On the 22nd, Fair Labor Association ( FLA ) announced that its board of directors had voted to grant Next Level Apparel Fair Labor Certification. Next Level Apparel is a high-quality, ethically sourced blank clothing producer and seller headquartered in Torrance, California.

FLA indicates that this decision stems from a rigorous, multi-year review of the Next Level Apparel business system, with a focus on whether it complies with international labor standards aimed at protecting workers in the global supply chain. The procurement sources of Next Level Apparel cover 15 factories in 7 countries.

FLA, President and CEO, said: "Next Level Apparel demonstrates its commitment to workers' rights by implementing effective and sustainable systems to monitor and uphold those rights. The company's initiatives in supply chain transparency and traceability show how businesses and stakeholders can collaborate to achieve common goals. We are pleased to recognize this effort by awarding Next Level Apparel with a Fair Labor Certification."

Next Level Apparel CEO Brett Bjorkman stated: "At Next Level Apparel, we understand that making a T-shirt is never just about making a T-shirt. Behind each garment are individuals, factories, and communities that work hard to bring the product to reality. We recognize this responsibility, as well as the fact that doing what is right is not always the easiest thing. We are committed to never being satisfied with the status quo, to asking the right questions, to making responsible decisions, and to doing our utmost to ensure that employees and partners throughout the supply chain are treated fairly, to ensure that we operate in compliance with regulations, and to always be mindful of our impact on the surrounding communities and environment. Our Fair Labor Certification is an important manifestation of this commitment, but it is not the end point. It is just another step in our ongoing responsibility. We will continue to listen, learn, improve, and take responsibility, and we see this as an opportunity. Being responsible for how products are made, the people behind them, and the impact throughout the process is an important part of who we are and how we operate."

Since becoming a FLA member in 2019, Next Level Apparel has continuously improved its social compliance programs and kept up with the changes in FLA standards during that period. The certification report provides a detailed assessment of FLA's social compliance programs as of October 2026.

Next Level Apparel The key points of fair labor certification include:

• Top-level commitment:The company's CEO has established a company-wide agenda for supply chain responsibility and transparency. He works closely with heads of key departments to implement procurement practices and strategies in order to uphold the company's commitments to workers' rights. Under his leadership and with the supervision of the board of directors, the company has invested in tools and partnerships related to cross-departmental coordination, supply chain transparency, and independent verification.
• Supplier dialogue drives project improvement:Next Level Apparel Maintains multiple channels of two-way communication with suppliers and factories. These channels enable both parties to plan and execute the procurement process smoothly, including making adjustments in the event of unexpected challenges. They also allow the company to collect feedback from suppliers and use it to improve its own policies and procedures.

Fair Labor Certification is regarded as the gold standard for human rights due diligence in global supply chains. By assessing corporate business practices against the highest international labor standards, it helps investors, consumers, regulatory authorities, and rating agencies make more informed decisions.

This certification is a rigorous multi-year process designed to assess a company's system for protecting workers; it is the only comprehensive program of its kind that is based on international standards and frameworks, including those of the International Labour Organization, United Nations Guiding Principles, OECD, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Companies that obtain Fair Labor Certification are subject to ongoing assessments and must demonstrate continuous progress in improving working conditions and protecting workers' rights. For a list of companies with Fair Labor Certification and more information, please visit www.fairlabor.org.

About Fair Labor Association:Fair Labor Association (FLA) is committed to promoting human rights in the workplace. We are an international network composed of businesses, universities, as well as labor and civil society organizations, working together to ensure that millions of people in factories and farms around the world receive fair wages and are protected from risks to their health, safety, and well-being.

About Next Level Apparel:Next Level Apparel is a pioneer enterprise founded by a family that has been deeply involved in the blank clothing industry for decades. Today, it has become a leading wholesaler and seller of high-quality blank clothing. Its craftsmanship and strict ethical procurement practices—verified through leading programs such as U.S, Cotton Trust Protocol, Oritain, Altana, and Vertru—are dedicated to designing products for sports, while also maintaining a timeless style. The company never compromises on quality or price, and it does not sacrifice customer service for the sake of scale. It aims to provide customers with the best return on investment for their business and offer end-consumers the lowest cost per wear. With a variety of custom fabrics designed to meet different printing and decoration requirements, Next Level Apparel ensures flawless cuttings, excellent print compatibility, and unparalleled quality control. The products designed are durable, reduce waste, and ensure that customers' brands can be proudly worn for many years to come.

Next Level Apparel Media contact:

Bethany Willetts

[ email protected ]