feb17_images_digital

PF

PROMOWEAR

holding: Gildan and Fruit Of The Loom continue to be the main players in this market.” Look a little closer, however, and you will discover some sig- nificant changes in promowear since 1992. Women’s T-shirts come as standard across all brands now: 25 years ago they simply didn’t exist. “In the old days, you bought a T-shirt and that was it,” explains Alex Sibbald, director of promotional products and cor- porate gift company Creative Promotions. “Whereas in the past it was just a case of ‘You take a large size? There you are, that’s it’, they’ve now expanded the fits. Nowadays you’ve got skinny fit, you’ve got ladies’ tapered ones... If you know that there’s a certain percentage going for sale or for handing out to ladies then you don’t just go ‘Give me 500 white, spread over medium, large, ex- tra large, etcetera’, you say you want so many women’s because they appreciate that the shape may be that wee bit different.”

There was little or no choice in styles at all in the beginning, agrees Jon Birrell, marketing director of promotional merchan- dise BTC Group, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. “As the industry grew, companies like Mr. President stocked and ran ranges of American brands like Hanes as well as a local supply of Screen Stars, Jerzees and various UK manufactured garments. I believe the success and growth of our industry came from PenCarrie and the ‘sheds’. With this came service, choice and availability – their story can be measured in the thickness of their catalogues year-on-year. They quickly understood what was needed to turn the industry into a powerful advertising media known now as ‘promotional merchandise’.” Cotton may still be the number one choice for promowear, but other fabrics are now getting a look in. “We have seen a huge rise in interest for tri-blend and mixed fabrics such as those produced

Splashmacs: Rain poncho The rain poncho (SC010) from Splash- macs is an enduring favourite. Available in a range of colours – navy, red, yellow, silver, sapphire, fuch- sia and black as well as clear – it comes with its own carry case with drawstring handle. w www.henbury.com

Regatta Professional: Arcola 3 Layer Softshell

Regatta Standout’s top seller is its Arcola 3 Layer Softshell. Avail- able in both male and female styles in eight colours, it features a warm-backed, woven, softshell XPT waterproof and breathable three-layer membrane fabric. Other features include adjustable cuffs, an adjustable shockcord hem and a full zip with an inner storm flap and chin guard. “It’s fantastic for personalisation, giving decorators the freedom to brand the jacket through em- broidery, screen printing, vinyl transfer and opaque blackout printing.” w www.regattaprofessional. com Just Cool by AWD- is: Cool T The bestselling sportswear T-shirt from Just Cool by AWDis is its Cool T (JC001), which is made from a lightweight Neoteric fabric which wicks sweat away from the skin to ensure wearers stay cool and dry. “With a crew neck and relaxed fit, our bestselling T is a favourite with printers and em- broiderers for its smooth printing surface and versatility,” says the brand. “It is available in XS-5XL in 36 exciting shades.” w www.justcoolbyawdis.com

James & Nicholson: Promo Jacket James & Nicholson’s top promowear item is the Promo Jacket. This 100% polyester jacket is wind- and water-repellent, has a hood with cord integrated in the collar, elastic sleeve bands and two side hems. It can be easily stowed away in the side pocket and is ideal for promotions. w www.fusiblesystems.co.uk

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