Austrian-born economist Joseph Schumpeter’s economic “gale,” as continuing advances in business tech are sometimes known, has been a good thing for the decorated apparel industry in the United States in more ways than one.
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The blank apparel and apparel decorating equipment and materials suppliers exhibiting at the first two Impressions Expos of 2023 presented a wealth of new products, including everything from the latest in high-tech to an assortment of great new garments.
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Despite capricious market trends that sometime seem to fluctuate daily, one thing will always remain constant: the apparel industry consistently stays ahead of the game by cultivating cutting-edge technology and techniques racking up win after win.
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Today’s custom apparel decorators looking to make their mark with their own brands have many neck label tagging options at their disposal from which to choose when decorating T-shirts or hoodies.
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Direct-to-Film (DTF) has been hailed as a revolutionary embellishment process. No longer an abstract idea wistfully floating along within the decorated-apparel think tank world, DTF has infiltrated the industry, setting up shop and ready to upend the great pretreatment debate.
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For those of us in the decorated apparel business, a cap is a lot more than just a cap and in 2023 blanks manufacturers are offering a wealth of choices, whether your specialty is embroidery or heat pressing
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Today’s athletic teamwear is a fusion of fashion and function. Comfort reigned supreme at the height of the pandemic, and there are carryovers from that lifestyle for today’s brands.
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In the decorated-apparel space, the womenswear market continues to evolve.
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A continued work-from-home landscape and a consumer loyalty to all things athleisure is keeping the segment strong in 2023
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At the end of the day, despite recent challenges, wovens and plackets are proving more than capable of maintaining a place of prominence as their classic look and feel continue to be in consistent demand among consumers.
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The basic T-shirt is anything but. Sure, the same standard tee that has been around for years is still here, but manufacturers are putting a different spin on these products. For example, while lightweight was once king, styles are inching back toward mid- and heavyweight.
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With new technologies surfacing every day, interest in the performancewear market continue to increase. Manufacturers, in turn, face the challenge of bringing these technologies to the mass-blanks market in the wake of COVID-19.
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Everyone loves the holidays, no matter what you are celebrating, from Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah to Easter, Halloween, even birthdays. People everywhere want thoughtful and meaningful gifts and apparel created with their loved ones in mind.
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Heat transfers have become an increasingly effective means of custom apparel decoration, making them a great option to taking advantage of seasonal holiday markets. When you do so, be sure to look beyond T-shirts and caps to products such as aprons, dish towels, plaques and even notebooks.
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The approach to garment design and fabrications as we move through 2022 into 2023, once again, yields to the younger Gen-Z and Millennial demographics.
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While many aspects of life have slowed down during the pandemic, apparel decoration has seen considerable growth.
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If you are catering to businesses in the hospitality niche—such as bars, restaurants and hotels—with employee uniforms, you are leaving money on the table if you are not also offering staff identification.
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We’re living in a new era of fashion. Gone are the days of sensible rules and structure. The lines have been blurred, leaving consumers to sometimes grapple with what’s hot and what’s not.
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Athleisure’s popularity went into overdrive as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current question is about this category’s longevity moving forward.
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New risks cast a shadow on 2021’s robust economic recovery. Businesses are struggling to meet the pent-up consumer demand that grew during the global pandemic.
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Healthcare is one of the hottest niches for decorated apparel for one simple reason, regardless of the state of the economy: Everyone wants to be healthy.
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If there has proven to be one certainty about T-shirts, it’s that they never go out of style — even though styles of this staple apparel product continuously shift and evolve. This year will find a mixed bag, with some trends carrying over from last year and others evolving.
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With so many apparel trends that seem to turn on a dime, the woven and placket markets appear to have been strongly adopted by the marketplace.
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The way we work has changed, and there’s a “new normal” that experts say likely will result in a growing remote workforce and development of more hybrid at-home/in-office work schedules.
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While there may never be a sufficient way to clearly describe the indelible mark the past 18-plus months have had on the decorated-apparel industry, here’s a start: The appetite for online shopping has never been greater.
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The wait is almost over! We’re gearing up for our first in-person Impressions Expo event in more than 18 months: Impressions Expo Atlantic City, to be held Aug. 26-28 at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, N.J.
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After more than a year living of through the COVID-19 pandemic, apparel suppliers have pivoted where necessary; tried to keep “business as usual” as attainable as possible; and didn’t slow down in efforts to meet trend demands — or the lack thereof — in the childrenswear and teen/tween categories.
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Talk to Michelle Moxley about innovation in our industry, and it’ll be immediately clear that she’s not one of those people who simply discusses it in a “turn-it-on-turn-it-off” manner. It’s not just an eight-hour-a-day obligation meant to justify a paycheck. The passion with which she talks about the subject is evidence of the fact that she lives it.
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In the decorated-apparel industry, sustainability has long been a buzzword for manufacturers.
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While the country is slowly recovering from a devastating year that saw a global pandemic sink its teeth into our collective way of life, sports are increasingly becoming more of an outlet for those trying to weather the storm and maintain a bit of normalcy. Still, the fact remains that the athletic-wear sector was affected.
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Craig Mertens, general manager at Digital Arts Solutions, knows the drill when it comes to servicing the team-sports niche as a decorator.
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Americans are resolving to make health-related goals a top priority in 2021, which is great news for fitness centers and gyms that experienced a severe downturn in 2020.
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Athleisure is the transitional fusion of athletic wear and casual clothing. Although this popular apparel category has been on the rise, it has become even more prevalent during the past year.
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If you think you’ve heard all there is to hear about the pandemic and its effect on fashion, think again. It’s a bona fide phenomenon, and 2021 will be no different.
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Americans are resolving to make health-related goals a top priority in 2021, which is great news for fitness centers and gyms that experienced a severe downturn in 2020.
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If you think you’ve heard all there is to hear about the pandemic and its effect on fashion, think again. It’s a bona fide phenomenon, and 2021 will be no different.
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For the time being, much of the world is working from home and comfortable clothing is ruling the weekdays. Still, with the rising popularity of video meetings, it’s important for workers’ top halves, at the very least, to look professional.
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In recent years, T-shirts have evolved to be anything but basic. Identity and versatility consistently define tees, according to industry suppliers, communicating consumers’ needs and visions.
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Once upon a time, performancewear was limited to the gym or other athletic activities. Today, however, comfort reigns supreme.
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Each year, new trends surface in the childrenswear market while those from previous years persist — and 2020 is no different. What actually has changed is an apparel market that is functioning amid a COVID-19 pandemic.
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From the early days of converted desktop inkjet printers to today’s purpose-built direct-to-garment (DTG) machines, many things have changed with this digital application.
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It’s not an understatement to say that when you want to talk about innovation in decorated apparel, the first person you should call is Mark Coudray.
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In 2020, decorators have access to a wide variety of new apparel styles, fabrications and decorating techniques to better serve other industries, particularly those centering on fitness, fashion and athleisure.
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If there’s a buzzword that sums up the predominant 2020 trend in athletic wear, it’s “sublimation.” Though not a new technology, sublimation has been a game changer for decorators who embellish athletic wear due to its ease of use on most fabrics, general affordability and turnaround time.
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Animal prints may lead you to think of a racy leopard-print jacket or something more reminiscent of the 1980s, but times have changed.
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Often referred to as athletic, performance, synthetic, novelty or blended apparel, high-polyester blended garments have grown in popularity, which can be attributed to the athleisure trend.
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With the many evolutions of women’s apparel, it can be challenging to stay updated on current trends. One fashion trend, however, remains constant: customized tees and other wearables.
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Not that many years ago, most high street shoppers’ notions of sustainable clothing and fashion were centered around hemp, organic cotton, and natural dyes.
Full StoryEvery year, the Impressions editorial team highly anticipates traveling to the Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) event in Long Beach, Calif.
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In 2020, expect the basic tee to be anything but basic. Like last year, expect trends to reflect both identity and versatility. However, this year comfort will be king.
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These days, athleisure is much more than an apparel buzzword. It’s a phenomenon that has changed where and how consumers wear apparel like slogan T-shirts, leggings, joggers, hoodies and caps.
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From small side-hustle T-shirt businesses to large apparel chain stores, establishing a method of online sales is the fastest way to big profits.
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We heard it all the time as kids: “Don’t forget your jacket!” Our parents didn’t want us to get sick because of the cold weather, and jackets were the first line of defense.
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Fit can be one of the most challenging issues an apparel decorator faces when selecting the correct style for a customer. A garment that didn’t fit the way the customer expected is the No. 1 reason for most online apparel returns, according to a 2017 Narvar report, Making Returns a Competitive Advantage.
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Industry trade shows can be an effective way to gain exposure for your work.
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“You don’t get paid for what is in the shirt but rather what is on the shirt” is one of the mantras I often repeat to my screen-printing customers.
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The results of attracting customers through direct mail can’t be denied, according to Deborah Haskel with IWCO Direct.
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Much like one’s personal wardrobe, the retail apparel business is constantly evolving with new looks and fashions, as well as innovative trends.
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As usual, fleece will be a big player in this year’s cold-weather months, but it also is a fabric that is popular for all-season wear.
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From fields to factories, the fashion industry is evolving its practices to meet the requests of conscious end users everywhere. While trends previously focused on the latest coveted colors and patterns, consumers are increasingly concerned with where and how their products are made and the ideas they espouse.
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They may be small, but children and teens/tweens have a big voice in the apparel industry and are influential when it comes to driving trends.
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Camouflage is in the middle of a cultural renaissance. At no time in the past has it enjoyed more growth and diversity in the apparel and fashion marketplaces than now.
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If you think about the state of the headwear category one year ago, you’ll probably remember a proliferation of retro headwear, with the front-and-center positioning of trucker and low-profile styles.
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Impressions recently attended FESPA Global Print Expo 2019, which was held May 14-17 in Munich, Germany.
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In the past century, the apparel industry has witnessed a dizzying number of changes in the way companies source, manufacture and decorate garments. From hand cutting film for screen-printed letters to designs that are ready to use in less than 30 seconds, there’s no doubt that the digital age has launched commercial decoration into a realm that industry veterans could only have dreamed of just two decades ago.
Full StoryThis is an exciting time for the decorated-apparel industry. So many new things are happening not only in our market, but also in surrounding ones, so it may be hard to keep up.
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Why mess with a good thing, right? If you’re looking to define the athletic wear and team-uniform categories in 2019, look no further than where things stood last year — with customization.
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Many decorators and customers think of lasers for the traditional applications of teamwear numbers, names and mascots.
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From distinct cuts and colors to fun slogans and witty messaging, today’s womenswear niche isn’t slowing down. And some industry insiders say the trail is blazing as hot as the past comes full circle.
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We’re multitaskers by nature, so it shouldn’t be surprising that we demand the same quality from our clothing, too, right?
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When 31-year-old budding hip-hop star Chad-Eric Montgomery founded streetwear line Gold and Gems Clothing, he was interning in Silicon Valley, bunking with his parents and investing each check he received in his business.
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In 2018, T-shirts were defined by versatility. This year, industry suppliers say that versatility will be coupled with the element of communicating wearers’ identities. The basic tee has a touch of fashion but can adapt to current trends, whether it’s paired with a hoodie, sweater or blazer.
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Buzzwords like “added value” and “perceived value” can have a big impact on your business.
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In response to major shifts in consumer lifestyles, the performancewear market has continued to soar above preconceived expectations.
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The outerwear category steadily has been climbing the apparel-industry ladder in recent years.
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Designers and manufacturers seem to be undergoing a back-to-basics evolution, leaving behind opulence and flair, and instead favoring athletic trends and everyday lifestyle. This gravitational pull is evident when it comes to current fleecewear trends.
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The childrenswear market has grown substantially in the past few years, leading to the creation of a fashion category that holds its own. The apparel therein mirrors larger, adult styles, with collections that are fun and exciting to tot-sized wearers.
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Once upon a time, you could identify the era in which a hat was popular simply by looking at it. Now, with the retro craze booming, it’s not so easy to peg a hat’s heyday.
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In the past, retail trends appeared at wholesale on a time delay; today, trends in both channels seemingly are one in the same.
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Each year, a strong trend or two dominate the athletic wear and team uniform categories. Last year saw a significant fashion influence, along with customization.
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Functional. Comfortable. Authentic. The approach that designers are taking in this year’s womenswear category will reflect the mindset of today’s ultra-diverse consumer.
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Ah, the office. Suits, ties, pressed shirts and business meetings in stuffy boardrooms.
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What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the T-shirt’s role in a wardrobe? There’s more than one answer, right?
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With the right marketing and selling strategies, this burgeoning category can bring big business to your shop.
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Technology, e-commerce, fast delivery and customer engagement currently are hot retail topics, but these trends go beyond the business-to-consumer world.
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It can be argued that trends don’t bob and weave in any other industry segments as frequently as in the childrenswear and teens/tweens apparel categories.
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It’s a simple case of déjà vu. That’s what fleecewear manufacturers will tell you when describing what’s happening in the category today.
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Hard-working apparel decorators encounter many and diverse challenges daily.
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Stylish and versatile, this apparel option continues to enjoy a popularity surge.
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Show floor highlights and trends from the Impressions staff
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The decorated apparel industry offers classic T-shirts with a twist
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Impeccable screen-printed detail. Vibrant colors. A boom box. This year’s winner has it all.
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With the year’s end just around the corner, it’s time to get ahead and
prepare to kick off 2017 with new products that will meet customers’
demands.
Since its industry debut as tight-fitting, moisture-wicking,
support-enhancing apparel, performancewear has continued to be a staple
of gyms, greenways and yoga studios.
As we prepare to bid farewell to 2016, it’s only natural to wonder what
2017 has in store for the digital decorating portion of our industry.
A big part of the ongoing success of any decorated apparel shop in the
team uniform market is staying abreast of the latest trends.
From flame-resistant pants and high-visibility shirts to scrubs and chef apparel, the workwear market is full of on-the-job essentials.
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Whether it’s protection from the elements or statements of style to accompany a favorite outfit, jackets — and the entire outerwear category at large — have undergone a transformation.
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One of the best things about being in the decorated apparel industry is the opportunity to be creative.
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Suppliers discuss how the line between retail and wholesale continues to blur.
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Upon hearing the term “innovation,” it’s natural to think about technology as it applies to products. But what about other aspects of apparel decorating, such as techniques, design, business practices and marketing?
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Today’s apparel suppliers are working to cultivate creative ideas to meet the ever-evolving needs and wants of consumers.
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Successful business owners know the importance of adapting their products to stay competitive in an ever-changing market.
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Spring is the perfect time of year to refresh your shop (e-commerce or bricks-and-mortar), attracting current or potential customers.
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What a great time to be in the decorated industry. Consumer confidence is up, print and embroidery technology has made more custom “one-offs” possible and new website technology is readily available to the masses, regardless of budget.
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Today, embroidery machines are the most technologically advanced they’ve ever been. Machines typically achieve more than 1,000 stitches per minute, and designs are loaded quickly and easily.
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They may not be the obvious choice for casual wear that T-shirts are, but plackets and wovens are rapidly gaining ground on the apparel king.
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The editorial team loves an ISS event! It is our opportunity to, like you, scour the show floor for new products and trends, as well as booth happenings.
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Whether for sports, activewear or corporate apparel, performancewear represents tremendous profitability in a less-contested market space.
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The T-shirt is a fashion staple in virtually all closets across the country. The horizon looks strong and promising for this wardrobe basic, and colors and styles continue to evolve.
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Each year, Impressions invites apparel decorators of all experience levels from shops of all sizes to enter the annual Impressions Awards competition.
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Hair bows make a great add-on sale for dance and cheer, children’s apparel, school, retail and more.
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In an industry where speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness are paramount, it is critical to arm your shop with the latest digital decorating machines
and supplies.
Whether your customers are hitting the gym, participating in outdoor activities or even performing strenuous tasks, the breathability, comfort and performance properties of their apparel can be the difference.
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When there’s a biting winter wind blowing, lighter apparel simply doesn’t compare to outerwear.
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With the fall and winter months right around the corner, consumers will be looking for garments to keep them warm and stylish. Soft, light fleece-wear always is a solid option…
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Childrenswear comes in all different shapes and sizes, with outfits designed for rapidly growing newborns, toddlers or youth.
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Marketing is an investment. It can be hard to look beyond the time and money you have to put into it, especially if you have a small business.
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It’s amazing how far-reaching apparel decoration can be, not only for the wholesale market with which we’re all familiar, but high fashion as well.
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Welcome to the mid-decade of promotional wearables. According to industry pros, it’s a season of transition, transformation and tradition…
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It’s “game on” in the team and spirit market, with suppliers competing for the win in this profiitable niche.
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Headwear can make the perfect add-on — especially for athletic and promotional orders — while also satisfying customers and giving profit margins a boost.
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Just like their brick-and-mortar counterparts, online businesses need traffic. After which, this traffic needs to be converted to either capture a potential customer’s email address or place an order.
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Every business needs new customers, and adding them is the most common way to achieve growth. However, it may not be the ideal method for doing so.
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There’s an interesting push in special-effects printing for ladies’ and juniors’ apparel that is more subtle. It even starts to push the boundaries of what is commonly considered special effects.
Promotional fashion style leaders are keenly aware of several trends dominating new product development, particularly for women.
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It’s all in the details when it comes to womenswear. Suppliers know a just-right hem, drape or seam can make all the difference.
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They’re lighter, faster, more efficient and more technologically advanced. Clearly, the evolution of embroidery machines continues.
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Plackets and woven shirts are the go-to styles for work environments, but customers aren’t the only ones on the job.
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About two years ago, I was browsing Facebook and looking at entertainer fan pages, which included musical groups, singers, songwriters, etc. I was stunned by how many fans some of these pages had.
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So, just what are promotional products distributors (PPDs) searching for in the quest for decoration excellence? We asked dozens of these busy promotional apparel counselors what they seek or currently have in a superb contract decorator.
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Your business’ success depends on getting its message in front of a qualified audience of potential buyers (emphasis on “qualified audience”). This is where precise targeting comes in.
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In the world of apparel decorating, there is nothing more popular or challenging than embellishing on performancewear. The question really isn’t whether you will decorate performancewear; rather, it’s when and how will you do it?
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In the fast-paced performancewear market, consumers’ purchasing decisions are driven by comfort and high-tech details.
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Speed and efficiency are the names of the digital game. Every year, this market segment offers exciting new state-of-the-art products.
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When it comes to allover printing on garments, dye sublimation has been a growing trend. Whether you’re at the grocery store, mall, post office or your favorite deli, you’re bound to see shirts covered entirely with oversized images, or in unusual placements.
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Though some greenwashing is done with the intent to deceive, in many cases there’s just a difference of opinion as to what qualifies as natural, green, eco-friendly, environmentally safe, etc.
Full StorySuppliers continue to push the warmth-without-the-weight envelope, with outerwear fabrics that are increasingly lighter.
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Apparel decorators operate in a competitive market today. The key to sustaining and growing business is happy customers.
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Today, there are a ton of keywords that you can add to your product offering. It is not hard to find these keywords; just look around where you shop. From the grocery store to street vendors, trending keywords are everywhere.
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Whether your local school already has a school store with an apparel shop or is new to the school spiritwear industry, custom screen printed and digital transfers can help those businesses grow.
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The following is a letter from Garry Bell of Gildan Activewear that was submitted in response to Jimmy Lamb’s article, “How Green is Your Green?” which appeared in the September 2014 issue of Impressions.
Full StoryThe kidswear market spans small tykes, active youth and trend-seeking teens, making it one of the largest, most demanding — and most lucrative — niches.
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With consumer spending on the decline, many companies are desperate to boost sales and see jumping on the “green” bandwagon as the perfect solution.
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Adding headwear offerings can bring good margins, as they make great add-ons for other orders. The varying price points for caps means there are styles designed for every client’s needs, from youth athletics, to corporate and fund-raising events.
The team sports arena remains one of the most profitable niches for apparel decorators. But the competition is fierce in this hot market, and customers are looking for the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.
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Woven shirts dominate the corporate market and have for decades. Beyond a wide variety of basic options, suppliers introduce new styles every year with fashion details, expanded color options and performance technologies.
With its cross-niche appeal, the T-shirt is sure to maintain its status as the go-to apparel blank for years to come.
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Offering online design for your customers via your website may not be as costly as you may think.
Full StoryLike it or not, change is inevitable; you can whine and moan about it or you can be proactive and learn how to deal with it.
Full StoryIn the cutting-edge performancewear market, comfort, movement and technology are paramount. This year’s offering doesn’t disappoint.
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With cooler weather fast approaching, outerwear suppliers offer a variety of options for your fall and winter orders.
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For the uninitiated, hot-market printing is the term used in the decorated apparel industry for contract printers who take on the stressful, and often large, T-shirt printing duties after a sports team wins a championship.
With stylish options, fleecewear also maintains its status as a fashion staple. This year’s selection includes everything from contrast detailing to neon colors and heather looks.
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From tiny tykes to towering teenagers, youth customers make up one of the most influential demographics in the decorated apparel industry.
There are two critical stages to launching a preprint line. First, you must have the right idea and get the artwork created. The next challenge is getting orders.
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Today’s headwear market has wide-ranging appeal, providing everything from practicality to fashion-forward looks, performance-quality fabrics, sustainability and unexpected details.
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As an advisor and producer, I have learned that everyone wants to get into the T-shirt business.
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With winter winding down, it may be time to think about spreading your apparel offerings to include resortwear.
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Impressions editor in chief Marcia Derryberry recently spoke to John Fryer, general manager for HanesBrands Branded Printwear.
When someone says the word “fleece,” what do you think of? What probably
comes to mind is either a crew-neck sweat shirt, which is practically
an American icon, or maybe a full-zip hoodie, which has become a
streetwear staple for millions of people.
Styling childrenswear is a balancing act. For kids — and their parents — comfort comes first, but fashion is a close second. With this in mind, savvy suppliers continue to deliver apparel that offers trendy, youthful details, but that still allows kids to be — well, kids.
Full StoryTeens and tweens are an ever-growing power base of influencers in the apparel industry. Driven by popular culture, they are quick to adopt and establish new style trends. They view what they wear as a powerful means of self-expression, and are more willing to push the style envelope.
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