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Q&A: Promo Apparel Sourcing Ideas

Looking for windshirts, safari vests or floral hats? We know where to find them.

Q: My client needs a short-sleeve, performance color-block windshirt in black/gray. – Irv

A: This one’s a breeze! Make a statement with the Men’s Icon Windshirt (product 2610; shown here) from Tri-Mountain (asi/92125); (800) 824-6464; www.trimountain.com. Consisting of microfiber polyester, it’s available in sizes up to 4XL and features side-zippered pockets, contrast panels, and an adjustable drawstring bottom. You can also zip over to Logosport (asi/67865); (800) 662-5622; www.logosport.com; for the FootJoy Sport ½ Zip SS Performance Windshirt (product AF-23427), featuring a four-way stretch shell, water-resistance, raglan sleeves and lower side pockets. Or, perform in any weather with the Powell Short Sleeve Windshirt (product TM12801) from Trimark (asi/92121); (800) 860-1555; www.pcna.com/Leeds/en-us. Made of 100% polyester, this half-zip style shirt is wind- and water-repellent and includes an elastic drawcord. 

Q: Where can I find bicycle helmet covers for a local race? – Gary

A: Get in the game with the Bicycle Helmet Cover (product BHC) from EMT (asi/52263); (800) 289-2911; www.emteasy.com. Made of breathable Lycra material, this compact and lightweight cover offers a flexible fit to conform to most helmet shapes. Next, head to Adcapitol (asi/31260); (800) 868-7111; www.adcapitol.com; for the polyester Bicycle Helmet Cover (product NC220). Available in dozens of colors, it features printed half-moon side panels and a mesh center strip. Lastly, stay dry with the Waterproof Bike Helmet Cover (product 424) from Motto Inc. (asi/72657); (920) 364-9544; www.activelifepromo.com. This poly/spandex mesh piece stretches to fit all helmet sizes while protecting wearers from wind and rain.

Q: I’m looking for blank, youth-size aprons in white. – Pamela

A: Check out the Youth Apron – White (product 3007-25) from Uncommon Threads (asi/94217); (847) 325-4140; www.uncommonthreadsstore.com. Made of poly cotton twill and measuring 20” x 25”, this apron features a handy two-section pocket and extra-long ties. Or, try the 2 Pocket Child Apron (product 250) from BNM Wholesale (asi/37786); (866) 586-7253; www.bnmwholesales.com. At 20” x 15”, it consists of 65% cotton/35% polyester with a soil-release finish. Finally, keep it clean with the Child Bib Apron (product 82811) from ERB Safety & Fame Fabrics (asi/51204); (800) 800-6522; www.e-erb.com; featuring a two-piece slider neck adjustment and 65% polyester/35% cotton material.

Q: We’re on a quest for a safari vest! Point me in the right direction, please? – Marc

A: Go exploring with Africa Safari Outdoor Importers, Inc. (asi/33176); (713) 688-3424; www.tagsafari.com; and ask for their Vent Back Safari Vest for Men (product MV-076-P867) or Women (product LV-076-P867). With a vent back for air circulation and multiple pockets, this cotton vest is available in sizes up to 3XL. Next, head down under with the Deluxe Safari Outback Vest (product 7580) from Rothco (asi/83708); (800) 645-5195; www.rothco.com. Made from stonewashed cotton with mesh lining, it features 18 pockets and a zip front with snap closure. Set your search ablaze with Foxfire Inc. (asi/55235); (800) 344-8225; www.foxfireonline.com. This supplier’s Ultimate Vest (product UVC) is constructed from lightweight, 100% cotton with a mesh back, zip front, and D-ring waist adjusters.

Q: Can you recommend a supplier for a women’s yoga/exercise capri? – Betty

A: No sweat! Strike a pose with the Ladies’ Garment-Dyed Yoga Capri with Band (product 811) from Tipsy Inc. (asi/91420); (877) 787-7788; www.gotipsy.com. Available in four colors and sizes XS-2XL, it’s preshrunk with cotton construction. You could also stretch to Stormtech USA Inc. (asi/89864); (866) 407-2222; www.stormtechusa.com; for the Women’s Flex Yoga Capri Pant (product SAC014). Made of 86% nylon/14% spandex, this moisture-wicking garment offers flatlock seams and a flat mesh waistband. Last but not least, get moving with the BLUEprint Cotton Spandex Jersey Fold-Over Capri Yoga Pant (product CSJ605) from Blanks Plus (asi/40642); (877) 577-0006; www.blanksplus.net. Made in the USA of a cotton/spandex blend, it comes in seven colors and features a flared, cropped leg for a flattering fit.

Q: My town’s charity run wants to give out wrist wallets for runners to store their belongings. – Mora

A: Slip into the Wristwallet (product RF729) from Mi Line by Fey (asi/71032); (800) 328-8944; www.miline.com. Measuring 4 ½” x 11”, it includes a pocket for an ID, key, money and credit cards, as well as an adjustable Velcro closure and a reflective area for visibility. Alternately, the RuMe Cuff (product 103) from RuMe, Inc. (asi/82700); (303) 799-4256; www.promosales.myrume.com; available in three colors, doubles as a protective coffee cup sleeve and has a zip compartment for storage.

Q: Where can I find hats with floral designs for a gardening group? – Candace

A: Grow your business with the Ladies’ Wide Brim Floral Hat (product 7904G) from Mega Cap, Inc. (asi/70434); (888) 616-6342; www.megacapinc.com. Consisting of 95% cotton/5% spandex, this soft, one-size-fits-most hat comes in three color combinations. Next, go tropical with Sun N Sand Accessories (asi/90142); (800) 635-0846; www.sunnsandline.com. This supplier’s Painted Raffia Hat (product HH1271), made from raffia material, is painted with a lovely floral design and features a woven bead trim and 4” brim. Cap off your search with the Floral Hat (product FLORAL) from Nissun Cap, Inc. (asi/73979); (800) 568-7555; www.nissuncap.com. This reversible hat is made of cotton canvas and features ribbon ties on the back; choose from two color combinations.