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Suitable Companions
By: Audrey Sellers, Associate Editor
Issue: 2010jan
Coordinating men’s and ladies’ apparel has come a long way. Consider one of these well-matched pairs for your next campaign.
Tradeshows. Uniforms. Golf events. Coordinating apparel is a good fit in more ways than you might think. If you’re already selling men’s or ladies’ apparel to your clients, why not offer up the companion style? It makes sense to Kelly Holmes, vice president of sales for Greensboro, North Carolina-based supplier Buffalo Bay (UPIC: BUFFALO). She’s been in the promotional products industry for 13 years and has seen big improvements in the coordinating apparel segment. She describes men’s and ladies’ matching apparel as:
…all-inclusive. “When you’re branding a company, it’s good to recognize the men and women. You don’t want to exclude either segment. With coordinating apparel, you’re recognizing men and women in a way that gets your branding across the board.”
…right on trend. “Corporate apparel used to be a navy tie with a white logo at the bottom. People are using retail looks now, such as tone-on-tone colors. They’re matching a lot of what’s happening at retail currently, rather than lagging behind. The industry has done this overall with apparel, which has helped tremendously.”
…super versatile. “Coordinating apparel works for corporate gifts, restaurant apparel, hospitality industries, charitable events, healthcare—you name it. Many of our customers get inspiration just from being out in their communities.”
…a smart sell. “Having a coordinating piece that’s made for the opposite sex is flattering. Any time you have something that looks better because it’s made for the right gender is a smart choice. There are only bigger and better things ahead for this category.”
 | Work-Ready Wovens
A soil- and stain-release finish on the Men’s and Ladies’ Broadcloth Shirts make them durable and long-wearing in any work environment. The men’s shirt is designed with a dress collar with stays and chest pockets with button-down flaps to secure belongings. The ladies’ version features a feminine cut, open notched collar and a back yoke with pleats. Both styles are complete with a pen stall on the left pocket flap and a shirttail hem. TIP These shirts work well in a uniform program, providing a professional, integrated appearance for front-line employees. A pen fits nicely in the front pocket, so suggest a logoed pen as well.
Ash City UPIC: ash0001 866-274-2489
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Tees For Two
Available in tried-and-true colors such as black, navy and white, the Moisture Management Piqué Tee is also offered in pretty hues including apple green, Caribbean blue and mango to suit the ladies. It’s knit from a mini waffle, moisture-management fabric that has reinforced shoulder seams, hemmed sleeves and double-needle stitching on the armholes.
TSC Apparel (formerly T-Shirt City) UPIC: tees 800-289-5400 |  |
 | Express Your Message
For super-packable shirts, go with the Express and Lady Express , which pack into their own pockets. They’re designed with a MicroTouch polyester shell and a lining that’s half-back mesh lined in polyester. Look for a mesh-lined, drawcord hoodie and snap pockets on the ladies’ shirt, and a hidden-hood collar and elastic cuffs on the men’s version.
Dunbooke Apparel Corp. UPIC: DUNBROOK 800-641-3627 |
Go Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Men’s Tamiami™ II Shirt and matching women’s style. This Performance Fishing Gear™ is made from 100-percent Omni Dry®, Omni Shade® polyester that provides UPF 40 sun protection. These anti-microbial, moisture-wicking shirts feature mechanical stretch for easy movement, convertible sleeves and concealed pockets.
Idea Workshop Inc. UPIC: BRANDS 888-831-0401 |  |
 | Coordinating Champs
The Champion® Women’s Double Dry Performance Polo features a zip placket and taped vents, plus a tapered body for a feminine silhouette. The companion men’s style includes a three-button placket with contrasting trim and taped vents. Both versions are made from 100-percent polyester mesh with contrasting ventilation inserts. TIP Got a golf tournament coming up? These polos are meant for the greens, thanks to their athletic styling and vented construction. Pair them with a visor and some lip balm for an even better match-up.
Heritage Sportswear Inc. UPIC: HERI0002 800-537-2222 |
Modern Microfiber
Made from 100-percent polyester microfiber twill, the Metro Jacket and coordinating ladies’ version are wind- and water-resistant, featuring a nylon body and sleeve lining, full-zip front, double waist pockets, even bottom hem and convertible collar with a back collar band. Look for adjustable snap cuffs on the men’s jacket and hemmed sleeves on the ladies’ style.
PremiumWear, Inc. UPIC: MUNS0001 800-347-6098 |  |
 | Top Bottoms
Create a cohesive look for men’s and ladies’ sports teams with the unisex MVP Pant and the ladies’ Touchdown Capri , which are constructed from a blend of cotton and polyester fleece. Customize the leg on both garments with a sport name for athletes and fans.
Boxercraft UPIC: BOXER 800-914-7774 |
Green Tees
The AnvilOrganic Ladies’ Short-Sleeve TearAway™ Fashion Fit Tee is designed with a fitted silhouette, while the coordinating men’s version features shoulder-to-shoulder taping. Both t-shirts are made from preshrunk, 100-percent certified organic cotton with double-needle stitching on the sleeves and bottom hem, and a ¾-inch seamed collarette. TIP If your clients have a corporate retreat on the agenda, recommend these tees. They’re a good choice for brainstorming during the day and networking after hours. Make it a gift and include a watch so attendees can stay on schedule.
Bodek and Rhodes UPIC: ULTRACLB 800-523-2721 |  |
 | Find Your Fleece
The Evolux™ Fleece Jacket and coordinating women’s version are made from filament polyester fleece and are resistant to wind and water. Features include an open hem with shockcord drawstring, coil-style zippers, knit binding on the cuffs and Taslan nylon accents.
Charles River Apparel UPIC: CRA 800-225-0550 |
Sophisticated Silk
Get a unified look with a Silk Jacquard Tie and coordinating Silk Crepe de Chine Scarf . Both are made from 100-percent silk and can be customized with your client’s logo and corporate colors.
Buffalo Bay UPIC: BUFFALO 800-222-8437 |  |
 | Double The Polos
The Izod Classic Silkwash Tipped Piqué Polo and companion ladies’ shirt are made from 100-percent pill-resistant combed cotton and feature double-needle stitching, taped seams, an extended tail and contrast tipping on the collar and cuffs. Woodtone logo buttons stand out on the men’s version, while the ladies’ shirt is designed with a V-shaped, open neck placket with tipping.
One Stop UPIC: ONES0001 800-968-7550 |
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