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A Lifestyle Of Lounge
By: Audrey Sellers, Associate Editor
Issue: 2009may
There’s a lot to love about loungewear, from soft fabrics to easy-breezy styles. It’s time to swap out dressy duds for laid-back loungewear.
Instead of standing in line at the movie theater and forking over $20 for a ticket and concessions, savvy consumers are catching the latest blockbusters from the comfort of their couches. About one-third of consumers are opting to stay home instead of going out and three-quarters are even entertaining at home, according to a survey by the Zandl Group. Forget meeting up with friends at the bar—lounging at home is a hipper way to hang out.
Lucky for your clients, loungewear has come a long way from plain white boxers and t-shirts. Now you’ll find styles that are just as suitable for ordering in Chinese food with pals as they are for curling up solo with a good book. “Hoodies are a big part of loungewear. Zip, no zip, tunic length, women’s cut, stripes, custom-lined—the choices are endless,” says Luiza Raposo of Atlanta, Georgia-based supplier Boxercraft (UPIC: BOXER). “There’s also a big retail influence with leggings, fleece minis and cardigans, all of which are new additions to the loungewear category.”
PPB asked Raposo to fill us in on the latest in loungewear. Here’s what she had to say:
On trends: “Plaid is back. Comfortable and durable, the flannel pant is a classic. In the times we’re in, people want what’s known and dependable, and flannel is always comfortable and relaxing. It’s ageless and fits most people.”
On markets: “Schools and teams are big markets. Tourism, hotels, resorts, colleges, souvenir shops and travel are other markets that use loungewear as promotional products.”
On popularity: “End users love loungewear because it’s comfortable and usable. Socially, clothes have become more casual. Americans prefer to wear comfortable styles and loungewear is a reflection of this.”
On versatility: “Loungewear works well in promotions because it translates well into different lifestyles. It’s flexible enough for companies, brands and organizations that want to reach a mass audience.”
On change: “This category has become more sophisticated over the years. Retail influences the industry tremendously now. Each season, suppliers are showcasing the retail trends to better accommodate customers. End users like this about the industry and have come to expect it.”
 | Slumberous Sweatshirt
Cozy up to the Crewneck Bomber Fashion Sweatshirt, which is made from 100-percent preshrunk, heavyweight cotton. It’s durable with side-seaming and double-needle stitching throughout and features a more relaxed fit than traditional crewnecks. Choose from 22 muted shades such as sandstone, willow and yam.
Barry T. Chouinard
800-545-6366 |
Go For Yoga
The Women’s Yoga Pant, made from 95-percent cotton and five-percent jersey, features a clean-finished, fold-over waistband and double-needle stitching on the leg opening for extra durability. Offered in black, chocolate, navy and white, it’s garment-dyed for minimal shrinkage and a soft hand.
Royal Apparel
UPIC: Royal992
212-239-9016
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 | Primo Pants
End users can curl up in the Robinson Apparel Division Woven Pant and Gridiron Flannel Pant. The woven version is made from a blend of cotton and polyester, and the flannel pant is made from 100-percent brushed cotton. Both styles feature an elastic waistband with drawstring, button fly closure and two side pockets. Tip: The youth market loves shimmying into flannel pants, so pitch these styles to high schools and universities. Perhaps individual groups such as the history club or drill team can get different colors to represent their activity.
Heritage Sportswear, Inc.
UPIC: HERI0002
800-537-2222
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Spring For Stripes
The Rugby Hoodie is made from a blend of cotton and polyester fleece and is offered in three color combinations. Style details include a full front zip, horizontal stripes and kangaroo pockets. Your clients can imprint the taping for subtle customization.
Boxercraft
UPIC: BOXER
800-914-7774
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 | Wrap Up A Robe
Give a gift of rich texture and plush comfort with the Checkered Robe, which is made from 100-percent cotton velour woven in an understated design. Details include double belt loops for adjustable belt height, roomy pockets and a hanger loop for easy storage. Choose from two styles: kimono and shawl collar. Navy or white piping and roll-up cuffs and collar are offered in the shawl collar style. Tip: Sure, robes are great as standalone items, but pair them with some super-soft slippers and a silk eye mask and you have a primo lounge package for distribution at business events or to send to top customers.
Boca Terry
UPIC: bocatery
877-421-6001
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Lounge Act
The Cotton/Spandex Stretch Lounge Pants are mostly cotton, but have a touch of spandex for stretchability. Features include an elastic waistband with a contrast color jersey drawcord (except for black and white solids) and a faux fly. Your clients can make a splash in color combos such as Hawaiian blue/orange crush and limeade/cotton candy or go low-key in heathered shades of blue, grey and pink.
Broder Bros.
UPIC: BRODER
800-521-0850
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 | Fall For Fleece
Offered in a palette of fresh colors such as aloe (shown) and dusty blue, the Women’s Vantek™ Microfiber ¼ Zip is made from 100-percent polyester, anti-pilling fleece. It’s designed with open-hemmed cuffs and a side-vented bottom, and features a covered zip-neck, bicep zip pocket and double-needle coverstitching.
Vantage Apparel
UPIC: vantage
800-221-0020
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The Good Life
Offer guys a no-fuss approach to relaxation with the Men’s Lifestyle Pants. They’re made from a blend of polyester and spandex jersey for two-way stretch and comfort. The waistband includes an adjustable drawstring and flat cover-seam construction withstands chafing. These pants are designed with side pockets and are offered in two colors: black and pewter gray.
Ash City
UPIC: ash0001
800-761-6612
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 | It’s A Wrap
Made from velour and detailed with white satin piping, the Men’s and Ladies’ Spa Wraps feature an adjustable Velcro® brand hook and loop fastener and an elastic band for a secure fit. The ladies’ version is 29 inches and the men’s wrap is 22 inches. Both are available in white.
Pro Towels Etc.
UPIC: PROTOWEL
800-547-8783
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Dressed Down
A comfy alternative to shorts and a tank, the Junior 2x1 Rib Tank Dress is sewn with double-needle ribbed binding on the neck and armholes, and features a double-needle hemmed bottom. It’s made from 100-percent combed cotton and is offered in five colors: black, brown, eggplant (shown), pink and white.
L.A.T. Sportswear
UPIC: latsport
800-414-5650
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 | Night Owl
The Oversized Night Shirt is made from 100-percent organic cotton that was grown, cut and sewn in the United States. It features an extra-wide scoop neck, split sides and double-needle stitching for extra durability. It’s offered in one color: the shade of natural cotton that has been washed but not bleached.
SOS From Texas
UPIC: SOSTX
806-256-2033
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Snuggly Sweatshirt
The Frayed Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt is preshrunk, made from a blend of cotton and polyester. It’s pigment-dyed in a palette of muted colors such as grass, hemp and pepper. Details include distressed raw edges on the cuffs, shoulder seams, a thermal-lined hood with matching drawstring, an antique brass zipper and zipper pull and a split-front pouch pocket.
Bodek and Rhodes
UPIC: ULTRACLB
800-523-2721
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 | Happy Feet
End users can scuttle around the house worry-free in the Fuzzy Feet Slipper Socks—they’re designed with slip-resistant dots on the bottom. They’re made from 100-percent polyester and are offered in 10 cozy colors including light green, light pink and purple. Tip: Sleep centers and hospitals can encourage ladies to kick up their feet and get some rest with these snuggly-soft socks.
Suntex Industries
UPIC: SUNTEX
336-784-1000
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 | “I can’t live without my flannel pants and my über comfy women’s fleece pant. My favorite new items are a mini with leggings and a cardigan.”
—Luiza Raposo of Boxercraft (UPIC: BOXER) |
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