This unisex Adult Crewneck Sweatshirt offers classic style in a relaxed fit with multiple color options that meet the moment. Made of 80/20 ring-spun cotton/ polyester, each sweatshirt is garment-dyed with OEKO-TEX certified lowimpact dyes for a lived-in, vintage look. Available in 19 colors (butter shown) and sizes S-3X. Gildan Activewear PPAI 250187, S13 comfortcolors.com Heidi Koch, product development manager for Cap America, the PPAI 100 No. 11 supplier, says it’s important for promo pros to keep an eye on retail to monitor color trends and keep their product offerings fresh and relevant. Understanding your target audience is also crucial, she adds. “Different age groups, cultures and industries may have varying preferences when it comes to colors,” Koch says. “If your audience is fashion-forward or has a strong connection to design and aesthetics, staying updated on color trends is important.” When it comes to the recent Pantone palette, Koch says her personal favorites are the bright peachy Desert Flower, the earthy green Watercress and deep redorange Rooibos Tea. “They stay in line with the popular earth tones, which are on fire right now, with a unique spin in depth and color range,” she says, adding that promo pros should also keep an eye on updated neutrals and various shades of blues in 2024. “It does depend on the industry that you’re in and what you’re looking for,” Koch adds. “Some people really want to play it safe because they know that those safe staple pieces will sell and they’re timeless. ... But I think a little shift in a neutral color really goes a long way, because it does give people the opportunity to give fresh product without a big risk.” That said, she thinks bright colors and earth tones will remain popular, as the dark days of the pandemic left us craving experiences that make us feel good – including what we wear. “Post pandemic, we are truly in unprecedented times, with more people embracing their own style and comfort level and, most importantly, their individuality,” Koch says. “Color truly plays a role in personal expression. I believe people will embrace the joy of bolder, brighter colors but stay true to the deep earth tones that connect them to nature.” Here are a few options for promo apparel in trending colors for 2024. Oranges can be hard to find in promo, but they figure prominently in the Pantone NYFW palette. This crew-neck Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee comes in 86 colors (sunset shown). Made of 100% Airlume combed and ringspun cotton, it’s available in sizes XS-5X. BELLA + CANVAS PPAI 304892, S6 bellacanvas.com PPAI • JANUARY 2024 • 15 In Style | Essentials
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