?
Flexibility has become increasingly important, as many of our partners need blanks that can adapt to evolving design concepts or seasonal collections. Our ability to respond quickly while maintaining consistent quality and fit, allows us to support their business models effectively.
For us, customisation is not just a feature; it reflects our operational discipline. It requires precise planning, coordinated execution, and thoughtful resource management to ensure that every customised product meets our standards without compromise.
What sustainability initiatives are currently driving your material sourcing and manufacturing practices?
At Next Level Apparel, we design products to last not only because it is the right thing to do, but because durable garments reduce waste and deliver long-term value for both brands and consumers.
We partner only with suppliers who share this commitment and support them in implementing meaningful waste-reduction practices. In addition, we participate in rigorous compliance programmes such as Fair Labor Association Accreditation and work with verification organisations like Oritain to ensure our fabrics are responsibly sourced.
Our approach brings together thoughtful design, ethical sourcing, and strong operational oversight to create products that are both high-quality and responsibly made.
How is Next Level Apparel adapting to the increasing demand for eco-friendly and traceable textiles?
Traceability is essential for us. Our goal is to build full visibility across the supply chain so we know exactly where every fabric comes from and can verify each stage of production, going well beyond industry requirements.
We work with leading traceability partners such as Altana, TrusTrace, and Vertru, and add further assurance through independent verification and testing with Oritain.
This level of accountability provides confidence not only for our partners, but also for their customers.
How do you balance global expansion with maintaining ethical and sustainable production standards?
Expanding internationally brings new complexities, but our core principles remain unchanged: consistency, transparency, and accountability. Our goal is to uphold one unified global standard across every region we operate in.
To support this, we have a 500 plus team across the US, Central America, the Dominican Republic, the EU, and Asia, ensuring that every facility follows the same expectations and best practices.
This extensive network enables us to maintain strong processes, build dependable partnerships, and provide hands-on oversight at every stage.
How is the brand leveraging digital tools and data analytics to enhance supply chain efficiency?
Data is critical for making informed decisions at scale. From tracking materials to monitoring production efficiency, analytics allow us to identify bottlenecks, reduce errors, and maintain consistency.
We put data at the centre, connecting planning, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution centres into a single view for end-to-end visibility across the supply chain.
This integration enables proactive problem-solving, faster response times, and more strategic decision-making, ultimately improving efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring products reach customers on time.
We have built our supply chain on integrated data: Dynamics 365, Power BI dashboards, and real-time visibility across our three facilities.
We ensure production is in the right area, plus managed through by SKU, which results in fewer surprises, faster reaction to demand, and fill rates, ultimately resulting in being the best in the industry.
As we scale, we are investing in data governance and AI-enabled analytics to move from reactive monitoring to predictive intelligence that keeps us ahead of disruptions.
What new product categories or collaborations can we expect from Next Level Apparel in the near future?
Next Level Apparel is rethinking modern comfort with a thoughtful approach to everyday style. The brand’s collection emphasises refined fabric innovations, responsibly sourced materials, and contemporary fits designed for effortless wear.
Each piece reflects a careful balance of softness, durability, and ethical sourcing, crafted for those who value both quality and conscious design.
With a focus on premium feel and versatile design, Next Level Apparel is committed to defining what elevated essentials can look and feel like in everyday life.
How is the apparel industry addressing the challenge of balancing fast fashion trends with sustainable production practices?
Fast-moving trends and responsible production aren’t inherently at odds; they just require different thinking.
The key lies in strong planning and operational discipline using durable fabrics, efficient supply chains, and transparent sourcing, so brands can respond to trends without compromising on ethics or quality.
Responsible business is at the core of who we are, it is where every conversation and decision begins.
We are constantly exploring new initiatives and collaborations to strengthen our testing, traceability, and risk assessment processes, always evolving to raise the bar.
What key trends do you see shaping the future of the apparel basics industry?
I think we are at a turning point where ‘basics’ are no longer just functional or low-cost items; they have become foundational to a brand’s identity and longevity.
We are seeing a few key shifts. First, brands want flexibility and speed without sacrificing quality, which is driving demand for on-demand or smaller production runs.
For a company like ours, that means building systems that can respond quickly to smaller, more customised runs while maintaining consistency in fit, fabric, and finish.
Second, supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing are no longer optional; they are expectations. Customers want to know where materials come from and that every garment aligns with responsible practices.
Traceability has become a central part of operational strategy, not just a certification on a label.
Third, there is a focus on durability and timeless design. Consumers want basics that last and perform well, while still being versatile enough for customisation or embellishment.
What is unique about our apparel is that these pieces aren’t just basics, they are built for every occasion.
What emerging textile technologies are having the greatest impact on product performance and consumer appeal today?
At Next Level Apparel, our collections draw inspiration from high-end design, so performance and comfort are always central. Emerging textile technologies that enhance durability, fit, and versatility have the biggest influence, especially when applied to everyday essentials. Subtle innovations in yarns, fabric construction, and finishing can significantly improve how a garment moves, feels, and withstands wear.
Our goal is to translate activewear-level performance into premium blank apparel: fabrics that are soft, resilient, and consistent, while remaining ideal for printing and embellishment. When a basic T-shirt or hoodie performs like activewear, it elevates the consumer experience and gives our customers confidence in the product’s longevity and adaptability.
How are shifting consumer expectations around transparency and ethical sourcing influencing global apparel supply chains?
Today’s consumers expect verification, not just claims and rightly so. This shift is transforming how supply chains operate. At Next Level Apparel, we take that responsibility seriously: every partner, facility, and process is held to rigorous standards to ensure consistency, traceability, and ethical compliance.
One example is our commitment to sourcing US Cotton Trust Protocol cotton, which provides clear, reliable traceability for our raw materials. For brands and suppliers alike, transparency and accountability must now be built into every stage of production.
It is a positive evolution for the industry: one that promotes discipline, strengthens trust, and ultimately benefits both businesses and end consumers.
