Bella

Tanks and T-shirts, that is. In particular, they're the best ways to incorporate the sheer fabrications that seem to be trending right now. "Tanks and … tees are always a popular choice," Crystal Raymond, marketing coordinator for Bella, noted. No to mention the fact that they can be easily layered for versatility in both (plus, layering is a great way to incorporate all the hues of a brand's proprietary spectrum). To further update the standards, Raymond recommended looking for longer lengths, rich colors and retail-inspired details such as ruching, draping and ribbing.

Despite the tendency to “go big or go home” on the runways of New York’s Fall Fashion Week, it’s important to keep things in perspective. At least designers weren’t insisting we accessorize with a live snake or a headdress made out of bubble wrap. This time.

Bella—Helena Racerback Tank

I love this top, plain and simple. It has a longer length and a banded bottom, which will hug wearers around the lower hip area while maintaining some movement around the waist and middle. The shape is on-trend and great for summer—and since skinny jeans are seem to be keeping their momentum, I can only imagine this means tapered capris will get some attention this season, as well. Bear in mind, though, it would probably go over better on a younger, more style-conscious crowd.

Before you even ask, no, “X” will not be making a cameo on the following list. Why? Frankly, we don’t want to insult your intelligence by insisting that a xylophone is a summer-wardrobe necessity. Not to turn off all the xylophone enthusiasts out there, but it’s kind of hard to throw in a beach bag.
That omission aside, read on for an alphabetized list of styles, tips and information to help you create the perfect summer promotion.

Bolingbrook, Illinois-based S&S Activewear, a national distributor of imprintable sportswear, entered its 21st year in business with the release of its new logo and its 2009 catalog that contains three new major brands. The 2009 collection includes adidas, Bayside, Independent Trading Co. and Bill Blass Healthcare.

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

Thanks for the comment. Good point about the ink that companies use. I made a few calls about the organic printing/imprinting, but have not heard much back yet. I’ll let you know what suppliers we come up with.
I do know Anvil Knitwear is doing a lot right now in terms of implementing new, more environmentally friendly lines and practices. You might want to check out the AnvilOrganic line (http://www.anvilknitwear.com). The president over at Anvil, Anthony Corsano, is truly committed to going green. I’ve had a few discussions with him about it. Some of what they are doing can be found

FORGET THE FOUR SEASONS. 2008’s fashion forecast is all about states of mind. Better-cut styles will have wearers exuding confidence. Reinvigorated color choices illustrate newfound energy. Going corporate takes a turn toward the future, while organic looks keep consumers’ feet and thoughts on terra firma. Below, suppliers take stock of their offerings for the industry’s most fashion-friendly new year in recent history. “For 2008, we are thrilled to introduce our brand new Missy division, which features basic to fashionable apparel that is cut to fit the everyday woman. Nine new styles will be available at the start of the year.” —Dean Vuong, vice

DON'T LOOK NOW, but—POOF!—the promotional products industry just went green. Green meaning, of course, eco-friendly—not violently seasick, uncontrollably jealous or oddly monochromatic. No longer is saving the earth simply a topic for college campuses and backstreet beat coffee shops. The environmental sloganeering has been replaced by actual conversation—which, it should be pointed out, never would have happened without the sloganeering—as big businesses wake up to the natural world around them. Suppliers and distributors are singing a new tune that is friendly to everyone’s ears. More importantly, end-users are purchasing environmentally responsible products and supporting conservational business practices. Even if they don’t realize it, or

LOYALTY HOLDS POWERFUL sway over many people’s actions. It is difficult to settle for good when the best is just a little further. Loyalty will see the extra mile traveled, the extra call made and the extra cost paid. Often, it is a result of superior quality or superior service, while other times familiarity can be held accountable, and yet other people will have a simple affection toward a brand. This is the dream of any corporation: To be known of not as a source, but as the definitive source for a commodity. Promotional Marketing’s 2007 Supplier Excellence Awards recognize the best in more