Promote with trendy promotional apparel in a variety of styles and needs

By Laurie Frees

Choosing a promotional clothing style when trends and weather are always changing can create an overwhelming shopping experience. With certain styles—like textured garments and baggy, oversized fits—becoming popular, recipients of your trendy promo apparel will welcome a wardrobe refresh. And what about those chilly, rainy days?

Laurie, 4imprint’s expert apparel merchandiser, shared her most recent fashion advice on the top trends in clothing with features that will take your shopping experience from overwhelming to exciting. And your team members, volunteers or customers will be covered in all types of weather!

Loose and heavyweight fits customized with your brand

“T-shirts and sweatshirts with relaxed, oversized fits and heavier-weight materials are popular right now,” Laurie said. Heavyweight fabrics are long lasting, making them great options for promotional team wear. Traditional designs like the Independent Trading Co.^® Heavyweight Hoodie and the Zone HydroSport Heavyweight Crew Sweatshirt provide a roomy fit while keeping your co-workers warm in colder climates. “For the ideal oversized style, order one size up,” suggested Laurie. “Select one in a popular neutral colour, such as brown, oatmeal or natural.”

Even with its strong look and feel, the Bella+Canvas^® Heavyweight T-Shirt is “designed to remain soft over time, which means your logo gets worn longer,” said Laurie. Many appreciate the loose, boxier fit. Check out everyday T-shirt options, such as the Gildan^® Ultra Cotton T-Shirt, which comes in short-sleeve and long-sleeve styles. Ultrasoft cotton means repeated wear and comfort are in check.

Textured pullovers give your brand a new feel

“New textures like ottoman rib and diamonds patterns are bringing interest to basic pullovers,” Laurie mentioned. The Spyder^® Mission ½-Zip Pullover provides a structured, tailored look for the office and business casual events. Or try the Venture Heathered Stripe ¼-Zip Pullover, a striped pullover that is a sharp alternative to a sweater as a layering piece. Quarter-zips are versatile pieces of clothing that can be worn throughout the year while consistently promoting your logo.?

A textured knit fabric in options like the adidas^® Spacer ¼-Zip Pullover and Spirit Textured ¼-Zip gives a “breathable and cushion-like feel,” Laurie described. These trending promotional products’ textured patterns have a distinctive appearance that helps your team members feel confident.

Solid sun protection outdoors

Do you have staff working at breezier outdoor events where the sun is shining? Skin protection is important to remember when providing apparel for associates. Try the Zone Performance Long Sleeve T-Shirt, which “combines UPF protection with moisture-wicking technology for the ultimate performance shirt,” said Laurie. The Storm Creek^® Pacesetter Hoodie is lightweight and has stretch that allows enhanced range of motion. Look for clothing with UPF sun protection for extra coverage if you're searching for performance-focused options in outdoor clothing.

For those spending a great deal of time on the water, the Ultra UVP Marina Short Sleeve Shirt covers all the basics with moisture-wicking technology and UPF 50+ sun protection. Whether for boat tour days, fishing days or working at the marina, the Greg Norman^® Play Dry Performance Mesh Polo is designed to block out the sun and provide a great casual or semi-formal look.

When rain won’t go away, jackets come out to play

“For outdoor occasions where a stray shower is a possibility, ponchos are convenient,” Laurie said. They tuck easily into a backpack or travel bag and make excellent one-size-fits-all handouts at outdoor events, like sports competitions, volunteer events and community gatherings. When warmth and water resistance are needed, consider the Profile Fleece Lined All Season Jacket. Insulated sleeves and fleece lining add extra heat.

In addition to being easier to pack and ideal for layering with other clothes, “lightweight jackets are more breathable and easier to move in,” Laurie stated. A lightweight packable option that offers ultimate protection on a rainy day is the The North Face^® Rain Jacket, which features a waterproof design, helping to keep clothes underneath dry. Perfect for runners or athletes is the Storm Creek^® Storm Cell Waterproof Jacket. It features fleece construction with reflective details on the front and back.

Trendy, weather-conscious threads elevate your brand

Heavyweight materials, patterned fabrics, and loose-fitting, oversized garments are popular, and weather-appropriate apparel is necessary. Keep your team members, volunteers and loyal customers in protective, trendy promotional apparel. They’ll love having the latest branded looks!

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.

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