PPB June 2017

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New for 2017, this 100-percent mélange polyester men’s mid-weight fashion
fleece comes in both quarter zip and full zip and is made in the USA. Subtle
horizontal tones add visual interest but don’t detract from a logo. It has a
soft, luxurious feel. Sizes include S-4XL and it’s available in black, charcoal,
navy, hunter, red and royal blue.
AKWA / PPAI 205981 /
Choose From These Fleece
Finds For Your Clients’ Logos
Ears stay protected while
branding is highly visible
with this warm, soft
and stylish polar fleece
headband. At 10.5 inches
wide by 2.75 inches high,
it comes in six stylish
colors including red, royal,
navy, black, dark gray and
light gray.
Kati Sportcap / PPAI 113758
The Champion® Sueded Fleece Pullover Hood captures
the essence of retro style. This 8.5-ounce, 80/20 cotton/
poly three-end fleece provides warmth and comfort while a
100-percent cotton face allows for superior screen or DTG
printing. The flat, woven drawstring and oatmeal-heather,
jersey-lined hood add to the classic look and feel. The relaxed
waistband provides additional comfort and wearability.
Hanes/Champion / PPAI 191138 /
to describe soft shell, rather than sweatshirt
fleece, as ‘department store quality.’ It
offers style options, sublimation options,
and a more corporate look than traditional
sweatshirt fleece.”
Ty Cannon, national business
management director for supplier Cutter &
Buck (PPAI 196156) in Seattle, Washington,
points to new types of fleece fabric styling
that are having a greater influence in the
category. “Gridback jacquard fleece has
raised fleece squares on the back side of
the fabric, which improves airflow and
temperature regulation,” he says. “High pile
and sweaterfleece are also trending. We are
also seeing lots of hybrid treatments where
fleece is being pieced with other knit or
woven fabrics.”
Fleece is evolving from just providing
warmth to also offering protection from
the elements with the introduction of
laminated fleece. “In addition to insulating,
laminated fleece gives outerwear-like
performance,” Cannon says.
Retail trends have a major impact on
promotional fleece offerings and supplier
Hanes/Champion (PPAI 191138) has
introduced a new collection to capitalize
on leading retail trends. “Premium
athletic wear is dominant across retail,
as are heritage brands and retro styles,”
says John Spivey, marketing manager for
Champion Athleticwear. “Premium apparel
specifically designed for embellishment
provides a unique opportunity for growth.
You have advanced fabrications, such as
sueded fleece, that customers may not
have seen before.”
As for generational breakdown of
fleece style preference, nothing is
written in stone, says Pinzon, but he
can point to some general trends. “In
California, the younger market often
prefers a fitted or fashion fleece. While
the older generations often preferred
traditional jackets in the past, they’re
now buying soft shell [fleece]. And
surprisingly, the military has bought
into soft shell as well.”
What does appear to be written in
stone, however, is that fleece is here to
stay. “[Fleece] continues to grow and will
be a relevant product going forward,”
says Cannon.
| JUNE 2017 | 15