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Promotional
Apparel On The Edge
By Tonia
Cook Kimbrough, CAS
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‘mango-tango’ to ‘sub-lime,’ clingy silhouettes to
zippered accents – the edgiest of cutting-edge
fashions are available from (where else?) your promotional
products counselor. |
All it takes is one look at the red bulls-eye logo
splashed across T-shirts, shorts and pajamas in the
ultra-hip Target commercials of the last few years, and
it’s apparent that logoed clothing can indeed be trendy.
Word has it that soon after the first few commercials
appeared, Target began to get requests for the garments in
the ads, which originally had been intended only for the
campaign.
Think promotional apparel is confined to polos,
sweatshirts, tee and windbreakers? Think again. Logoed
wearables used to be a year or two behind retail. No more.
Need more convincing? Check out a few fashion-conscious
magazines like GQ, In Style and Vogue. A recent GQ layout
featured old-school-style T-shirts and ringer Ts – the
same looks offered as logoed items. In Style recently
showcased baby-doll Ts (also available from your friendly
neighborhood counselor). Even the ultra-chic Vogue has
shown the same type of sporty microfiber bra-tops and
shorts that are available in imprinted versions.
So there you have it. Hot logoed wearables have arrived.
But don’t just take our word for it; check out some of
the cool stuff.. |
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| Clean lines and
classic styling make this one great jacket. But look a
little more closely at the “Weatherproof” from asi/68318,
and you’ll see it’s actually a “vegetarian
leather” alternative to its more expensive cousins.
It’s made of a textured PVC shell with a satin lining.
In black, men’s sizes XS-XXL. |
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Deep scoop
V-neck. Fitted silhouette. Cap sleeves. What do these
features add up to? One hot “Avanti” ladies’ T-shirt,
styled for the fashion-conscious. From asi/34408, the
100% ring-spun cotton, lightweight 1x1-rib T comes in hot
colors like mango-tango, peri-berri, razz-berry, sub-lime,
and for the traditionalist, white, black and heather gray. |
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| A single-button
placket with a pearl button gives this ribbed polo
its feminine and fashionable flair. The tapered
side-seamed body also plays off the currently popular
“little shirt” look in retail. All cotton, with 1x1
rib and 1x1 welt collar. From asi/66855, in coral reef,
black, pina colada, white, wedgewood and steel gray, sizes
S-XL. |
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Innovation in
apparel means garments and fabrics that offer not only
style but function. The “Night Hawk” microfiber
zippered fleece pullover from asi/67630 uses a reflective
fabric – it has millions of dish-like reflectors
incorporated into its weave. The result? A wearable
that’s matte by day, then practically glows at night.
Available in black, ladies sizes S-2X. |
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| Two words say it
all: “Baby Doll.” That’s what makes this little
T-shirt hot with youth markets today. This one, from asi/65941
is cropped, close-fitting and comfortable in 6.5-ounce
cotton. Colors: black, heather gray and white, sizes S-L. |
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These two new
jackets from asi/50930 clearly show that stylish women’s
outerwear has arrived on the promo front. The “Lady
Avante,” left, and “Lady Camden” are both fitted and
hip-length for a crisp, mod look. The Avante is cowhide
with a button front, front patch pockets and satin lining.
In black, sizes S-XL. The Camden is cotton canvas
with zipper front, princess seams and side adjustment
tabs. Features such as an inside cell-phone pocket give it
present-day utility. Dark navy or putty, sizes S-XL. |
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| Mock turtlenecks
are perennially in style, and this one, from asi/65941,
has the look of classically trendy catalogers such as
J. Crew. The shirt is made from 7.1-ounce cotton.
Color choices are black, cobblestone, heather gray, ivy,
navy and white, in sizes M-2XL. |
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With the
influence of blockbuster movies such as Pearl Harbor, the
old-style military look is quite chic. This jacket, from
asi/34394, is based on the M-65 field coat, complete with
bellows pockets, bi-swing back, storm front and quilted
lining. A slight shine of the fabric gives a very modern
“feel” to this classically nostalgic garment. |
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| Reflective
stripes from shoulder to elbow and zippered front pockets
set off the strong style statement of “Racing Jacket”
from asi/68318. It’s tailored of a rubberized PVC shell,
lined with polyester no-pill fleece lining. Men’s sizes
XS-XXL. |
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The female
designer who created the “Gabrielle” (asi/83278)
ensemble for the promotional products market definitely
had insights into what makes a workday more comfortable
and fashionable. The V-neck shirt with 3/4-length sleeves
and ankle-length slit skirt are instant classics. Details
such as the overlaid design on the neckline provide a
touch of elegance. The skirt comes in black or navy; the
shirt in black, navy, red, hunter green, natural and
white. |
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| Whattya think?
Do intrigue and romance come to mind with this 3/4-length
field jacket in buffed leather? From asi/74600, the
“321” features an inside waist draw-cord, flannel
upper lining, full-front zipper, outside storm flap, two
front patch pockets and two slide slash pockets. In black
or brown, sizes S-XXL and LT-XXLT. |
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If you won’t
take our word for it, take GQ’s: vintage Ts are in. And
what’s more nostalgic than the ringer T? Check out this
version from asi/49172. |
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| Everything old
is new again, for sure. A tailored five-button design and
straight-hem bottom give this all-rayon bowling shirt from
asi/65215 its cool ’50s retro look. Two front
contrasting insets add visual appeal. It’s available in
light gray/cucumber, light gray/khaki , black/khaki and
navy/silver. Sizes S-XXL. |
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The hip-hop
influence is clear in these wide-leg 5-pocket jeans from
asi/99285. The denim can be embroidered directly or via
label. Pair them with a bowling shirt or trendy T and
you’ve got a hot look for a youth-targeted promo. Colors
are denim blue, black and khaki in even waist sizes 28-50. |
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| Accessories
With Attitude
When outfitting your
clients in cutting- edge clothes with your logo, don’t
forget the details. A range of accessories from shoulder
bags and sunglasses to pony bags and cell phone cases help
complete a fashion statement. A few other items you may
want to consider:
- Fashion watches
- Floral sandals and flip-flops
- Microfiber purses
- Ribbon belts
- Silk scarves
- Slip-on sports shoes
- Animal prints
- Bucket hats
- Moccasins
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| “Style 9825”
from asi/88998 picks up on a trendy version of the
backpack – a casual, slung-across-the-shoulder attitude
for those on the go. This all-polyester bag features a
padded back, shoulder strap with Velcro closures and
slide-lock buckle, double-slide zipper with storm flap and
outside zip pocket. In royal blue and black. |
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These shades,
from asi/82460, pick up on the very latest in design. From
their clear yellow-tinted lenses to the retro-nod of their
shape, they’re definitely in. |
