PPB October 2017

These Garments Go The Extra Mile While Looking Great Demand for performance fabrics is also in uencing the promotional and corporate uniformmarket. Vicki Ostrom, trend editor for supplier SanMar (PPAI 110788), says that functionality such as stain-resist and release properties, and a wrinkle-free appearance after washing are increasingly popular items. “ e SuperPro family from Port Authority has become a customer favorite,” she says. “ e technology on the fabrics allows for stain resist and release while retaining its wrinkle-free appearance, shape and color wash after wash. We started with an oxford shirt for men and women, and have since added a SuperPro twill shirt in a variety of styles, and a SuperPro polo.” Ostrom adds that as climates get progressively hotter, odor-control technology is in high demand. But if your budget doesn’t allow for the expense of odor-controlling antimicrobial treatments, Sean Mahoney, vice president at OMNI Apparel, Inc. (PPAI 266770), says that new laundry products on the market can stand in for odor-control technology. “ e longest-performing antimicrobial fabric treatments last about 50 washes, but sport washes such as Tide For Sport or Hex can extend the lives of polyester promotional shirts by stripping the bacteria that adhere to polyester fabrics,” he says. Performance apparel is popular among all generations as o ces get more casual, says Ostrom, and that trend has had a big in uence on the company’s product o erings. “We have revisited every core item that we o er and looked at them with the eye of innovation, adding technology as possible. e push for us when developing any technology for our styles is that it retain a great hand feel and be able to wickmoisture away from the body.” Since layering is the current trend in dressing for men and women, the weight of each piece is more important than ever, Ostrom emphasizes. “Wearing a soft shell or sporty hybrid jacket with a woven shirt (and tie for the guys) is now a common businesswear option. We have realized that innovation, in some cases, means simply nding a way to make a fabric lighter weight and still perform.” For custom performance, choose this made-in-the-USA track jacket, which features lightweight polyester spandex performance fabric, solid cuffs and trim, an unlined interior, and can be customized with any design. Or, choose one of many stock patterns. It’s also available in ladies’ cuts. FPS Apparel / PPAI 273314 www.fpservicesapparel.com Made of quick-drying, stain- resistant polyester/spandex blend, the Flex t Delta ® seamless cap features the Flex t ® Delta ® logo on the side and comes in six colors. Kati Sportcap & Bag / PPAI 113758 / www.katisportcap.com The SuperPro oxford shirt from Port Authority ® is a smart choice for businesswear. | OCTOBER 2017 | 19