New trends in polos – one of the most popular promotional apparel items – are creating new sales opportunities for distributors. Here are ways to capitalize.

Say goodbye to the traditional mom- or dad-styled polo.

The generic cotton polo, once a staple of the American wardrobe from the office to the golf course, has enjoyed a contemporary makeover with a broad and diverse array of on-trend styles and premium fabrics designed to accommodate both genders, modern tastes and the ever-growing casualization of corporate America.

This notable shift has forced distributors of promotional products to keep pace by heightening their assortment of polos and reshaping the way they’re presented to clients in the marketplace.

Here are insights into the trends, plus ideas for how distributors can expand their business this year by offering the newest polo styles.

Deliver On-Trend Styles

With a fashion-forward focus, savvy distributors have worked to broaden their polo lineup beyond the traditional boxy look, offering more versatile and stylish designs for both men and women.

Trimark’s “Not-So-Polo” Polos collection, for instance, capitalizes on the trend by featuring new fits and styling details (like modern collars) for both men and women that are sure to connect with businesses today. Trimark’s women-specific designs ditch the sized-down unisex fit and focus on more flattering female styles with options such as no-button plackets, tapered waists, pointed collars, shaped seams, split fronts and sleeveless looks.

“Trimark has curated an exciting, on-trend collection of modern polos that customers today are looking for,” says Kate Boyce, general manager of Trimark Apparel, the PA-based arm of Polyconcept North America that has been supplying high-quality branded apparel for more than four decades. “These ‘Not-So-Polo’ Polos break away from the image everyone has of what a polo needs to look like. They are still office appropriate, but can cross over into after-work life, making them extremely versatile. This new category truly bridges the gap between people who love to wear a polo and those who don’t.”

Build an Attractive Presentation

How can distributors appeal to clients with these new and trendy polos? Create a presentation that resonates by showcasing the newest styles, fits and fabrics. Businesses today are sure to be impressed by the versatility these polos provide – they’re perfect for the office, the golf course or even a night out.

Indeed, the traditional office uniform is becoming more relaxed and, for distributors, that’s an opportunity to espouse the benefits of the latest polos. “Not everyone loves to wear a traditional polo, so Trimark is developing polos that cross over into tops, making them more versatile and appealing to both genders,” says Boyce. “Our product development team follows retail trends closely to make sure our line includes the styles end-users are looking for across our fabric families. Combining an exciting collection with a simplified process behind the scenes (including Trimark’s foundation of all-in decoration pricing, available next-day turn on decorated orders with SureShip® and best-in-class support), we‘ve made it our focus to make it easy to sell.”

A Wide Target Market for New Polos

Undoubtedly, the polo market has evolved from its utilitarian past. Mixing contemporary styles, distinctive features and novel fabrics with simplified shopping, distributors can provide products that hit on branding goals and appeal to clients and employees in different verticals.

“From what we’ve seen, this polo-evolving trend spans multiple industries and applications, but corporate programs, trade shows and events are always looking for the broad appeal that a polo like this can provide,” Boyce says. “When employees actually like to wear the shirt they’re given and it becomes part of their wardrobe, it creates more opportunities for visibility and increased brand impressions.”

To learn more, visit pcna.com/trimark.

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