Originally posted by 4imprint 27 September 2016
You want to promote your business, organization or agency. It’s a job promotional apparel is meant to do!
If you’re worried button-down oxfords with an embroidered logo or screen-printed t-shirts aren’t quite right for you… we’re excited for you to meet the new generation of logo’d apparel. Yes, promotional dress shirts are still around. And, logo’d t-shirts are too. But, today’s promotional apparel includes hoodies, flannels, scarves, vests, visors, pants and more! Maybe that’s why so many people say they own logowear.
A recent survey finds 58 percent of American consumers own a promotional shirt. Forty-one percent own a promotional cap. And 50 percent own comfy promotional outerwear or fleece. With over 116 million households in the U.S, we’re talking tens of millions of people wearing branded apparel.
What’s more, people wear branded apparel at the office and in real life. This means logo’d clothing is constantly building brand awareness. In fact, the same survey shows when it comes to impressions created per item, three of the top five promotional products in the U.S. are apparel: caps (more than 3,100 impressions per item), outerwear (more than 2,600) and shirts (more than 2,400).
The 5 Ts of Promotional Apparel
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your logo wear, choose styles your customers or employees will wear again and again. Here’s how to do just that!
Target
First, you need to know who will be wearing the clothing. Men? Women? Children? Is it for people within your organization or outside? Do they prefer dressy, corporate apparel or something sportier? Knowing who will be rocking your logo’d threads it is the first step in determining the branded apparel to choose.
Timing
The time of year matters. Where will your message be seen? For example, during cooler weather, sweaters, knit caps or insulated jackets help keep your name and message on the outside instead of hidden under layers of clothing.
Tailored to your audience
Whatever promotional apparel you choose, choose a style recipients will snap up. High-quality items will stand the test of time, be worn again and again and reflect well on your brand.
Types of apparel
Once you know your target, choose what branded apparel is appropriate. Among the most popular options:
- Logo’d T-shirts: These are the most versatile products available, including everything from fashion T-shirts to performance athletic tees. And they’re worn absolutely With an almost infinite combination of styles, fabrics, sizes and colors to choose from, branded T-shirts are a cost-effective way of building brand awareness.
- Promotional polo shirts: Half-dressy and half-casual, a promotional polo shirt is the go-to item for corporate apparel, from the office to the golf course and everywhere in between. For a high-quality look, embroider a small logo or message on the left.
- Imprinted Sweatshirts: Nothing says comfort and relaxation like fleece, especially the fashionable—yet practical—classic hoodie. Along with other outerwear, fleece is also the most influential promotional product for ages 18–44.
- Branded Outerwear: Branded jackets and vestsavailable in many different weights and styles, perfect for keeping your logo visible in any type of weather. And if they’re well-made and look good, they’re kept more often than other promotional clothing.
- Personalized Headwear: People hang onto hats for two reasons: They’re eye-catching and incredibly useful. They’re worn year-round and always put your brand front and center. Popular items include promotional baseball caps and visors.
Trends
Whenever you’re giving promotional clothing to an employee or customer, make it useful, attractive and modern. Doing so gives people more reasons to wear your branded apparel.
Building Brand Awareness through Promotional Apparel
With new styles of logowear being added all the time, it’s easier than ever to find a style that fits your organization. Follow the 5 T’s when choosing corporate apparel and you’ll be sure people will love wearing your brand again and again.
