Apparel Tip: Top 5 Beach Accessories

May is almost here and With the weather warming up quickly, the beaches will soon be teeming with people again. Crowded beaches are great opportunities to advertise. Promoting on the beach can be difficult given the limited possibilities with swimsuits, but a whole realm of possbilities exist in beach friendly apparel accessories. Here are our top 5 promotional accessories for the beach -- give them out as gifts to clients and employees and watch your brand visibility grow!

1. Tahiti Beach Sandals -
These soft fabric sandals are definitely our favorite way to promote on the beach. A logo or message can be debossed into the soles, so each step the wearer takes leaves distinct impressions in the sand.

2. Waterproof Pouch /w Neck Cord -
Keeping your money and essential electronics dry on the beach can be a pain. Love the beach, but can't stand to be apart from your phone? Help ease that headache with a promotional waterproof pouch. The included neck cord will let you keep those valuables close by, safe and dry.

3. Wet & Dry Cooler Backpack -
There's nothing better than an ice cold beverage when things start to really heat up. This wet & dry cooler backpack is just the right size to be conveniently carried. It's divided into two compartments, once will keep dry items dry and the other section will keep your cold items chilly until you are ready for them.

4. Sheared Terry Velour Beach Towel -
With their wide imprint area, promotional beach towels are definitely one of the most cost effective ways to advertise on the beach. This particular tower is optically brightened, making logos appear sharp and clean even in the brightest sunlight.

5. Beach Mesh Drawstring Bag -
Of course, all of your accessories and beach items have to be carried around in something and this promotional mesh drawstring bag is just the right thing for the task. The mesh construction is durable enough to carry just about anything you need and you can simply shake out any water and sand that gets inside.

Apparel Tip: Screen Printing vs. Embroidery

Today's apparel printing method tip is in answer to a question from our mail bag: "Why would I use screen printing instead of embroidery on my promotional t-shirts?" My answer is that both apparel embellishment options have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it really comes down to the kind of look you are after.

Embroidery is suitable for most types of garments except very fine fabrics and some specially treated garments like Gore-Tex water-proofed outerwear. It is usually more expensive than screen printing, but offers more versatile decorating options -- speciality threads like solar activated or metallic threads offer you unique design possibilities. The texture and overall appearance of well-designed embroidery can impart a more professional look on your promotional apparel.

Screen printing is ideal for larger runs and is often the better choice for more intricate designs. It can reproduce finer details like small stylized fonts, outlining and color gradients that often cannot be easily replicated in embroidery. For example, designs that feature the popular, washed-out distressed style are difficult to reproduce by embroidery and may look wrong. Screen printing with water-based inks also leave the garment without a 'feel' to the design. My suggestion is to get samples of both embellishment options and decide which one looks better to you.

Apparel Accessory Feature: Bandanas

I have been noticing that bandanas seem to be making a comeback in popularity lately, especially among athletes and urban youth. Given the countless colors and patterns that is possible on bandanas, it's no wonder that so many people have chosen bandanas to express their unique personalities. Just look at some of the most popular and iconic athletes today for some examples -- it's almost impossible to catch tennis players like Roger Federer and Rafel Nadal competing without a bandana tied around their brow and of course the Boston Red Sox's Manny Ramirez is rarely seen without one under his helmet.

With that kind of high profile tacit endorsements, it might be a good idea to consider promotional bandanas in place of more traditional headwear for your next promotional event. These stylish, lightweight alternatives will definitely make great promotional giveaways.

Apparel Feature: Sweatpants

Companies looking for apparel gift ideas should keep an eye on custom sweatpants and sports warm up pants, which seems to be making a return to popularity in 2008. With more and more studies touting the benefits of workplace wellness, an increasing number of companies are responding by starting up corporate wellness programs.

A 2001 University of Michigan study indicates that for each $1 spent in wellness programs, a company may recover $3 in savings. With results like that, it's no wonder why so many companies are now using these programs to promote a healthier workforce.

What we have noticed is that many of these companies are also using promotional apparel and fitness equipment imprinted with company logos as part of incentives packages encouraging employees to participate. Those promotional sweatpants may soon be common sights at local gyms.

Evolution of Sports Apparel - Performance Apparel (Part 2)

Following up on Tuesday's blog, today we look at the how evolution in technology and textile science have changed the face of sports apparel. Today's athletes have more options than just tossing on the most comfortable outfit in their wardrobe before a workout -- modern sports apparel is expected to assist and even enhance your innate physical abilities.

The most significant technical developments in the sports clothing industry is the increasing use of engineered high-function and 'smart' materials. These 'value-added' textiles encompass a staggering number of different materials ranging from mesh and microfiber fabrics to silver and paraffin treatments. Due to amount of different materials used and the many different kinds of performance attributes, there is no one single definition for what performance apparel is -- it is simply any apparel that does something extra for your body. However, there are certain qualities, like moisture wicking, that are expected in most performance sports apparel. The most common trends we are seeing include:

Moisture Wicking & Breathability -
While the natural cotton fiber does have some moisture wicking qualities, it tends to be negated by its absorbent qualities. Modern performance apparel are all synthetics and many are designed to remove moisture and evaporate very rapidly.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Odor Treatments -
Antimicrobial features is often advertised as one of the innate side qualities of advanced moisture wicking fabrics. Some manufacturers have however actually gone the extra distance and incorporated active anti-microbial and odor fighting materials, like silver ions into their clothing. Some of these will even fight stains to prevent unsightly sweat patches from showing during a workout.

Temperature Regulation -
Heat-modifying fabrics use paraffin or silver treatments to modify body temperature. Cooling materials like silver ion teatments can help dissapate heat, while 'phase-change' materials like paraffin can actively regulate temperatures by changing their properties in response to body temperature. As it gets hotter, the material becomes more liquid allowing heat to pass out. Cold temperatures causes it to resolidify, sealing in heat and insulating the wearer.

Extra Mobility and Support -
Some performance apparel are designed to reinforce and provide support to the body during athletic performance. This can be simple elastic materials, like mesh panel inserts, that stretch as you move to allow greater flexibility or compression suits designed to increase blood flow and minimize injury.

Incredibly, these are only a small fraction of performance apparel attributes that manufacturers are developing. As the industry continues to grow and mature, we'll see intelligent textiles that can monitor and react to your body. But the best news is that these apparel choices are beginning to cross the line into fashionable corporate wear. For companies this means a larger selection of promotional high-tech performance apparel to carry their logos.

Evolution of Sports Apparel - Performance Apparel (Part 1)

Sports apparel have come a long way since the days of simple cotton shirts. Modern textile and apparel technology have advanced to the point where apparel can have measurable impact on athlete performance. This entire week the Corporate Apparel Blog will be charting the different types of fabrics used in sports apparel, from cotton to the most advanced microfiber blends. But, while traditional cotton apparel might be considered 'low-tech' nowadays, it still possess a plethora of benefits, which we will be discussing today.

Moisture Wicking -
Natural fabrics like cotton are very breathable. Their excellent air circulation properties helps absorb body moisture and evaporate them into the air, drawing heat away from your skin and keeping the body cool and dry. Cotton has superior absorbency to many synthetics. In fact, cotton fabric is noted for its ability to absorb one fifth of its weight in water before it'll even feel damp. It's unique for being the only fabric that actually becomes stronger when wet.

Hypoallergenic -
Cotton apparel are particularly good for individuals suffering from asthma or allergies due to its hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant qualities. This hypoallergenic benefits also extend to people with sensitive skin who might be prone to experiencing irritation with other fabric types.

Versatile -
When it comes to apparel production options, cotton clothing is no slouch. The fabric is easy to dye and blend with other fibers, including synthetics like polyester and Lycra. It can be easily coated or given a protective finish, making it ideal for products like heat-resistant fire fighting uniforms. It's also amazingly versatile, capable of being used for most types of apparel, from underwear to sweaters.

Eco-friendly -
Cotton is a renewable resource. It produces remarkably little waste during production, losing only 10% of its raw weight during processing. Organic cotton is even better because no pesticides are used to grow it, which means less chemicals in the environment.

Promotion Falls Short With Not All Sizes

I recently attended a concert in New York City at The Fillmore at Irving Plaza. I was surprised to find The Village Voice there handing out promotional t-shirts.

I was a little disappointed that they didn't have my size (An XL if anyone wants to send me one). I grabbed one of their imprinted American Apparel t-shirts anyway.

If you are going to have a promotional t-shirt as a giveaway you should make sure that you have enough sizes for everyone. I have seen many companies give out t-shirts that are one-size; they'll get either a large or extra large and hand them out to everyone. Too big is sometimes better than too small. It generally saves time and makes it easier then having multiple sizes.

Apparel Tip - Top 4 Popular Men's Corporate Apparel

In many workplaces in the United States, business casual attire has become the norm, supplanting business formal wear as the standard business apparel for managers and professionals. These 4 selections are among the most popular apparel choices that we have been seeing a lot of lately:

- We love this Solid Color Performance Polo for its moisture-wicking capabilities. The unique micro-fiber will help keep you dry as the weather heats up and the BodyFreshe™ treatment will keep you smelling clean by inhibiting the growth of odor causing bacteria.

- The Wrinkle Free Shirt by Port Authority® is a button down shirt for those occasions when you need to feel more formal. The large selection of subdued colors lets you blend into more formal events without seeming out of place. This is a great choice for business trips as no ironing is necessary -- simply wash and go!

- Our second featured polo shirt, the ClimaCool® Mesh Polo by Adidas® comes with a superior moisture management technology. Its improved airflow and quick drying properties is designed to regulate your skin temperature, keeping you cool on those warm spring days. Coolmax® Extreme technology also provides UV protection built directly into the fibers of the mesh cloth.

- Another "dressy" shirt, the Advantage Pima Twill Shirt by Devon & Jones® is another apparel choice that is idea for travel. Also featuring wrinkle resistant protection, this shirt is also treated with Teflon to resist stains. The 100% cotton sanded twill is also one of the softest we have ever felt.

Apparel Tip - Top 3 Spring Apparel Items

Spring is here, and it is important to have the best spring promotional gifts and giveaways for the season. Tons of great items are available, but we have compiled a list of what we predict will be the top 3 spring apparel items that will be popular this year.

1. The Jersey T-Shirt by American Apparel® is the best classic cotton t-shirt available this spring. Made sweatshop free in the USA, these tee's are soft and light offered in over 40 colors. Your recipients will love and wear these high quality t-shirts all year long. Put your company name and logo on one of these t-shirts to guarantee maximum brand exposure.

2. For whatever ventures you or your friends may be seeking when the weather gets warm, its important to remember to bring a coat, especially a raincoat, even though it may be a hassle to pack. This spring you are in luck, because you can provide your recipients with the perfect apparel item, the Packable Nylon Jacket by Dickies®. Made of a 100% nylon shell with 100% polyester lining, this full-zip lightweight jacket brings you high quality with your company logo. This uselful promotional jacket zips into its own front pocket/storage pouch so you can put it away or take it out, rain or shine.

3. Spring is around the corner and it is important to remember that when the weather get warm everyone is going to come outside and start being active again. This is a great time of year to provide your recipients with the Cotton Raglan Baseball T-shirt by Anvil®. Available in 4 color combinations, this tee is 100% preshrunk cotton with 3/4 lenght raglan sleeves. Worn and adored by baseball players and fans, men and women of all ages would love to receive one of these promotional baseball t-shirts this spring.

Apparel Feature: Sandals and Flip Flops

Promotional footwear is a product category with a lot of advertising potential, but it is one that is unfortunately largely ignored by marketing teams. With the currently on-going spring breaks and summer just right around the corner, promotional sandals and flip flops are excellent opportunities to garner some brand exposure.

These bright and colorful products are especially good for travel and vacation businesses that are situated near beaches and waterfronts. Just imprint your company logo on the insoles and the promotional footwear becomes unique billboards, leaving your message imprinted everywhere you go on the beach.

Apparel Tip: How To Pair Up Your Promotional Apparel To Make A Stronger Impact

While promotional apparel can be very effective and versatile promotional items, I am aware that they sometimes seem lackluster as corporate gifts. However, with so many other different kinds of promotional products available, there is an easy solution: simply pair up other items and take advantage of color matching, custom-imprinting services to make unique personalized gift sets.

For example, aprons and oven mitts may seem too ordinary on their own, but add pot holders and cutlery sets, all personalized with your logos and the recipient's name and you will have created a special gift that cannot be found in stores.

There are virtually no limit to the different kinds of unique gift sets you can create in this manner. robes and slippers combined with beauty care and bath supplies gives you a wonderful spa kit. Golf apparel can obviously be combined with golf accessories for a nice weekend sporting gift set.

By pampering your employees and clients in this fashion, you will definitely stand out from your competitors and show how connected you are with their interests.