Ride the cargo fashion trend

As we wonder when the military trend will make its last stand, it continues to hold strong by expanding in a number of new directions. In its sights? Cargo pants in khaki, navy and black.

The original cargo pants were a loose-fitting garment made from cotton twill fabric that featured large, generous pockets along the sides of the legs. The pants were traditionally made for military use in fatigue green, but managed to make their way onto the commercial and work apparel scene. Designers from Paris, Milan and New York caught onto the cargo-pant style, and commercialized it by displaying designer versions in a much more slender form on the runways.

"Cargo chic is steaming-hot right now. I've noticed cargo pocket on everything from high-fashion misses' trousers to casual crop pants," says Taraynn Lloyd, director of marketing at Edwards Garment Co., "Ride the cargo fashion trend by incorporating pants and shorts into your corporate uniform plans."

Since the military trend comes with a palate of neutrals, cargo pants can be paired with any other color in the fashion-apparel spectrum – from other neutrals to bright colors. For men, the look is best worn with something conservative, like a V-neck sweater or a polo shirt. For women, pair cargo pants with heels, booties or flats for a look that can go from the office to the club. For both sexes, casual shirt with a denim jacket or blazer.

Fashion houses have unveiled a trimmer pair of cargo pants that deviate from the garment's loose-fitting origins. But for promotional purposes, any style will fit with the interest in cargo couture. They are a great unisex go-to when all other pants are failing to create the right look – on those days when jeans feel too tight and trousers look too proper. So embrace the continued revival of the military trend with full force and offer your clients an updated look in cargo pants, either skinny or wide.

Trench Coats: A Popular Spring Trend

From Burberry Prorsum’s notably eclectic and colorful designs to the more staid and smooth renditions of Salvatore Ferragamo, trench coats represent one of the season’s most sought-after trends. Keeping in line with tailored-clothing styles and military fashions, trench coats add a healthy dose of glamour to casual outfits, especially with a little accessorizing.

“Trench coats continue to be a popular spring trend,” says Kate Souza, public relations representative for Charles River Apparel. “For one, they’re the perfect go-to piece for rainy days. In addition, the trench has been getting a ‘face-lift’ every year, sporting trendy colors and prints to keep it fresh and stylish.”

Souza praises trench coats for their remarkable versatility. “Classic versions come in various lengths, ranging from mid-calf to above the knee, so almost any company can take advantage of the trend,” she says. Another benefit to the trench is that it’s popular among both women and men. According to Souza, “Women love them for their fashionable feel, and men can take advantage of their convenience.”

Sensual, Exciting and Energetic: Fuchsia

This intrepid, bold hue took the runways by storm last autumn when 2013’s spring and summer fashions were first unveiled. Designs by the likes of Alexis Mabille, Oscar de la Renta and Issa presented gorgeous new apparel styles drenched in this majestic hue. Whether comprising an entire garment or applied subtly as an accent or embellishment, fuchsia is recognized as an upbeat, feminine color with tons of pizzazz.

“Fuchsia is the color wheel’s most femininely playful hue, conveying something that’s sensual, exciting and energetic,” says Mary Ellen Nichols, director of marketing communications for Bodek and Rhodes. “Fuchsia exudes confidence in femininity, a bold exuberance to be where the action is. It’s one of the beacons on the spring runways this year.” 

Fuchsia is ideal for events and businesses that cater to women, such as health-related organizations and beauty salons, which can implement the color for use with promotional products or company logos.

Style & Versatility: Women’s Performance Apparel

The sports apparel industry has invested in a complete makeover over the past few years to feature more contemporary styles and colors as well as the latest in technology in terms of fabric. Whether you’re a dedicated Adidas or New Balance fan or keeping tabs on the latest in yoga fashions, there are a host of new styles available to whet your appetite.

“People want to look good and feel comfortable no matter what their environment,” says Christine Hadvick, marketing and public relations coordinator for Stormtech Performance Apparel Ltd.  She posits three specific points that must be hit in order to guarantee quality performance-wear garments: style, function and performance. “Spring 2013 is all about versatility and climate wear that performs, such as lightweight wind and waterproof shells and technically driven polos that combine leading-edge design with the highest level of performance,” she says.

The most effective designs, Hadvick explains, present several features in a single garment simultaneously: “They’re durable, wearable and stylish, and blended with contrast piping and laser-cut bonded seams and pockets that are crafted using the latest technology.”

Elson Yeung, product line manager and designer for Ash City, stresses the importance of both feminine fit and color in current designs. “With women’s performance apparel, it’s become necessary to add feminine touches to the design,” he says. “The consumer expects something more than just a sized-down version of the men’s style nowadays.” Yeung also stresses the importance of color in women’s performance wear. “It can make or break a style,” he says. “As designers, we must always be exploring new ways to take advantage of the wonderful ways colors can be adapted.”

Refreshing and Revitalizing: Teal

Refreshing and revitalizing, the traditional summer favorite of teal also works as a year-round revamped spin on turquoise, featuring a delicious combination of cool blues and greens.  Often referred to as a winter mint or blue spruce, teal, in it’s many shades, is excellent for any season because it can be paired with equally dramatic, saturated hues such as garnet and evergreen or neutrals such as ivory and charcoal. 

“Teal has it’s own flair and adds zest to the color palette,” says Taren Lloyd, director of marketing for Edwards Garment Co.  “Teal provides a subtle alternative to those who often select forest or hunter green wearables for their branded apparel program.”  She names restaurants, home improvement centers and landscaping services as perfect fits for the color, as they customarily implement blues and greens but are usually looking for something new to adopt. 

As a jewel tone, teal is just a touch darker than Pantone’s revered Lagoon, which was hailed as this year’s most popular color choice in fashion.  Combined with other saturated hues, teal is a superb choice, not just for wearables, but also for use in logo embroidery or screen-printing.