Next Level youth runs slim and slightly shorter than most brands. If you are used to Gildan or Hanes, expect Next Level to fit about one size smaller across the chest and half an inch shorter in body length. The fabric is soft, the cut is modern, and the sizing reflects that fitted style.
Next Level Youth Size Chart: Every Size
| Size | Chest (in) | Body Length (in) | Fits Ages | Fits Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YXS | 22-24 | 17 | 4-5 | 32-42 |
| YS | 26-28 | 19 | 6-7 | 42-52 |
| YM | 28-30 | 21 | 8-10 | 52-70 |
| YL | 30-32 | 22 | 10-12 | 70-90 |
| YXL | 32-34 | 24 | 14-16 | 90-115 |
Next Level youth shirts (3310) use a combed ringspun cotton that is noticeably softer than standard cotton blanks. The fabric is lighter weight (4.3 oz) with a smooth surface that holds DTG and screen print ink with sharp detail.
How Next Level Compares to Other Brands
| Brand | Youth XL Chest (in) | Youth XL Length (in) | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next Level | 32-34 | 24 | Slim, fashion-forward |
| Gildan | 34-36 | 25 | Boxy, generous |
| Bella+Canvas | 32-34 | 24.5 | Slim, modern |
| Comfort Colors | 34-36 | 25 | Relaxed, garment-dyed |
| Hanes | 34-36 | 25 | Traditional, boxy |
Next Level and Bella+Canvas are the two slim-fit brands. Next Level runs about half an inch shorter in body length than Bella+Canvas at the same labeled size. Both are noticeably narrower than Gildan, Comfort Colors, and Hanes.
If you are switching from Gildan to Next Level on a reorder, size up. A kid who wore Gildan youth medium comfortably will likely need Next Level youth large.
Who Should Order Next Level Youth
Next Level is the right blank when you want a fashion-forward look on a youth shirt. It is popular for brand merchandise, retail tees, pop-up shops, and any situation where the shirt needs to compete with what kids see in stores.
The lighter fabric weight makes it a good choice for warmer weather events. It breathes well and drapes closer to the body without feeling heavy or stiff.
Which Next Level Youth Size to Order
Because Next Level runs slim and short, always size up if you are between sizes. Measure the chest and compare to the chart above. Do not assume the size label means the same thing as it does in Gildan.
For the youth-to-adult transition in Next Level, the gap between youth XL and adult small is tighter than in boxy brands. Next Level youth XL tops out at 34 inches, and their adult small starts at 34 inches. See our Youth XL vs Adult Small comparison for the full picture.
How does Next Level youth sizing run?
Next Level youth runs slim and about half a size smaller than Gildan and Hanes. The chest is 2 inches narrower and the body length is about 1 inch shorter at the same labeled size. If you are used to a boxy fit, size up.
What size is Next Level youth XL?
Next Level youth XL measures 32 to 34 inches in the chest with a 24-inch body length. It fits most kids ages 14 to 16 weighing 90 to 115 pounds. It runs about 2 inches narrower and 1 inch shorter than Gildan youth XL. Check our Youth XL Size Chart for comparisons.
Does Next Level run small in youth sizes?
Yes. Next Level runs noticeably slimmer than Gildan, Hanes, and Comfort Colors. A kid who wears youth medium in Gildan may need youth large in Next Level. Always compare measurements rather than going by the size label.
Related Sizing Guides
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Comfort Colors Youth Sizing Guide
- Hanes Youth Sizing Guide
- Nike Youth Sizing Guide
- What Size Is Youth Large?
- What Size Shirt for a 10 Year Old?
- Youth vs Adult T-Shirt Sizing Guide
Want a Premium Slim-Fit Youth Shirt?
Next Level is perfect for brand merch and retail-quality youth tees. We will help you pick the right style and get the sizing right so every shirt looks like it was made to be worn, not handed out. Start your order here.