3. With the twinning trend – whether it’s mommy & me, just like dad or matching sibling outfits – blanks that offer the same patterns in a wide range of sizes can be a winning foundation for custom-branded apparel. Outfit newborns through toddler size 7 with these Rabbit Skins Toddler Crew Neck Short Sleeve Tees and Infant Lap Shoulder Short Sleeve Bodysuits that come in 96 colors and patterns, including stripes, spots, animal and camo and feature a soft hand, side seam construction and an easy tear label for comfort. LAT Apparel / PPAI 254347, S4 / latapparel.com Jen Oleksik, director of apparel design quality for Georgia-based supplier LAT Apparel, which provides blanks for infants, toddlers and children through its Rabbit Skins brand, says her company recently introduced softer colors like blushes that are increasingly popular in children’s apparel. “Colors like that are really doing well, I think because they’re easy to decorate, but also the pastels in the market have just been doing really well,” she says. “And from our perspective in this business, anybody who is printing it, they don’t have to put an underbase, they don’t have to fight with a dark color.” Clive Rock, president of KidsBlanks By Zoë, a Californiabased supplier specializing in blanks for infants and children, says his company is also seeing more demand for “dusty earth tones” like oatmeal and sage versus brights. For example, KidsBlanks offers a single-color, neutral (gray or tan) tie-dye that has been very popular. Look at what youth-oriented brands are doing, or what major brands are doing in their kids’ lines, says Rock, and “make it interesting for your customers.” Oleksik also sees patterns taking off with children’s pieces, from LAT’s new not-quite-polka dot “spot” pattern to a thin horizontal stripe that comes in blues, pinks, grays or rainbow, as well as the tried-and-true tie-dye. “It’s an opportunity to be a little bit more playful with the garment,” she says. These pages show a few examples of what’s available in promo apparel for children. 4. It’s important to keep school dress code requirements in mind, too. This Youth Girls Relaxed Fine Jersey Tank Top offers coverage with style for a fashionforward garment that can be worn again and again. Available in six colors (peachy shown) and youth sizes XS-XL, as well as ladies S-2X and curvy 1-4. LAT Apparel / PPAI 254347, S4 / latapparel.com PPAI • OCTOBER 2023 • 13 In Style | Essentials
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