If you have a brand message you want to convey, perhaps the smartest way to do it is through promotional apparel. This is one wherein your audience themselves are dressed in your logo and spread their message to everyone they meet along the way. Simple, right? It actually is, until it is time to really wear them.
There is always a need to put in a lot of thought in creating promotional apparel if you want people to wear them over and over again by a trusted brand advocate. Wearable does not translate to it being worn. If you are taking into consideration arranging a corporate apparel program for employees to buy branded clothing, or setting up a company store where consumers of your brand can buy items, it is imperative for you to add products that your consumers will buy.
Now, the question is, what kind of promotional apparel should you cover in your corporate apparel program or company store? Listed below are some of the features you should look for when creating your product list, you may also check Value Added Promotions for more ideas.
1. Comfortable fabrics
Consider the type of traffic, as this may be the game-changer as far as wearables are concerned. Before you make a decision as to what to choose, ask for the fabric first and get a feel of it. Consider the function of your t-shirt. Look for comfort, but there are other things to look for as well. Cotton may be one of the best fabrics because it is soft and breathable and therefore comfortable. On the other hand, synthetic fibres are smooth and have low water absorbency but may be uncomfortable for everyday wear. If you are looking for polos that your employees can wear as they work outside, you may want fabrics that can wick moisture to help them cool while working outdoors.
2. There is more to it than T-shirts
Think outside the box. There are more things out there than just tees. While it is true that t-shirts have always been a classic favourite – and deservedly so – you can still use other products as your promotional clothing. Your brand might benefit from using something a bit different; things like hats, scarves, gloves, hoodies, or even tech promotional products that are wearable. Hats have actually been around longer than t-shirts, but this old item will always be new. It appeals to mass audiences and is available in many different styles.
Promotional Scarves are another option and will make nice gifts. It will make a great addition to your company store in the winter. Or if you choose to have promotional gloves, you can get them in different styles and colours to match perfectly to your brand’s message.
Variety like this will help you estimate how much interest there is in your variety of products so you know how many you should stock for the future. Make your brand stand out using products other than a t-shirt whenever you are at events.
3. Placement of your logo
Since you want your logo to be visible, it has to be easy on the eyes and catchy. Aside from that, this promotional item has to be worn, otherwise, it would lose its value. Take into consideration the design’s size and shape, as well as the size of the shirt. If your promo clothing is going to be used for fundraising and brand awareness, it would benefit you to use cute or clever phrases and unique artwork to catch the attention of your audience.
On the other hand, if you want your employees to add your brand to their office attire, look for items with subtle logo placement. The logo should not be too high and not too low. It also should not be too far left and too far right. This way they would be happy to wear their new shirts not only to the office but also to their after-office happy hours and even on weekends. A little creativity can go a long way. In fact, the chest is not the only part of the shirt you can place your logo on. You can put your logo on the sleeves, on the neck or collar, on an actual pocket, on the back between the shoulders, or on the hem. What you can do is limitless.
4. Search for items that fit people of all sizes
You can either choose a size that fits all or make them in many different sizes that your employees or brand advocates can choose from. This should appeal to your audience, regardless of their size.
We cannot state enough the importance of features – and not the items themselves – in promotional items. Think like a consumer when looking for samples. Will this catch your eye if you were them? Would you add this piece to your wardrobe? Answering these questions will guide you into choosing the best promotional piece.