T-shirts are the foundation of the wearables industry. We’ve been writing about them for years, and you’ve been selling them even longer than that. By now, we know T-shirts really well. We know that polyester doesn’t have to be scratchy and heavy, that imprint options differ depending on the fabrication of the shirt, and that the basic crew-neck tee will never go out of style.
That’s all well and good, but what happens when your client wants a T-shirt to outshine its competition or win over a new consumer market? How do you tweak your T-shirt promotions so you are not recycling outdated ideas?
You can find inspiration by heading to the shopping center closest to you and visiting stores geared toward your client’s target market. Does Ann Taylor have a special display of scoop necks? Perfect for that “Women in Business” event your client is throwing. Is American Eagle showcasing thick necklines? Good to know for that middle school promotion you are planning. Is Rag & Bone stocking up on tight tees for men? Bet you're glad you saw that before doing the standard beefy tee for that fraternity party. The list goes on. But before you go anywhere, check out some of the designs on the following pages.
Not a Care in the World
Available in seven colors, Alstyle Apparel & Activewear’s Easy-Care Tee is constructed from a 60/40 polyester/cotton performance blend. It boasts a double-needle sleeve and bottom hems and comes in sizes S to 3XL. For more information, visit www.alstyle.com.
A Steady Pace
Made of 100 percent polyester, the Pace CORE365 Men’s Performance Piqué Crew Neck from Ash City USA is antimicrobial and moisture-wicking. Features include a matching rib neck trim and a heat-seal label. For more information, visit
www.ashcity.com.
Earn Your Stripes
The Long Sleeve Stripe Jersey from Augusta Sportswear is made from a 50/50 polyester/cotton jersey knit blend and has two contrast-color stripes on the sleeves. A youth companion style is available. For more information, visit
www.augustasportswear.com.
The Latest Scoop
The Anvil Ladies’ Sheer Scoop-Neck Tee from Bodek and Rhodes is available in 12 refreshing color options like lemon zest, raspberry and mocha. It is made of 100 percent combed ring-spun cotton and runs XS through 2XL. For more information, visit
www.bodekandrhodes.com.
On the Move
Featuring Vapor technology, Champion’s quick-drying Vapor Tee is a great choice for active clients. The shirt is snag-resistant. For more information, visit
www.championlocator.com.
The Cool Down
The Delta Dri T-shirt from Delta Apparel is available in eight color options and sizes S through 3XL. The poly-cotton tee is moisture-wicking and has a tear-away label. For more information, visit
www.deltaapparel.com.
Runway Ready
The Men’s Adult Washed Tee from Dunbrooke comes in navy, red, black, brown or charcoal. It features shoulder-to-shoulder taping and a set-in collar. For more information, visit
www.dunbrooke.com.
Throwing Shade
Available in youth and adult sizes, the Pigment Dyed Garment Tie-dye T-shirt from Dyenomite comes in 15 earthy or neon colors. The cotton tee includes a double-stitched neckline and sleeves, as well as shoulder-to-shoulder taping. For more information, visit
www.dyenomite.com.
The Homestretch
Made of nylon and spandex or nylon and Lycra mixes, the stretchy FILA Women’s Marseille Striped Shirt from Fersten Worldwide is comfortable for playing golf or playing Wii. Available color combinations are navy/white and silver/white. For more information, visit
www.fersten.com.
On Point,
On-Trend
The narrow fit of the Nano-T T-shirt with Pocket from Hanesbrands Inc. is on-trend. The 100 percent fine jersey cotton shirt runs S through 3XL and comes in 10 garment-dyed color options. For more information, visit www.haneslocator.com.
Feel the Burn
Zebra print does not get as much credit as cheetah print. Make it a style staple with the Women’s BurnOut Zebra Sublimation V-neck Short Sleeve Shirt from Kavio!. The V-neck shirt is made from a 60/40 cotton/polyester blend. For more information, visit
www.kavio.com.
Tee Hugger
Royal Apparel’s Unisex Organic RPET Tee is constructed of organic cotton and RPET (recycled plastic bottles). The U.S.-made tee comes in sizes XS to 4XL and seven heather color options (bark, coal, dusk, eggshell, kiwi, snow and tomato) and one solid hue (shadow). For more information, visit
www.royalapparel.net.
- People:
- Colleen McKenna