Ink-dyed garments and accessories are making a comeback – but this isn’t your typical rainbow tie-dye.

A trend called “watercolor” has been hitting the fashion catwalks and retail stores. It combines the gradient look of ombre with the unique ink pattern of tie-dye for an elegant, “watery” appearance evocative of the art of Claude Monet.

The “watercolor” look features different hues combined on a variety of media, including apparel and hard goods.

Fashion houses such as Ferragamo, Courrèges, Marni and Paco Rabanne featured the color trend in their Spring/Summer 2023 lines. “Bob Ross, eat your heart out,” wrote the staff of W Magazine in its show report. “Bright hues this season took on a watery look, blending together like a sunset or lakeside scene in a painting.” Other designers such as Peter Do and Diesel featured “soft ombre” looks, with colors “elegantly blend[ing] into one another across a diverse array of fabrics,” reported Hypebeast.

Professional sports teams are getting in on the action, too; The Philadelphia Eagles features an ink-dyed beanie from its New Era Crucial Catch collection, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society; other teams such as the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers have them available in franchise colors.

Fortunately, the promo industry is full of products featuring ombre and dyed patterns that can fit the bill for trend-forward clients.

1. Hiking & Camping Clubs

Members will appreciate ball caps featuring eye-catching dyed colors, especially with silkscreen or embroidery personalization on the front. This style also allows for a high ponytail and comes in a variety of color combinations.

Cotton baseball cap (ATSZ0117) from Anytime Promo (asi/79380)

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2. Human Resources Departments

Companies welcoming new hires and bringing more people back to the communal office can give out brightly colored bags, like messengers and coolers, to boost engagement. This insulated tote, ideal for bringing lunch from home, comes in four ombre tones.

Ombre lunch tote (VCOL005) from IMAGEN Brands (asi/93990)

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3. Restaurants & Resorts

For a unique promo with a touch of whimsy, consider a bar accessory that celebrates the sun, surf and sand of the tropics. This corkscrew opens both wine and beer bottles and is available in three ombre tones and three solid colors.

Double-hinged “Corkatoo” (3537) from True Brands (asi/92293)

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4. Gyms & Fitness Studios

Help local facilities stock their in-house stores with accessories that feature an ombre pattern. These also make a great gift for new members and can be an incentive for participants in fitness challenges. Choose from four color combinations, like Lavender Fields and Galactic Ocean.

24 oz. Tritan bottle (WAVE24) from EcoVessel (asi/51560)

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5. Corporate & Uniform Programs

A subdued take on the watercolor look could be good fit for hospitality uniforms, food-service employees and sales teams on calls and at trade shows. This wicking performance style is available in five color combinations.

Ombre heather polo (ST671) from SanMar (asi/84863)

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