What Exactly Is “Antimicrobial?”

“Antimicrobial is a chemical treatment applied to fabric to prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing while perspiring,” says Kate Souza, internal communications specialist for Charles River Apparel. “Inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria leaves the wearer feeling dryer and cleaner.” (A common misconception is that antimicrobial treatments “kill” bacteria; rather, they prevent growth in the first place.)

During or after the manufacturing process, garments are chemically treated to gain antimicrobial protection. “While this technology has been available for a while,” says Danny Tsai, vice president of merchandising for Tri-Mountain, “it’s only been in the last few years that it’s become more popular and commercially viable for apparel.” The very first antimicrobials were derived from silver ions. Those treatments are still in use today, though there are questions about whether the silver leeches into the environment or the human body. A multitude of other antimicrobial treatments exist now; three new active ingredients and 15 new uses in antimicrobials are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency each year.

What are its benefits?

+ No more smelly clothes.
Or bacteria against your skin, for that matter. “The bacteria cause an unpleasant smell,” says Morey Mayeri, president of Royal Apparel. “Putting in this antimicrobial treatment controls the growth and keeps the fabric fresher longer.”

+ Teams up with moisture-wicking.
“Antimicrobial is mostly being put on polyester, especially knits and any active-wear,” Tsai says, “and pretty much 100% of the time, these garments have moisture-wicking properties.”

+ Machine-washable.
Any embellishment method that works on non-antimicrobial apparel should work equally well on apparel that includes the feature.

Who should consider antimicrobial apparel?

Athletics and Sports Teams
A rigorous workout or day out in the sun is going to cause some perspiring, which is why consumers want antimicrobial garments. “We’ve had great success with our golf shirts that feature antimicrobial protection,” says Tsai. “At the end of the day, consumers are gravitating toward more functional apparel that’s easy to care for and comfortable.”

Restaurants and Hospitality
A hot kitchen, spilled food, the brisk pace of service: An antimicrobial garment is perfect for that environment. “Some people in the uniform business might wear the shirt for an extended period of time,” Mayeri says, “and for health reasons, they’ll buy fabric with the antimicrobial treatment in it.”

Hospitals and Healthcare
Any medical facility is a haven for germs, bacteria, and who knows what else. Antimicrobial scrubs and other apparel can keep medical workers healthier by preventing the spread of such agents.

Trend Alert: Puffer Jackets

Puffer jackets and vests are in again for those bitterly cold winter days. While the garments are best known for their bulky look (stemming from their Gore-Tex origins all the way through their rise to massive popularity with The North Face), they continue to evolve with thinner materials and more robust performance properties. Retail names both low and high, from Eddie Bauer to Burberry, continue to feature puffer jackets as a staple of their outerwear selections.

Industry suppliers too have tapped into the puffer trend. "We recently introduced the Apex, a new highly-thermal jacket compressible enough to pack into its own pocket," says Lauren Cocco, senior merchandiser at Vantage Apparel. "This puffer jacket is available in men's (7320) and women's styles (7321), in either bright navy or black onyx."

Although puffer jackets and vests have been making appearances for a while (think of Marty McFly's rust-colored vest from Back to the Future), the fabrications and enhanced technologies are advancing. "For example, the Apex Compressible jacket is wind-resistant, water-repellent, breathable, ultra-soft, lightweight, highly compressible and thermally efficient," Cocco says. "It's been temperature rated from 5° to 50°F, which represents a guideline comfort range when worn as part of a clothing ensemble."

These technologically advanced jackets and vests aren't just for kids; in fact, they're most popular with men and women between 25 and 40 years old, according to Cocco. She adds that clients should keep an eye on fabrications that are becoming even softer, more lightweight and more breathable. "Fabrics with ease of movement that complement active lifestyles are key," she says. "Look for more blocked silhouettes that use an additional fabric like fleece or contrasting zipper details."

Corporate Apparel Lightens Up

Corporate culture is a fascinating thing. It changes from company to company, even department to department. In the wake of the worst employment downturn since the great depression, it has never been more important to build a strong corporate culture, one that unifies and creates team spirit. If there is an channel of the promotional products industry that is super-strong at building camaraderie and team spirit, it is branded corporate apparel. With more companies incorporating fitness into their corporate culture, relaxing dress codes to be more casual and sporty, creating a corporate apparel campaign can be a lot of fun for everyone.

Kate Souza, public relations specialist, Charles River Apparel, explained how this new trend is impacting corporate apparel programs. "We have seen a huge surge in requests for wellness and fitness items for corporate programs. Everything from wicking tees to yoga-styled apparel has been recent hot items," she noted. This uptick in fitness apparel is not just for sports teams; it is for all kinds of corporations, from finance and banking, to pharmaceutical and real estate. "We're seeing a demand for performance fabrics in corporate apparel, not just for team markets," she said.

Trend Alert: Layering

Layering garments of different fabrics, textures, colors and weights can be a fun and interesting way to spruce up an outfit. In fact, layering is a popular trend right now across the board, from high school hallways to top designer houses. Dolce & Gabbana, Rag & Bone and Givenchy all recently featured layered looks, comprised of chunky jackets, sweaters, scarves, boots and leggings of various textures, on the catwalks. Fashion-forward women favor boots over leggings or knee socks, fitted tees paired with medium- or lightweight jackets, printed cardigans and colorful scarves. Men prefer chunky sweaters, jackets of various weights and materials and vintage tees under button-down shirts.

Layering is also great for the workplace. Gabrielle Rohde, merchandise manager at Sportco, emphasizes the use of women's cardigans for that same look. "Our full-fashioned knit cardigans fit better than others because they follow the lines of the body," she says. "All our sweaters are a machine washable 80/20 cotton/poly blend that doesn't pill."

Rohde believes that cardigans' versatility means they will always be a staple in women's daily wardrobe. "Layering is a necessity for women not only to keep them warm but also to allow them to cool off," she adds. Whether they're lightweight sweaters, jackets or scarves, "every women needs layering pieces," says Rohde. 

As for the trend's longevity, Rohde is only optimistic. "Layering pieces are not only basic components of a woman's wardrobe; the variety of lengths, sleeve lengths and, most importantly, fashion details have also made them fun, not just needed," she says. "I think women are buying a layering piece to both compliment and coordinate with their outfit. It's a fashion statement that is also very utilitarian."

2-FOR-1 LOGO EXPOSURE WITH 3-IN-1 JACKETS

If you're looking for a promotion that goes the extra mile, makes jaws drop, and provides maximum logo exposure, you need to get your hands on three-in-one jackets.

Three-in-one jackets are made of a wind-breaker shell and an inner, insulating piece (usually fleece). They're appropriately named because they can be worn in three ways:
 

•  As one: the windbreaker with the insulating layer underneath. (Great in the winter.)

•  Windbreaker only: perfect in the spring, when you need only slight protection.

•  Insulating piece only: ideal in the fall, when you need a bit of extra warmth.
 
And, because you're working with two pieces, you can place your logo in two spots. So, regardless of the season, you're getting maximum brand exposure.
 

Need more convincing? Three-in-one jackets are great for the following reasons:
 

Great uniform for outdoor employees: If your employees work outside year round, you might consider setting them up with a three-in-one jacket. Not only are you protecting your workers from the elements, you're making sure they look professional and representing your company in a polished way regardless of the weather.
 

A luxury promotion that will make a huge impression:
These days, it takes a lot to impress people. If you're looking for a way to honor VIP clients or win over hot prospects, consider giving them a three-in-one jacket. The gesture shows you're willing to go the extra mile for your customers and conveys the high standards of your organization.
 

A gift that gives every season:
A three-in-one jacket can be worn year-round. Because this jacket is so versatile, it can be used in all weather conditions, always keeping clients happy and comfortable. Plus, when your clients wear the jacket, they're marketing for you. (Did I mention you can put your logo in two places?)
 

Make a statement:
When you brand a three-in-one jacket, you're making a strong statement: your company cares about people, and will be there for them rain or shine.
 


Step outside the norm:
Three-in-one jackets are not a typical promotion gift. However, it's for this reason they make such a huge impression and impact on your clients. If you're looking for a way to stand out from your competition, be bold: send your clients a jacket.
 
Three-in-one jackets are the ultimate promotion and a great uniform. Whether you're looking to please clients or present a professional image, a branded three-in-one jacket can do the job.