Dress Codes–How Not to Look Like a Banker (The New York Times)

Rather surprisingly, even in this recession, numbers are showing that men are not cutting back on buying clothes as much as women seem to be. The reason, as put forth by this article, is that the traditional “power suit,” which now leaves people with visions of misallocated bailout funds dancing in their heads, is being replaced with the duds of a “creative professional.” Perhaps skinnier ties, more fitted buttondowns and mix-and-match textures can find their way into men’s wear promotions? (The New York Times)

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Bug off.

Now available only from Zorrel International, Insect Shield Repellent Technology is an Army-developed fabric that keeps bugs away. According to Bill Gardiner, vice president of the Grand View, Missouri-based company, the fabric has the full approval of the Environmental Protection Agency, and is 100 percent effective for 70 washes (pretty much the lifetime of the garment). He noted it would be great for construction workers, loggers or golfers. “This product is like an insurance policy,” he said.

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Augusta Sportswear–Ladies’ Poly/Spandex Jacket

You know how there are certain pieces that just inspire you to go out and get physically fit? When I look at this piece, I feel the need to start doing jumping jacks. Anything with racing stripes on it has that effect on me, frankly. This is a great promotion for team wear, and to boot, track jackets have been an emerging fashion trend over the past year or two. It’ll work on the field and off.
(800) 237-6695
www.augustasportswear.com

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Check out two T’s.

Tanks and T-shirts, that is. In particular, they’re the best ways to incorporate the sheer fabrications that seem to be trending right now. “Tanks and … tees are always a popular choice,” Crystal Raymond, marketing coordinator for Bella, noted. No to mention the fact that they can be easily layered for versatility in both (plus, layering is a great way to incorporate all the hues of a brand’s proprietary spectrum). To further update the standards, Raymond recommended looking for longer lengths, rich colors and retail-inspired details such as ruching, draping and ribbing.

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The Michelle Obama Fashion Bailout (BlackBook)

Point: By wearing such retailers as J. Crew as well as lesser-known designers like Jason Wu (the man behind her unbelievably gorgeous gown for the Inauguration Ball), Michelle Obama might just be single-handedly stemming the tide of the recession for certain names in fashion. Like Jackie O. before her, buyers are watching every sartorial choice she makes for insight into what might be hot for next year. Keep an eye on the First Lady, distributors. (BlackBook)

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There is No Michelle Effect (The Big Money)

And the counterpoint: Michelle Obama, though undeniably stylish, is really not helping J. Crew soar above its recession woes. The retailer is doing it all on its own thanks to numerous factors, but a big one being its catalog and Web site sales. Perhaps instead of keeping an eye on Michelle O., distributors should be taking pages from the J. Crew playbook? (The Big Money)

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Keep wash-and-wear top of mind.

Rather surprisingly (to this editor, at least), moisture-wicking treatments can eventually launder their way right out of apparel. Though “chemically treated” clothing sounds slightly dubious, it’s actually the way companies ensure consistent performance qualities from garment to garment. Natural fibers, on the other hand, can deviate slightly.

Chad Trollinger, director of marketing for Augusta Sportswear in Augusta, Ga., suggested this nugget: Distributors should particularly look for companies that do extensive wash testing on their garments. This way, they can be sure fabric extras will last a lifetime.

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