Whether it’s cyan, teal or turquoise, blue remains one of the most popular colors of logo apparel. Possessing numerous positive attributes and often associated with tranquility, good health and faith, blue of all shades effectively lends itself to promotional wear by encouraging positive qualities with companies utilizing this hue.

“When you enter a place of business and you see all of the employees in customized blue shirts, hats and pants, you get the message that the company takes its services seriously,” says Bayo Simmonds, president of Assertive Creativity LLC, labeling blue “a very corporate-friendly branding color” due to its longstanding association with reliability. Although blue is in vogue year-round, Simmonds stresses the importance of introducing it with apparel for spring, when blue increases in popularity. “Blue is an excellent way to introduce new spring products,” he notes, “particularly those in the light-blue family.” Valentina Huang, vice president of marketing and sales at Pro-Celebrity, suggests that navy can act as an effective neutral. “Many companies use navy as a substitute for black, provided the navy is a rich, dark hue,” she states, adding, “The darker the navy, the more versatility you have.” Navy is often paired with bright yellow, gold, white or red when used in a logo design. These colors offset each other well because they’re primary colors, from which all other hues are made.

While blue is applicable across industry lines, Simmonds emphasizes that hospitality, transportation and travel industries are all great candidates for blue apparel.  Also companies associated with water, such as spas, swimming pool retailers and utility companies should are consider this top selling hue.

1. Flip the Script: “Print the graphic upside down so when wearers hang their heads, they see the art. It’ll make everyone else look, too,” says Marsha Londe, owner of industry consulting firm Tango Partners. “I saw such a shirt recently: On the back, printed upside down, it said, ‘If you can read this, pull me into the boat.’ And, because it was upside down, I focused on it to read it.”

2. Fold and Roll: “Take the shirt, fold and roll it, and stand it on end to turn it into a figure. As a display at a convention, shirts were rolled and put into a standing position,” Londe explains. “Sunglasses were put at eye level, and they were topped with a hat as the giveaway. It was a great presentation of gifts to attendees or trip winners, and a fun use of a shirt gets everyone in the mood to party, celebrate and enjoy.”

3. Supersize It: Londe suggests making T-shirts oversized for wearers to use when sleeping, or as a beach or pool cover-up. “A comfortable cotton tee could be a hit with a sleepy recipient,” she says. 

4. That’s a Wrap: “Use a wraparound imprint to attract attention,” she says. “People can’t help themselves; they have to walk around the wearer to capture the full message.” 

5. Bright Idea: This concept is perfect for kids on a field trip, adult groups on a hike, or a club. Suit up everyone in the same bright color – think neon pink or squint inducing yellow. “It makes it easy to spot another member of the group,” Londe says. “You can even add a number on the back of the shirt, so it’s easy to know who’s missing.

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.

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 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.

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."

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.

With the recent fervor over patterns and prints, one might wonder where the simple solid colors have gone. This winter, they’re as plentiful as their visually busy counterparts. One only has to look as far as the Spring 2012 fashion designs by Ralph Lauren, Ruffian and Steven Alan to see that solids can be counted as a hot new “pattern.” “Solid-color apparel is timeless when it comes to corporate or logo apparel,” says Taraynn Lloyd, director of marketing at Edwards Garment Co. “A solid-color skirt in black or navy gives the wearer versatility when it comes to selecting the right blouse, shirt or even sweater set.” Lloyd adds that accessories work wonderfully with solids, and items like scarves and oversized bracelets will attract attention.

Lloyd suggests that any business able to invest in an updated and revamped image-apparel program would do well to consider solid colors, which are staples of many corporate uniforms, particularly those of the hospitality, health-care and food industries. “These organizations select garments that enhance their brand and build their image by using logo embroidery as an embellishment,” she explains. Lloyd says there’s also a practicality factor at work: “Employers are looking for these garments to be easy to care for and last for at least a year. Solid-color garments provide these employers with classic styles and the versatility they need.” Color choice is paramount when it comes to solids. “Clients often select colors primarily based on those that accentuate their logo,” says Mary Ellen Nichols, director of marketing communications for Bodek and Rhodes. “Other times, clients select particular colors either to stand out from the crowd – such as bold, vibrant, can’t-miss-me colors – or because certain hues convey certain messages.” She states that the best way to guide clients toward the right color combo is to be attentive to the nature of that message: “Probing clients to uncover their goals in choosing specific colors will help them decide on the perfect shades.”

Are these trends the next “it” items or just the start of something big? Here’s a look at what apparel has in store for next year. There’s a post-modern notion in fashion right now that there are no such things as trends.

Fashion moves too fast, the argument goes. Old ideas are recycled so often that there isn’t anything new. Broad changes in fashion are now “stories” or “directions” – wide-sweeping characterizations that supposedly go beyond mere trend.

Buy that notion if you want. It does not erase the fact that apparel distributors must display their expertise to clients – not just what has sold well, but what will command attention in the future. By identifying what is popular at retail and in the world at large, we can come up with ideas that will shape the future. Those are honest-to-goodness trends, and they still matter. 

Of course, not all trends are created equal. Some are ramping up, some are powering down and some are at the height of their popularity. Here’s just a few to consider:

Dusters and Trench coats
Dusters have their roots in the Old West and trenches hail back to World War I, but both long coats have earned eternal status in the winter fashion menagerie. Designers continue to tweak them – playing with hem lengths, varying colors and shapes – so that each year they pop up on the fall fashion radar. What’s the difference between the two? Dusters tend to be longer with a more sweeping silhouette; trench coats are recognizable by their buttons, tie fronts and cinched shapes. (That, of course, hasn’t prevented designers from melding the two looks). Bottom line: Not only are these coats insanely fashionable, they are also highly practical.

Khaki Americana
America loves history – in particular its own. That’s why the Americana trend continues to have legs, because designers are so eager to revisit the signature looks of our country’s past. While denim continues to be the pre-eminent fabric of the Americana revival (and will be until time immemorial), khaki has emerged as a central figure in the trend. It’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of products and can be combined with all sorts of modern tweaks (distressed details, cargo pockets, etc.). Plus, it dovetails nicely with the ever-enduring military aesthetic. Uniforms with a vintage look are a perfect vehicle for khaki, but this fabric marvel excels with practically any rugged work-wear option. 

Anoraks and Hoods
Traditionally speaking, an anorak is a hooded rain- coat. But generally it describes a wide range of outerwear and pullovers – everything from light waterproof jackets to the heaviest of winter parkas. The key element in all of this is from the neck up – hoods, raised collars and cowls. After hoodies skyrocketed to popularity this past decade, it’s no surprise that the popular look has transitioned back to outerwear and fleeces. Not only does it serve a practical function in guarding against the elements, but it also creates a distinctive silhouette that is part of fashion’s current rebellion against everything sleek and slim. And with this trend, your neck won’t be on the line.

Graphic Crewneck Sweatshirts
The resurgence of crewneck sweatshirts has been promised over and over again – but, alas, it’s only been talk. Well finally, this trend is beginning to see the light. (Maybe because we’re removing the hoods from our eyes.) Crewneck sweatshirts got ample attention on the spring 2012 show runways, thanks to a very simple, collegiate- inspired aesthetic. You know the look: screen-printed names and mascots, clean decoration, nothing too over- wrought. (John Belushi, his famous “College” sweatshirt and his bottle of Jack come to mind.) In addition to schools, which are a no-brainer, a multitude of casual settings will eat up this ’80s-inspired look.

The holiday season is here, and it’s the time of year we normally start thinking about giving back. At ImageWear Solutions, philanthropy is high on our priority list: we think it’s important to support our community year round and the people who help make it a better place.

Today, I want to feature the great organizations we support. The people and places I’m about to talk about work hard everyday, year-round to help others and make the world a brighter place. I also want to give you a gentle nudge to put philanthropy on your list of goals for the New Year.

Without further ado...

The Sunshine Division.
The Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division is an emergency food relief organization helping individuals, women, children and families around the clock, everyday of the year. Food is distributed out of a warehouse in North Portland. Because of the close partnership with the Portland Police Bureau, officers on the street can give a Sunshine Division referral card to anyone they believe needs the Division’s services. This card entitles the bearer to a box of food, no questions asked. In addition, The Sunshine Division maintains both adult and child clothing programs, offering those in need dignified shopping experiences.

The Dougy Center
The Dougy Center provides grieving children, teens, young adults, and their families a safe place to share and work through their loss. Giving them an outlet, The Dougy Center offers peer support groups, education, and training. Sadly, on June 21 this year, The Dougy Center’s building was destroyed in an arson fire. They’re still helping grieving children and families in a temporary location, but need support now more than ever.

The Humane Society
As an owner of two dogs, animals hold a special place in my heart. The Oregon Humane Society has been working to help animals for the last 140 years. The Humane Society shelters abandoned animals, fights cruelty and neglect, and works to build a caring and compassionate community.

Oregon Food Bank
The Oregon Food Bank recovers food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources. It then distributes that food to 20 regional food banks across Oregon. In addition, the Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate the root causes of hunger through advocacy, nutrition education, learning gardens, and public education.

All of us here at ImageWear Solutions are thankful for the organizations that make the world a better place and we look forward helping you in 2012.