Safe in the sun: Summer promo items to help beat the heat

By Laurie Frees

For many of us, summer is all about outdoor fun. But it’s important to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures safely. That’s especially true now as summer heat records opens in new window continue to be broken year after year. Whether your audience is kicking back at the beach, playing outdoor sports or working in the yard, summer promo items shine bright, helping them stay cool, hydrated and protected.

Summertime apparel to look and feel cool

When a heat wave hits, the right clothing can help people enjoy the weather responsibly. If your team has work to do in the elements—like at a resort or in a park—provide a performance shirt. These comfortable and cost-effective shirts offer moisture-wicking, UPF 40 fabric. Or outfit them in performance tees for a casual and stylish look with UPF 50 sun protection.

Gearing up your squad for a golf outing? If they’re sporting polos that provide 50-plus UPF protection and feature side vents, they’ll be well-equipped for a warm-weather round. If long-sleeves are in order, that same UPF protection is available in quarter-zip pullovers. They’re great on the links and versatile enough to be worn to a variety of events.

Headwear to protect and promote

A single piece of headwear can be a difference-maker on a sunny day. An everyday hat, like a performance cap offering UV protection, can do wonders. Its combination of moisture-wicking technology and 50-plus UPF means it will be a go-to for those working in the garden, chilling at the pool or simply running errands. And a trucker cap, featuring a mesh back, can shield the eyes and help keep them cool.

If you run an outdoor attraction or host an event, include booney hats in your gift shop or at your merchandise stand to help patrons find relief. If involved in a race, sporting event or other fitness activity, you’re in a great spot to offer foam visors as a free gift.

Promos made for shade

When you’re looking for a fun yet functional gift for your team, branded sunglasses help protect their eyes from the sun’s rays (and look cool too). If it fits your audience, aviator sunglasses are a trendy choice that provide even more coverage.

When an audience needs extra shade, golf umbrellas can provide necessary relief. That’s especially true if their stay if the event also comes with a chance of rain. Include in a welcome package at a golf event or any summer fundraiser, gathering or getaway. If your employees or volunteers are heading to an outdoor festival, farmers market or other event, give car sun shades, an unexpected summer promo item that helps keep vehicle interiors cool.

Hydration helpers

Hydration is another key to summer comfort. Water helps regulate our body temperature opens in new window, supports our immune system, promotes healthy digestion and more. Keep your customers feeling good with a mood bottle as a summer promotional giveaway. Its colour-changing feature is fun for all ages and the built-in handle is especially helpful if recipients will be on the move. Or make hydration backpacks an option for those whose summer activities require them to take their hydration up a level.

Have employees that work all day in the sun? Give a 1.8-liter water jug during orientation so they have fluids available to stay safe and productive. And any audience can make space for roll-up water bottles, whether for work or play. It’s an unconventional choice likely to help your brand make a splash.

Hot temps, cool promos

Whether it's employees, volunteers, customers or clients, your key audiences are bound to soak up some serious sun in the months ahead. With the right strategy, your summer promo items can boost your brand while keeping them cool, comfortable and protected.

Laurie Frees

Laurie Frees is a merchandising category manager at 4imprint who specializes in apparel. With over 25 years of experience in merchandising and product development—plus four years in the promotional products industry—she brings deep expertise in fabric construction and logo application. Laurie manages the product assortment across all apparel categories, including T-shirts, polos, outerwear, dress shirts, sweatshirts and more. Her role includes tracking trends, building supplier partnerships and analyzing data to guide decisions. With a strong focus on products made from sustainable materials, Laurie helps drive innovation in core apparel offerings that customers rely on to showcase their brands.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

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