Dollars and (Fashion) Sense

ECONOMY SHMECONOMY. NOT to be glib, but that headline has sold one too many papers these days. Yes, things are not necessarily prospering, however, what the general public should be talking about is how to respond to these given circumstances.

Facing the unenviable challenge of helping end-buyers find value in items that can all-too-easily be considered “extraneous,” now more than ever, suppliers and distributors must continuously prove the worth of their wares. Showing how each garment can be used in a practical wardrobe application attaches a tangible benefit to every dollar spent, an essential formula for continuing to drive business through financially uncertain times.

The popular men’s wear categories below feature items separated by price point*, plus a few reasons why these pieces are worth their weight.

*Values refer to the suggested/actual retail price of an item, or to minimum-quantity pricing.

T-SHIRTS

For those who’ve been preoccupied this past year, let us reiterate: The days of classic (re: boring) T-shirts have passed. Lighter fabrications, rock-and-roll design details, and of course, eco-friendly construction have given the garment unprecendented room to grow.

$21

What: Atlantic Coast Cotton, American Apparel Adult Sheer S/S Summer Tee

Works hard for the money: The slim-fit, sheer jersey T-shirt has a high-fashion aesthetic and offers good screen printing results. Plus, lighter weight fabrics just beg to be layered, so the upsell potential on this is great.

(800) 262-5660

$25

What: Bella, Griffith Inside Out Tee

Works hard for the money: Its design is right in line with the vintage look making its presence known among promotional wearables. A sliced, raw-edge rib trim on the neckband is an added touch that, if it’s done by hand, gives each garment a unique look. Either way, “distressed” apparel gets better (i.e. more beat up) with each run through the washing machine.