Essentials | In Style Retail Trends Percolating Into Promo Apparel Faster Than Ever Classic blanks will always be in demand, but it’s easier than ever to provide timely styles. Here are four key trends you need to be aware of for the coming year. by Rachel Zoch PROMO APPAREL STYLES tend to lag behind retail trends, but that’s not a bad thing, as employee apparel and giveaway garments need staying power so they’ll be worn for the long term. That said, the time frame between trends emerging in retail and those same styles making inroads into promo is getting shorter as the industry becomes more nimble and forward-looking. “When I joined this industry seven years ago, it felt like there was a year or two between retail and the promo industry, says Taylor Borst, director of marketing events and PR with Minnesota-based distributor American Solutions for Business. “Now it feels like that time frame has gotten smaller and there’s less turn time.” Although classic blanks will always remain at the heart of promo apparel, she adds, the brands that do a really good job of forecasting and trying to keep up with retail are the ones that will win. Here’s what you need to know about four key retail trends percolating into promo apparel: 1. Y2K/Oversized Styles Loom Large The ’90s nostalgia train is still full steam ahead, so oversized garments, bucket hats, straight-leg pants and other Y2K styles remain popular. This includes heavier fabrics, especially for T-shirts and hoodies. Remember the Hanes Beefy Tee? “It’s back, baby!” says Borst. The classic heavyweight cotton Hanes Beefy Tee features soft U.S.-grown ringspun cotton (some colors cotton/poly blend). Available in 49 colors (grape smash heather shown) and unisex sizes S-6X. S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12 www.ssactivewear.com 18 • JANUARY 2023 • PPAI
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