PPB August 2020

Patch It Up As Ben Roberts, vice president of marketing for Outdoor Cap, said, hats adorned with patches are becoming more popular. Today’s consumers also love the power of choice and the option to choose, so give them the customization experience they’re looking for with custom patches. Whether the patches are simply being used as a fun way to get the word out about a new brand, make a personal statement or whether it’s a souvenir from a favorite event—like a concert—or being sold as a way to raise funds for a nonprofit, custom patches are an easy way for end users to add personality to their ensembles, showcase their experiences and/or travels, and jazz up old and new hats and shoes alike, while giving brands the exposure they’re looking for throughout. Patches can be made using various techniques, including woven, PVC, embroidered and leather, and they can be applied using different methods, such as iron-on, hook-and-loop fastener, sew-on or magnetic. In fashion, retailers like Lucky Brand are selling hats with a patch or two already sewn or ironed onto the hat, as a set. The retail outlet, Your Walt Disney Store, sells caps with patches inspired by different elements of Walt Disney World Resort. Its Disney Baseball Cap-Expedition Everest-Patches, sold in park stores, features various allover patch appliques inspired by Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest, and is also an ode to traveling and the adventurous spirit, as well as a souvenir. Some organizations and nonprofits are also selling patches to communicate their cause, with end users choosing to sport patches to promote statements or stances, such as “Plant-based,” “Black Lives Matter” or “Fight Back Against Animal Testing.” No matter what your client is advertising, you’ll want to be sure the message is loud and clear—and the patches are made with clean lines. The Woven Fabric Applique is a custom-woven applique patch of up to 14 square inches and can incorporate up to eight colors. The patch also includes a light tack backing to secure the patch while it is being sewn to the cap or garment. Choose from five shapes: circle, square, oval, rectangle and custom die cut (shown). WOV-IN / PPAI 113213, S5 / www.wov-in.com Brands with a fun logo, mascot or character icons—like The Walt Disney Company’s Mickey Mouse, Pringles’ Julio Pringles and Mars’ M&M’s Spokescandies—may consider adding a bit of dazzle and sparkle with the Sequined Patch . This 3.5-inch, embroidered patch is fully custom and can reflect intricate detail, enhanced by sequins. Choose up to four thread colors and two sequin colors. EMT / PPAI 110810, S4 / www.emteasy.com With a “hidden” message on the sole, these Custom Knitted Yoga/Barr Socks are the perfect option for facilities like yoga and fitness studios, whether virtual or brick and mortar, to offer customers. Featuring a customized grip, these 100-percent custom jacquard/woven yoga socks will help wearers keep their balance throughout workouts. The standard sock fits men’s sizes 6-13 and women’s sizes 7.5+, with the option to manufacture any size and style as needed. SOCK101 / PPAI 625402, S6 / www.sock101.com Maljuk / Shutterstock.com. | AUGUST 2020 | 31 INNOVATE