The lag time between trends in retail fashion and promo apparel continues to shrink, and suppliers are offering more options that reflect current consumer tastes. At the moment, those tastes happen to be heavy on 1990s nostalgia, from denim and earth tones to boxy streetwear silhouettes and specialty textures like vinyl and corduroy.
Quilting is an especially popular texture right now, says Whitney Robinson, strategic marketing manager for New Jersey-based supplier Vantage Apparel, the No. 17 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100.
“The quilted look is something that is being well received, and then it also has that versatility to it,” she says, “so it’s wonderful for transitioning season … where it’s kind of warm, but then it’s still getting a little cool.”
Most of the quilted pieces you’ll see are stitched horizontally, but Robinson says diamond quilting “just brings it up a notch” when it comes to style. “I think that is a perfect kind of look when it comes to promotional products, because that’s what you want,” she adds. “You want people to look at it a little bit longer than they normally would, so that diamond quilt is definitely something that draws the eye.”
And quilting suggests coziness, which is in high demand year-round. “People want to wear things that make them feel comfortable,” says Nicki Staats, director of merchandising at iPROMOTEu, the No. 13 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100. She highlights snuggly fleece and the softness of recycled polyester as popular textures in promo apparel.
Both Robinson and Staats say sustainability and texture go hand in hand. Demand for more sustainable products continues to grow, and while the link between sustainability and texture might not seem obvious at first, high-quality recycled polyester and organic cotton fabrics provide the softness people want next to their skin.
Vantage’s Earthwise Collection includes apparel made with Repreve, a high-quality fabric with a silky hand that’s made from recycled polyester. “Whenever we do trade shows, we make sure that we put an Earthwise piece in the forefront, because when they feel it, they don’t believe that this is made from plastic bottles,” says Robinson.
People are also looking for style, and the boxy, oversized look of ’90s streetwear, with details like dropped shoulders, pairs well with the growing demand for unisex garments and layering options.
“We’ve been getting requests internally for more of a boxy, unisex look or gender-inclusive look, and we’ve definitely incorporated a lot more gender-inclusive [pieces],” says Robinson. “… I think having that universal shape where it looks good on men and women is something that is going to increase more in the next couple of years.”
And while promo apparel designers generally stick to more classic shapes to make sure their apparel appeals to as many people as possible, the versatility afforded by oversized pieces meant for layering offers more room – literally – for creativity.
Layering is an easy way to elevate a look, too, Robinson says, so she doesn’t see the oversized fit going away anytime soon. “I love it because I’m a big fan of layering,” she adds, “and I feel like it allows people to express themselves in their own unique way.”
The lightweight Everett Jacket features a diamond quilted body with a water-repellent finish, and it folds into a Zocket self-pouch. “Because it’s quilted, it looks great and it’s not too heavy,” says Robinson. “It’s actually one of my favorite outerwear pieces, because I can have on a T-shirt, and once I throw that on, it automatically elevates my look.” Available in black or navy, women’s sizes S-3X and men’s S-5X.
Vantage Apparel / PPAI 113235, Platinum
Staats says the Kastlfel RecycledSoft T-Shirt “has an amazing hand to it.” These super-soft tees are made of certified organic cotton and recycled polyester treated with an eco-enzyme finish for softness, smoothness and color retention. The printed neck label provides sustainability data, and the tees are available in 13 colors created with low-impact OEKO-TEX certified dyes.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum
Robinson’s favorite piece from the Earthwise line is the Vansport Trek Hoodie. “The drape of it is just so elegant. I love how it falls,” she says. “It’s a wonderful fabric, feels great on my skin, and it comes in all the prime, earthy colors.” Made with 45% Repreve recycled polyester, each moisture-wicking hoodie recycles 11-12 plastic bottles and features a kangaroo pocket, tagless label and UPF 50+ protection. Available in eight colors, women’s sizes XS-3X and men’s S-5X.
Vantage Apparel / PPAI 113235, Platinum
The Women’s Cuddle Boxy Crew delivers both a trending texture and modern silhouette with its super-soft Hacci fabric and a loose and flowy fit with a flattering high-low vented hem. Available in black heather or charcoal (shown) and sizes XS to 3X.
Boxercraft / PPAI 159420, Silver
Get that boxy but relaxed look with the Unisex Sponge Fleece Drop Shoulder Sweatshirt, a classic unisex pullover crewneck in comfy, super-soft fleece designed for warmth and breathability. Available in 35 colors and sizes XS-5X.
BELLA + CANVAS / PPAI 304892, Silver
A counterpoint to the gender-neutral trend is the resurgence of details like crop tops, side slits and puffy sleeves in women’s apparel. All three are on display in this Women’s Camden Spliced Crew Neck Sweatshirt. Made of 100% cotton corded terry, it features an oversized fit with dropped shoulders, a high-low exaggerated hemline and side-slit detailing on the hem and cuffs. Available in four colors and sizes XS-3X.
Charles River Apparel / PPAI 111644, Gold
