In Style | Essentials 2. Unisex Styling & Sizing On The Rise Hand-in-hand with the oversized trend, buyers are increasingly looking for unisex styles, especially for younger audiences. Benefits of this approach include single SKU ordering, as well as inclusivity for diverse sizes and gender expressions. But keep company culture and the brand’s overall aesthetic in mind when considering this trend. Oversized might be great for a beverage or gaming company, but not a good fit for an accounting firm or dentist’s office aiming for a more traditional, professional look. Go for amodern look with the Unisex Straight Leg Sweat Pant in lightweight cotton/poly blend fleece. “Bella+Canvas does such a nice job of looking at what’s trending in the retail market,” says Borst. “The trend in denim right now is the straight leg, so it makes sense that we’re starting to see the jogger alsomake a transition.” Available in four colors (dark gray heather shown) and unisex sizes XS-2X. BELLA + CANVAS / PPAI 304892, S6 / www.bellacanvas.com 3. Designing For Women First Many promo suppliers are creating fresh, retail-inspired garments specifically for women that don’t have a men’s companion piece. “What I tend to see is that with the younger side of buyers, we’re seeing the bigger skew to unisex, where with the older demographic, you tend to see a lot more women-inspired, women-specific,” says Borst. Brandable women’s wear has come a long way, says Kelly Brown, director of marketing and operations with Michigan-based distributor Green Giftz. “There are pieces I would just wear blank without a logo on them that are very nice.” Especially in the professional or executive space, women want something that looks good and feels good, says Borst. “I look for things that seamlessly fit into my existing wardrobe that I feel really confident in,” she adds. The Mercer+Mettle Women’s Stretch Crepe 3/4-Sleeve Blouse offers a comfortable and stylish corporate casual silhouette different from the standard polo or button-down. Available in five colors (shown in insignia blue) and sizes XS-4X. SanMar / PPAI 110788, S16 / www.sanmar.com PPAI • JANUARY 2023 • 19
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