PPB April 2018

Additional advantages of cotton include its strength and affordability, not to mention its ability to be transformed into a wide array of different materials, including percale, corduroy and seersucker. Synthetic fibers undoubtedly have their place in both the retail and promotional markets—many provide stretchiness, colorfastness and wrinkle-free ease that all-cotton products cannot claim. Blending the strengths of cotton with those of man- made fabrics has proven to be a winning combination for some suppliers. Bev Fields, vice president of supplier Eversole Run (PPAI 199242), is confident that the 60/40 Peruvian Pima cotton blend that is used for the supplier’s EVR-Dri Pima Performance shirts is second-to-none. “There is not a finer cotton to be found anywhere other than Peru, and it shows in our fabrics,” she says. “The cotton allows for breathability and durability, while the polyester provides moisture wicking, high performance, fade resistance and easy care. The hand of this fabric is soft, comfortable and requires no ironing. It doesn’t get much better than that.” | APRIL 2018 | 15 INNOVATE The Common Thread Is Comfort The classic plaid design of the Logan Snap Front Shirt highlights this lightweight, breathable cotton‑blend button‑up style shirt. It features snap cuffs, chest pockets and full button snaps for added style. Choose from navy, red or carbon plaid, in both men’s and women’s styles. Stormtech USA, Inc. PPAI 260245 / www.stormtech.ca This long‑sleeved Henley offers both timeless style and satisfying comfort. The 57 percent cotton tri‑blend is supremely soft and comes in solids as well as dual color combinations. The eight‑ ounce midweight makes it wearable almost all year long. Available in sizes S‑4XL. AKWA Apparel / PPAI 205981 www.akwa.com Cotton is an obvious choice for fire and police departments, and in certain industrial scenarios, because it does not melt onto the skin in high heat like polyester does. The tactical polo is made of 100 percent 6.5‑ounce cotton prewashed pique, making it breathable and functional for emergency personnel. Special features include flame‑resistant buttons, a pen pocket on the sleeve and a ‘mic’ clip below the placket. The tactical polo can be ordered in sizes S‑ 4XL in heather gray, navy, red, black and white. AKWA Apparel / PPAI 205981 / www.akwa.com