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Strategy September 19, 2023

In-Demand Decoration: Branding Tips for T-Shirts, Sweatshirts & More

By  ASI Creative Labs

It’s time to refresh your apparel decoration approaches to include on-trend and timely locations, methods and more. Next Level Apparel (asi/73867) is sharing all the intel you need to impress your clients with creative and unexpected imprint ideas for all of the in-demand apparel categories your clients are currently after.

Short Sleeve T-Shirts

Let’s start off with the quintessential promo tee. No matter if your clients prefer classic cotton or soft-to-the-touch tri-blend or versatile CVC fabric, NLA has a stylish tee to present in their preferred fabric formulation. Better yet, each of these core styles are now available at extremely affordable prices, thanks to NLA’s efforts to counteract post-pandemic price increases. This allows you to not only stay within your customer’s budget, but also opens the door for premium decoration techniques to boot.

As far as designs go, graphic tees remain ever popular with today’s consumers. Don’t be afraid to go big with designs – along with the “oversized tee” trend comes oversized graphics that take over almost the entire front or back of each shirt. If your clients prefer words over images, choose typography-heavy designs that spread their brand’s message in a fashion-forward way that resonates with end-users.

Long Sleeve T-Shirts

Long sleeve tees are the perfect transitional piece for the season and are a popular sell for clients across many climates. Not only are they versatile for wearability, there’s also a wide range of decoration options you can choose from too. For a fashion-forward look, we love adding graphics or text down the sleeves. This unexpected decoration location is a surefire way to get your client’s branding noticed every time each shirt is worn.

Sweatshirts

Old is new again when it comes to branded sweatshirts. The oversized trend continues for these comfy and cozy apparel pieces, with wearers preferring them to be decked out with nostalgic, distressed designs that fit that comforting, broken-in aesthetic. Steer clients towards branding in natural, neutral tones that will complement the pleasing color palette of the fleece favorites below.

Bottoms

While loungewear in general has been an apparel staple for the past few years, sweatpants in particular are experiencing a boost in popularity. Stylish yet comfortable sweatpants were a common sight on the runways for fall and winter fashion collections this year, making branded bottoms a savvy way to help your clients stay on top of current trends. NLA took note and is proud to offer sweatpants made from their premium sueded fabric, as well as fleece sweatshorts. Recommend your clients place branding down the leg of either style for an edgy and on-trend look. Don’t be afraid of branding across the backside either, à la the iconic Juicy Couture trackpants popularized by the likes of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears in the early 2000s. With Y2K fashion cues holding strong, this decoration location is a “cheeky” way to appeal to younger audiences.

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