PPB March 2021

Best Of Expo In Apparel also a lighter, more day-to-day outdoor experience—like running errands, taking the kids to and from practice and walking the dog—with apparel catering toward fashion colors and hyper customization. The popularity toward jackets and outdoor adventure wear may, in part, reflect consumers’ growing desire to spend more time outdoors immersed in nature following a pandemic year that was, for millions of people around the world, spent mainly indoors. In an October 2020 survey of 2,058 adults in the U.S. conducted by The Harris Poll of fourth-quarter consumer trends, on behalf of Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), 71 percent of respondents said they were interested in taking walks around their towns or neighborhood in the aftermath of pandemic-related social distancing measures. Nearly six in 10 (58 percent) also said they’d be interested in spending time in a public park, 55 percent said visiting a drive-in or outdoor movies, 52 percent said hiking or camping, 52 percent said visiting outside pop-up retail stores and 38 percent said attending outdoor exercise classes. According to RetailWire, being indoors has actually boosted the sales of outdoor-related goods and services , with consumers commonly turning to outdoor activities as a hobby, for exercise or as a way to de-stress. The trending popularity of both hoodies and polo shirts may also reflect a hybrid in consumers’ needs, teetering between the comfort of work-from-home wear, which many consumers have grown accustomed to, and making the transition back into the office, for travel and integrating back into the outside world. In a December 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center, “How the Coronavirus Has—and Hasn’t— Changed the Way Americans Work,” of 10,332 adults, more than seven in 10 (71 percent) said they were currently working from home and more than half (54 percent) said they wish to continue working from home after the effects of the pandemic pass. And of those who are working from home, 64 percent said they are doing so because their workplace is closed or unavailable to them, while the rest (36 percent) said it’s their preference. On the other hand, some people are not only ready, but enthusiastic and even eager to return to their normal working environments. In a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of OfficeSpace Software in December 2020 of 1,206 working adults, most respondents (71 percent) said they are looking forward to returning to the workplace, with 80 percent saying they most miss interacting and collaborating with their colleagues. With the split in workers looking to return to the office and those who prefer to stay home, and with uncertainties still surrounding the pandemic, companies can benefit from offering apparel that’s a mix of work-appropriate, work- from-home-appropriate and outdoor adventure, in styles that are timeless and endlessly useful, particularly in today’s world. Read on for a look at some of the apparel that was showcased at the PPAI Expo Direct-2-You. The V-FRWS0 Windshield Vest will keep wearers safe from the elements, with a flame-resistant coating and moisture- wicking fabric. The vest, which features an outer shell made from 94-percent flame- resistant cotton and six-percent cotton, and lining made from 95-percent cotton and five-percent spandex, is also wind-blocking and water-repellent, and features a cozy fleece lining for warmth. It also includes two large hand-warmer pockets and a large, zippered chest pocket for smaller items, and it’s in compliance with modern safety standards. Available in S-6XL. Lapco Mfg / PPAI 357272, S6 / www.lapco.com A clean look with a rugged feel, the Cotton Canvas Cap is the perfect addition to offer in destination gift shops, to distribute to event attendees or to give employees as part of an onboarding package. Featuring a six-panel construction with a low profile, the unstructured cap closes with an adjustable plastic snap-tab closure. Available in black, navy, olive and cider (shown). Cap America, Inc. / PPAI 111597, S10 www.capamerica.com | MARCH 2021 | 15 INNOVATE