ECONOMY SHMECONOMY. NOT to be glib, but that headline has sold one too many papers these days. Yes, things are not necessarily prospering, however, what the general public should be talking about is how to respond to these given circumstances.
Facing the unenviable challenge of helping end-buyers find value in items that can all-too-easily be considered “extraneous,” now more than ever, suppliers and distributors must continuously prove the worth of their wares. Showing how each garment can be used in a practical wardrobe application attaches a tangible benefit to every dollar spent, an essential formula for continuing to drive business through financially uncertain times.
The popular men’s wear categories below feature items separated by price point*, plus a few reasons why these pieces are worth their weight.
*Values refer to the suggested/actual retail price of an item, or to minimum-quantity pricing.
T-SHIRTS
For those who’ve been preoccupied this past year, let us reiterate: The days of classic (re: boring) T-shirts have passed. Lighter fabrications, rock-and-roll design details, and of course, eco-friendly construction have given the garment unprecendented room to grow.
$21
What: Atlantic Coast Cotton, American Apparel Adult Sheer S/S Summer Tee
Works hard for the money: The slim-fit, sheer jersey T-shirt has a high-fashion aesthetic and offers good screen printing results. Plus, lighter weight fabrics just beg to be layered, so the upsell potential on this is great.
(800) 262-5660
$25
What: Bella, Griffith Inside Out Tee
Works hard for the money: Its design is right in line with the vintage look making its presence known among promotional wearables. A sliced, raw-edge rib trim on the neckband is an added touch that, if it’s done by hand, gives each garment a unique look. Either way, “distressed” apparel gets better (i.e. more beat up) with each run through the washing machine.
(877) 727-2001
$28.32
What: Anvil Knitwear, Adult Short Sleeve 5.0 oz. 100% Organic Cotton Tee
Works hard for the money: It’s organic. Sold! OK, for those who need more convincing, the item is offered in 10 colors, which is a nice change from the white and off-white that characterized the eco-friendly apparel of old. It is created using organic cotton that is certified in adherence to the USDA’s National Organic Program standards.
(800) 223-0332
POLOS
From casual to slightly right-of-casual, the polo has successfully been infusing men’s wardrobes with a little laid-back weekend style since they were brought into the mainstream by Rene Lacoste in 1926 (that’s true, look it up).
$22.95
What: Vantage Apparel, Enterprise Piqué Polo
Works hard for the money: Basics have perennial appeal for those who want a promotion with staying power. Double-needle topstitching is sturdy, and the piece comes in a whopping 17 hues, including the fashion-foward tangelo (a muted orange) and guava green (self-explanatory).
(800) 221-0200
$29.08
What: Pine Island
Sportswear, 100% Pima Cotton Ottoman Stitch
Works hard for the money: Pima cotton is a premium fabric, as it is exceptionally strong and luxurious. Ottoman stitching on the collar and cuffs creates subtle, sophisticated detailing.
(800) 545-7548
$37
What: Ash City USA, Men’s Chromatic Herringbone Jacquard Polo
Works hard for the money: Elegant herringbone knit creates a textured appearance and an essential, high-end look for corporate clients. Muted, classic colors as well as a contrasting jacquard collar and cuffs take it from the office to the golf course with ease.
WOVENS
The button-down’s versatility is legendary. Wear it alone (just don’t forget the pants), with a tie, under a suit, with the sleeves rolled up—it’s good for a variety of occasions. And now, with great easy-care fabrications, “dry-clean only” is a thing of the past.
$24
What: Bodek and Rhodes, UltraClub Men’s Classic Wrinkle-free Long-sleeve Oxford
Works hard for the money: This piece possesses the dynamic duo of product features every on-the-go businessman can appreciate: It’s wrinkle-free and machine-washable. (That’s why this guy’s so happy!)
(800) 523-2721
$37.98
What: Outer Banks, Mini Houndstooth Button-Down
Works hard for the money: Offered in a selection of five brightly colored shades, the button-down stands out in a crowd of whites, blues and grays and adds a youthful pop to a dark suit.
(800) 438-2029
$49.90
What: PremiumWear, Forsyth Men’s Box Check Executive Pinpoint Oxford Freedom Shirt
Works hard for the money: When the word
“executive” is in the product name, said item better bring it on. And this piece does so with gusto—it’s all about the details with two-ply, ring-spun, combed cotton; a wrinkle-resistant finish; and matte pearl buttons.
(800) 347-6098
Circle 275 on Info Card or visit promomarketing.com/infocard
OUTERWEAR
With jackets, adding weather-friendly features can have a real impact on cost. But thanks to a high perceived value, these pricier promotions will far outlast, say, a pen or mug. Longevity is always worth a second look.
$49.90
What: Charles River Apparel, Synthesis Jacket
Works hard for the money: Contrast color accents on both sides contribute to a streamlined look that is both sharp and sporty. Lightweight polyknit and Softex polyester are both wind- and water-resistant.
(800) 225-0550
$60
What: MV Sport/Weatherproof, Microfiber All Weather
Works hard for the money: With a host of all-weather features, this jacket is a great value. It has a hidden hood, is Therma fleece-lined, and is outfitted with a Lining Saver System, which allows for easy embroidering without damaging the lining.
(800) 367-7900
$76
What: Dri Duck Traders, Navigator
Works hard for the money: Aside from an influx of T-shirts, there aren’t many other organic apparel items out there. This piece leads the next phase of the eco-apparel movement with its 100 percent certified organic cotton construction. Plus, it’s vintage-washed and has a peached finish for a luxuriously soft hand feel.
(866) 852-8522
