“Accessories provide a fun and inexpensive way
to create excitement in your wardrobe.”
– Carole Jackson, Color Me Beautiful (1980)
Everybody loves a free T-shirt or dad cap, but expanding your wearable promo offerings to other accessories – both decorative and useful – is a great way to make your clients’ brands stand out so they are noticed and remembered. Here, we build on the accessory guide in the November issue of PPB Magazine to further explore what’s trending and how promo can make the most of it.
NECKWEAR
Scarves are great any time of year, but especially now that temperatures are falling. Neckties have also seen renewed popularity in the past year – for women as well as men – as people emerging from their pandemic cocoons want to dress up.
“Business casual is really cool and huge now, so now people want to wear ties,” says Matt Kaspari, president and CEO of Colorado-based distributor Kaspo. “I’m seeing that younger demographic, some of the college kids, think about it – it’s not just for older staff. I fought the tie forever, and now they want to wear it!”
Make a statement with this 100% Silk Digital Print Tie. Ideal for four-color process art and photographs, the fabric, available in twill or satin weave, is printed edge-to-edge with your custom digital design. Approximately 57 inches long and 3.5 inches at the bottom/widest point. Gift boxes and extra-long ties available.
Buffalo Bay / PPAI 111547, S4 / www.buffalobay.com
For a timeless and gender-neutral accessory that offers both warmth and style, consider this Bamboo Scarf with fringe. This 6-foot scarf, made of super-soft and eco-friendly material, includes a 4-inch square imprint area. Available in eight colors (shown in camel).
Wolfmark / PPAI 114140, S3 / www.wolfmarkties.com
Beautifully done! pic.twitter.com/df8KjkL8oD
— How Things Are Manufactured (@fastworkers6) September 22, 2022
BAGS & TOTES
These days, the bigger the bag, the better, says PureWow’s Abby Hepworth: “You really just need something that can comfortably fit all your needments – laptop, gym shoes, lunch, etc. – with a bit of extra room to spare.” Leather, vegan leather and natural materials like canvas, linen and jute are particularly popular.
The roomy Ashton Linen Tote is accented with vegan leather and metal details, including a 2×1.25-inch patch ready for decoration (debossing or medallion, shown). The interior features a zippered pocket and open cellphone pocket, and the outside includes a front slash pocket to hold a larger item. Available in tan or brown (shown).
Beacon Promotions / PPAI 113702, S10 / www.beaconpromotions.com
For a lightweight shopper with a little flair, try the shimmery Iridescent Laminated Tote. Made partly from recycled materials, this water-resistant bag helps recipients avoid single-use plastic bags, and it can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Available blue (shown) or silver.
HPG / PPAI 110772, S11 / hpgbrands.com
SUNGLASSES
Trendy statement eyewear can turn heads, but the classics never go out of style. Aviators are having a moment thanks to high-profile appearances on famous faces ranging from President Biden to Tom Cruise returning as the one and only Maverick:
Originally designed for American fighter pilots in the 1930s, Ray-Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses have epitomized cool for nearly nine decades with their distinctive shape. Add a customized case for extra branding and protection.
Links Unlimited / PPAI 375603, S1 / www.linksunlimited.com
BRACELETS
Give customers, clients and employees a gift they’ll keep close at hand with a custom bracelet. Silver jewelry has become increasingly popular this year, as well as mixed metals. Here are a few on-trend options for brandable bracelets:
Laser-engrave your message onto the unisex Silver C-shaped Opening Cuff Bangle Bracelet, made of titanium steel for durability and shine. Velvet bag included for presentation and storage (various colors available).
NeoSources International / PPAI 588754, S2 / www.neosources.net
This Anne Klein Watches Women’s Two-toned Bracelet Watch Set combines three trends in one: layered bracelets, mixed metals and added sparkle. The set, available in silver and gold (shown) or silver and rose gold, includes one watch, one bangle and one link bracelet. Gift box included.
Castle Merchandising / PPAI 269808, S5 / www.castlepremium.com
GLOVES
Opera-length gloves have made a splash this year, both on runways and at the Emmy Awards in September, and these 21-inch Culebra UV Long Sun Gloves provide touchscreen compatibility in the index finger and thumb tips, plus a silicone print on palm and fingers for added grip and dexterity. Made of lightweight, breathable stretch fabric, the gloves also offer UPF 50+ protection. Available in six solid neutrals and two prints (shown in black/white grand palm), sizes XS to XL.
Coolibar / PPAI 797582, S1 / www.coolibar.com
SHOES
Route 66 isn’t the only place to get your kicks, now that promo footwear has emerged as a hot trend. A host of options is now available, from flip-flops to fuzzy slippers to sneakers.
Customize a classic style with the Fully Custom Canvas Sneaker. Made from lightweight material, these shoes are perfect for everyday wear or outdoor activities. Decorate with full sublimation for a one-of-a-kind promotional item. Available in men’s sizes 6-13 and women’s sizes 6-12.
Active Life Promo / PPAI 436753, S1 / www.activelifepromo.com
Check out our deep dive into accessory trends in this month’s issue of PPB Magazine, and get the lowdown on lids in the December issue.
