Duds For Dudes
If you think men don’t care about fashion as much as women do, you’re wrong—at least according to global market research firm Technavio. Results published from its research report last year show that the retail menswear market is growing faster than the women’s apparel market with a 4.8-percent growth rate versus three-percent growth for the women’s market. Globally, the menswear market is expected to reach $522.3 billion by 2020, according to the report.
Apparently, men want to be fashionable and trendy too, and they look to their favorite sports stars, musicians and actors to guide their clothing choices. “Celebrity endorsement has a significant role to play in setting fashion trends and also helps to build product and brand awareness … This promotional strategy is in line with the launch of international fast-fashion retailers in the global market and will boost this market’s growth in the coming years,” the report says.
Another point to consider from the report results may seem obvious, but it’s important to think about: the tops segment (shirts, pullovers, jackets, caps) dominates the market because men purchase larger quantities of tops than bottoms to diversify and update their wardrobe. So, when you’re recommending promotional menswear to your clients, you may want to think tops first.
Brad Moxley, corporate business development manager for Cutter & Buck (PPAI 196156) says that men are looking for versatility in their wardrobes and the tops that are trending currently are lightweight performance jackets and performance overknits (pullovers).
“As the workplace has changed to allow for a more casual appearance, performance overknits and lightweight jackets are being worn over a woven shirt or polo with jeans or slacks to provide a more modern look that is still office appropriate. Men are curating their closets with items they can wear to the office and then to happy hour, dinner or into their evening. The modern man’s wardrobe is all about versatility, consisting of items that can be worn throughout the day in any situation.”
Innovation is another feature men are looking for in their athletic and outerwear, according to Moxley. “Our Rainier Jacket is a perfect example of a new innovation in fabric as it uses a Primaloft fill, which makes the jacket very lightweight while retaining the same temperature rating as heavier jackets with more fill. Jackets that use a new and innovative fill are becoming more popular and consumers are willing to spend a bit extra for the quality,” he says.
It’s important to remember that the best menswear items can be worn in multiple environments. “When you are presenting ideas to a client, remind them of how each item can be worn in different settings to show additional value for their spend. They want to select items that will be worn often, increasing the number of impressions their logo makes,” Moxley emphasizes.
Cherish The Fall Chill In These Choice Jackets
This blanket-lined duck jacket features 12-ounce sanded and washed cotton duck for water resistance, a #7 brass YKK zipper, open bottom hem, snap cuffs, two front welt pockets, two large inside pockets and printed flannel for three-season comfort. This relaxed and generous fit jacket is available in 18 sizes (XXS-6XL, LT-6XT) and two colors (black and spice). There is no upcharge for Big & Tall sizes.
White Bear Clothing / PPAI 236468 / www.whitebearclothing.com
Gear up this fall with the versatile Rainier Jacket, made from durable nylon and insulated with a Primaloft fill, making it perfect for all temperatures from 0 to 50 degrees. This lightweight, retail-inspired jacket features a mock neck, concealed hood, zippered chest pocket and hidden, inside zipper for easy embroidery access. It’s available in eight colors.
Cutter & Buck / PPAI 196156 / www.cbcorporate.com
The classic features on the Glen Canyon Men’s Nappa Classic bomber jacket will never go out of style. Try on the comfort of this jacket, which includes an elastic waistband and snap cuffs. Wearers will love both the convenience of having two front slash pockets and an inside breast pocket, and the warmth provided by the nylon lining with polyester fiberfill. It’s available in black and brown.
Beacon Promotions / PPAI 113702 / www.beaconpromotions.com
Five Rules Of Millennial Men’s Style: What’s In, What’s Out
The Millennial generation has just eclipsed Baby Boomers as the largest, with 80 million members. These young people are driving style trends, and businesses need to pay attention. Here are five rules of Millennial men’s style from Barret Wertz, style and grooming director at Men’s Fitness magazine:
1. Involvement in how a brand’s clothes are made is in. Indifference is out.
2. Classic and indie brands are in. Trendy labels from generations past are out.
3. Affordable, direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are in. Conventional stores are out.
4. Customization is in. Mass production is out.
5. Comfort is in (athleisure). Traditional, boring business attire is out (but more creative suit designs are in).
Appeal To The Athleisure Crowd With These On-Trend Tops
The new ODYSSEY Performance Striped Poly Fleece Pullover Hood is constructed of mid-weight 7.5-ounce 100-percent polyester fleece fabric. This stunning hoodie is available in granite, sapphire, quarry and navy, with a high neckline, set-in sleeves and a front pouch pocket. It’s also available in two ladies’ companion styles with unique construction features. Sizes include S-3XL.
J. America / PPAI 351699 / www.jamericablanks.com
The District Made® Perfect Tri® Long Sleeve Hoodie is a lightweight layering essential that’s perfect all year round. Made from 4.5-ounce, 50/25/25 poly/ring spun combed cotton/rayon, the tri-blend fabric infuses each garment with unique character and slight color variations. The hoodie includes a tearaway tag and is available in men’s sizes XS-4XL.
SanMar / PPAI 110788 / www.sanmar.com
Add a touch of class as you add warmth over an oxford, polo or t-shirt. The snap front 100-percent polyester sweaterfleece pullover provides incredible softness with the unmatched look and feel of heathered wool. A soft-brushed poly-lined collar adds comfort, whether worn open or buttoned up, and three snaps mean more versatile wearing options. Choose from sizes S-3XL and colors including cinder, platinum, brick, stone and navy.
Storm Creek / PPAI 438091 / www.stormcreek.com
This new Made-in-USA Ombre polo maximizes the trendy look of subtle heathered fabrics, featuring an eye-catching vertical gradient on light, comfortable and colorfast polyester. The shirt can also be sewn without a cuff, collar and/or placket trim with a 144-piece order. It’s available in men’s sizes S-4XL and in royal, charcoal and burgundy.
AKWA / PPAI 205981 / www.akwa.com
Appeal to a younger audience with the whimsical Vansport Pro Mini-Gingham Polo. Made of 95-percent polyester and five-percent spandex, this polo features superior wicking and rapid dry time, a luxurious hand and drape, stretch for added comfort and a better fit, UV protection and antimicrobial properties for odor control. It is available in sizes S-3XL in navy/white and grey/white.
Vantage Apparel / PPAI 113235 / www.vantageapparel.com
Accent A Marketing Campaign With Manly Accessories
This popular and on-trend structured cap stands out in a cotton chambray heathered fabric and mesh back. Choose from five color combinations including black/black, black/white, brown/white, navy/white and red/white.
Outdoor Cap / PPAI 213485 / www.outdoorcap.com
This durable multipurpose pocket tool features a durable matte black anodized finish and stainless steel tools. It has five functions: a corkscrew, screwdriver, bottle opener, knife blade and can opener. It’s perfect for an employee or corporate gift or incentive item.
AspenLine / PPAI 438893 / www.aspenline.com
The 1.5-ounce black Essential Men’s Billfold Wallet is a compact leather wallet that will hold plenty of cards and cash. It’s a great pick for corporate gifts with a three-inch by two-inch outside imprint area. A polybag and gift box are also available.
Strong Leather Co. / PPAI 113072 / www.strongleather.com
With a polyester mesh lining, moisture-wicking sweatband and self-fabric chin strap, this Boonie hat from Dri Duck will keep the wearer protected and comfortable. It’s available in dark brown.
Kati SportCap & Bag / PPAI 113758 / www.katisportcap.com
CASE STUDY
In The Good ’Ol Summertime
To promote its Summer 2016 Collection, men’s clothing company Bonobos launched the #BetterThanAC campaign to promote the idea that its new designs would keep wearers cool. Bonobos chose to work with influential videographer and photographer Foster Huntington, who created several Instagram posts featuring Bonobos clothing in everyday outdoor summer moments. The key to the campaign’s success was the authentic feeling of the images, which didn’t seem overly promotional because they blended seamlessly with Huntington’s usual content. With the help of the campaign, Bonobos increased its average engagement rate threefold.
Source: Shanebarker.com
