PPB February 2019

V i n t age S t y l e Vintage Vibes Whether it’s acid washed, constructed of corduroy or adorned with velour, vintage styles bring a unique and timeless appeal to promotional apparel. W hat’s the deal with vintage fashion? Why are we drawn to styles that look worn, or in many cases, have been worn? When it comes to clothing, the phrase, “Out with the old and in with the new” need not apply—which is why retro apparel could be an effective option to getting your brand noticed and becoming as timeless as the clothing on which your logo is printed. Vintage wear evokes personality, is forever chic and it covers every base of the style spectrum, from haute couture to grunge and everyday wear—and many of us probably have a piece or two hiding in our own closets. Remember that tee you snagged at a Pink Floyd concert? Vintage. Or, what about that bomber jacket you can’t stop wearing? Even if it’s new, the look was inspired by clothing worn by military pilots during World War I. The design wasn’t intended for its looks, but to keep pilots warm, since most planes didn’t have enclosed cockpits at the time. Surely, many of us own a raglan shirt, a three-quarter length top with a colored collar and sleeves. This look dates to the 1800s, when it was first worn by a British Army officer, known as Lord Raglan. Vintage clothing carries a fragment of history, each piece telling its own story. There are differing opinions as to what is considered vintage, but the rule of thumb are items at least 20 years old. But you can certainly recreate the look, as many companies do, to evoke a similar feel. (“Retro” is a subtype of vintage that refers to clothing that isn’t actually old, but made to look old.) Promotional products companies can use this storytelling quality to add yet another layer—literally—and tell a story about their brands. Vintage Trends To Consider For Your Brand • Graphic tees • Oversized sweaters • Crop tops • Knee socks • Head scarfs • Fanny packs • Oversized hair scrunchies • Mirrored and/ or oversized sunglasses • Off-the-shoulder blouses • High-waisted swimsuit bottoms • Logoed tees and handbags 14 | FEBRUARY 2019 | by Danielle Renda INNOVATE