Trend Alert! Hats with Leather Patches

Two baseball caps with embroidered logos.


Back in the day all the classic trucker caps sported patches. And of course what is old is new again. The patch trend on hats is making a big come back.

Two stylish caps with patches, one reading 'Northridge' and the other with a leather emblem.

Leather and sublimated options add a fun new twist to hat patches.

Various leather patches with brand names and logos on a beige surface.

Collection of embroidered and sublimated fabric patches with various designs and texts.

Without sounding like a broken record (which we are going to anyway…) hats are probably the BEST form of advertising. And with these new patch options you can really stand out from the crowd.

Need some ideas on how you can use this trend with your brand, project, or upcoming event? Listed below are some ideas to help get your creative mind cranking away.

  • Design a new twist on your logo and run the hats as a “limited edition”. If people know these won’t always be available they are more likely to purchase it as soon as they see it.
  • Want a big crowd at your event? Use the same ‘limited edition” concept and let everyone know that the only way they can score the hat is to attend the event.
  • Use them as employee incentives or to mark milestones. For example you just produced your millionth widget. Get everyone a hat to mark the occasion and show your appreciation of a job well done.
  • Don’t forget family events like reunions or weddings or even milestone birthdays.

Black Freeriders Coffee Roasters cap with leather patch.

If you need more information just give us a shout.

 

Venue Home Plate Polos

Man wearing red polo shirt and jeans.


It is Spring! Spring training has started! And in honor of spring training we are highlighting the Venue Home Plate polo by New Era.

Man wearing a red polo shirt with embroidered details.

Trying to find the balance between a not too expensive but well made polo that your crew can wear and look good in all spring and summer can be a challenge. New Era products, we find, fits that niche well.

Woman in a white polo shirt and black pants posing against a gray background.

These polos are moisture wicking (63/37 cotton/poly pique) and at 5.6 oz make the transition from a cool office to the summer heat nicely. The polos feature embossed New Era taped neck and side vents and engraved buttons to dress them up a bit. Both mens and womens style have drop tail hems…

Man wearing a red polo shirt smiling sideways.

and the ladies style come with a longer 6 button placket and an inverted back pleat.

Woman wearing a white short-sleeve shirt, viewed from the back.

The Venue Home Plate polos will hold up under heat for heat transfers or screen printing and will look equally nice with an embroidered logo.

Looks like New Era has your bases covered for your uniform needs.

 

Break Out of the Uniform Rut!

Casual outfit with accessories and backpack.


A GOOD UNIFORM IS A STATEMENT. It tells your employees they’re a part of a team, tells your clients what to expect, and most importantly, a good uniform tells your story.”

Wish we would could claim credit for that statement. The credit goes to the folks who bring you some of your favorite brands like Nike, New Era, and Bella + Canvas. Uniforming is their business and they do it well.

Modern companies are leaving behind  the “one size fits all” approach. They are doing away with the stiff, stuffy, and restrictive pieces and replacing them with pieces that fit today’s lifestyles. Polos with moisture wicking properties and tees with a soft feel and flattering shape are the new norm. Take a look at some of these ideas and see how by mixing up tried and true pieces you end up with a fresh look.

Casual outfit with jacket, shoes, and tech accessories. Casual outfit with pastel hoodie, navy shirt, white jeans, and turquoise accessories. Stylish men's outfit with sweater, pants, shoes, watch, bag, and accessories. Casual outfit with gray polo, black pants, heels, and accessories.

By picking one or two colors that compliment your brand these ideas show that you can mix a polo shirt with heels,  a 1/4 zip with a tie, and pull off a look  that will work across the diversity of generations that make up your work force.

For more inspiration stop by the office to pick up your copy of this:

Brochures titled 'Working in Business Engineering' with images of professionals and machinery.

Lots of cool ideas to help you rethink and get out of your uniform rut. These are only available in print. If you can’t swing by the shop to pick up your copy contact us and we can mail one out to you.

 

 

 

Flexfit / Yupoong 2019

White and black caps on display.


The new Flexfit catalog has arrived.

A collection of Flexfit baseball caps in various colors on a black and teal background.

We are finding across all brands Trucker Caps are continuing to trend. Flexfit is right in the mix with new styles and fabrics.  They are adding caps with these materials geared toward performance.

A collection of Flexfit baseball caps in various colors on a black and teal background. A collection of Flexfit baseball caps in various colors on a black and teal background.

They are also keeping things trendy with their Trucker Melange hat….

A collection of Flexfit baseball caps in various colors on a black and teal background.

and their Contrast Stitch “Dad” hat.

A collection of Flexfit baseball caps in various colors on a black and teal background.

Don’t let the word “Dad” discourage you from considering this hat. We find it sells well across a broad market. And we love the retro vibe it brings to any logo.

If you are looking for something really different check out their Tartan cap.

A collection of Flexfit baseball caps in various colors on a black and teal background.

While the price point for Flexfit is a bit more don’t be afraid to put a little investment into these hats. Hats are one of the best forms of advertisement and if you find a style that really compliments your brand it is a financial win. People will love the hats, wear the hats, and give your brand tons of visibility.

For future reference we have added this catalog under our E-Catalog tab which has other great resources for you to check out when the mood strikes.

 

 

The New Hybrid Backpack

Red and black drawstring backpack with pockets.


Ever have those occasions where a backpack is too much and yet a string cinch bag is not enough. Port Authority solves this problem nicely with their new Hybrid Backpack.

Red and black drawstring backpack with side mesh pocket. Back view of a black and red backpack with adjustable straps. Blue backpack with black straps and a front zipper pocket. Black waterproof backpack with drawstring closure and side pocket.

Features include:

  • Drawstring top closure
  • Interior hanging pocket with hook and loop closure for easy access to small items
  • Spacer mesh comfort straps with built-in grab handle and reflective trim
  • Lightly padded back for structure and comfort
  • Front slip pocket for easy decoration
  • Reflective webbing tab on slip pocket and side mesh beverage pocket

And the price point…really really good. With pricing starting at $12.98 before decoration you can afford to outfit the whole gang.

These bags are perfect for:

  • Family Reunions and Parties
  • Team or Athletic Events
  • Corporate giveaways for clients or employees
  • Welcome gifts for new clients across all businesses

Stop by the shop to check it out in person. Our new sample will be arriving shortly.

 

 

 

Late Winter Trends

Festival collection fashion by Next Level Apparel.


About this time of year we start looking forward to see what new spring trends are headed our way. If you, like us, are burned out looking at dark heavy duty sweatshirts this post should grab your attention.

First off, lets throw in some color to liven up the Mid-February blues.

Promotional flyer for the 'Feel the Vibes' festival collection by Next Level Apparel.Next Level’s Festival Collection is sporting spring colors in soft easy fitting  tees. Currently we are just enjoying looking at the lively color palette. A nice break from  carbon heather and black!

And on that note, if you taking a break from all black, Pennant is going opposite with their White Collection.

We love the clean look of the white but inevitably they day we wear white is the day we have something with tomato sauce for dinner!

If  white is too dangerous a route to go but you still want to break out and do something a little more edgy, Bella + Canvas is your  brand.

Promotional flyer for the 'Feel the Vibes' festival collection by Next Level Apparel.

Crop tops, sweatshirts with cut outs, relaxed tanks, Bella + Canvas has come a long way from their tiny ribbed tees of 10 years ago. And they offer a section just for kids too.

All of the new catalogs for Next Level, Pennant, and Bella + Canvas are up under our E-Catalogs tab for easy reference. And of course for inspiration.

 

Beanie Flash Sale Starts Now!

Colorful beanies arranged on a table.


Keep your ears warm from this crazy polar vortex with knit beanies. We have overstock on these items and need to free up space.

Each beanie is $3.00. Cash only please.

A stack of berets in various colors including white, blue, and red.

There are a couple of close outs but most are current sellers from Yupoong, Sport Tek and Port Authority. If you would like to include this with an embroidery order you can.

Flash sale ends 2/5/19.

New Year New Hats

Man in gray hoodie and black cap.


New hats for a new year!

A man in a gray hoodie and black cap looking thoughtfully to the side.

Calling all New Era fans! If you love their  baseball hats here is another one to put on your radar. The ventilating perforations in this new cap allow your head to breath and yet keep you protected from the sun for all your spring and summer outdoor plans. It is not available yet but will be soon. If you are planning spring/summer uniforming for your team (sport, employee or otherwise) or have an upcoming fitness related event keep this in mind. It is sure to fit the bill. (sorry lame hat joke….)

A man in a gray hoodie and black cap looking thoughtfully to the side.

Going retro now  with this new hat from Port Authority. The two-stripe snapback trucker cap has mesh mid and back panels and a structured mid profile front allowing room for your logo to shine. We also like the contrast stitching on the bill.

A man in a gray hoodie and black cap looking thoughtfully to the side.

Foam trucker hats  and hats with a tall profile have made a big come back in the last couple of years. In keeping with the times  Port Authority release their 5 Panel Twill Foam trucker hat with 7-position snap back (shown above) and their FlexFit 110 (shown below). The 110 has a crushable, foldable crown and brim for easy packing as well as a webbing adjustable closure (with easy release buckle) to insure a perfect fit.

A man in a gray hoodie and black cap looking thoughtfully to the side.

And finally we have the Flexfit Delta. Again, with a taller profile to show off your logo. With 4 die cut vent eyelets, this hat is made with polyester and spandex to keep you cool. But the best part is the 3 layer sweatband that has stain blocking technology. Keeps the sweat in check without looking gross at the end of workout, game or function.

And that is your round up of new hats for January. Keep  checking back as new hats are released all year. You know if they are cool and trendy we will be the first to tell you about them.

 

 

Alternative Youth

Teen in casual outfit standing and looking sideways.


Want to keep your kids as eco-conscious as you are? Alternatives new youth collection uses the same fabrics you love in pint size options. Soft, durable and trendy, your kids will love ’em. Great for team spirit wear, family reunions, or fund raising events.Young boy in a dark hooded t-shirt and light blue jeans with hands in pockets. Girl wearing a dark gray long-sleeve top and light gray jogger pants with colorful socks. Person wearing camouflage pants and a yellow top with hands in pockets. Child wearing a grey and blue sweatshirt with jeans.

 

While you are browsing the kids selection check out what is new from Alternative for you.

Details  here!

 

How Do You Break In A Carhartt?

Rustic 16oz campfire mug filled with fresh strawberries and blueberries.

Carhartts are heavy, stiff, and actually embroider quite easily…once we can get them hooped. They are built for tough work conditions and can last a lifetime.

So then how do you break them in? Carhartt says by “wearing them while you work hard.” But could there be a short cut? Check out the video below.

We now have access to new styles from Carhartt, from jackets and hats to tees and beanies, that are made just the decoration industry. We will be highlighting the new styles through out the month.

In the meantime if you want to browse a little, click our Carharrtt link and get shopping.