The largest segment of the promotional products industry is corporate apparel (29.5%). Maybe it’s because when you give an employee logo apparel some great things happen: they feel appreciated, they look and feel like part of a team -- and they become walking, talking billboards for your brand!

Recently I attended the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, the largest industry trade show of the year. As you can imagine, there are plenty of new looks for 2007.

The trend toward brand names has been growing each year. People like to align their company with an established brand. It enhances their image and creates a high perceived value. Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Ping, Cutter and Buck, Lacoste, Coach, even Croc’s all have channels for distribution in the promotional products industry.

This year we’re seeing tone on tone logos, embroidery using glitter or glow in the dark threads and appliqués using felt, twill and lenticular designs. Printing techniques include shimmer inks, high density inks, distressed art and embellishments like studded transfers. New processes make 4 color printing on garments more affordable and accessible.

The standard left chest decoration may still be the standard – but this year look for logos on the center of the chest, on the sleeve, centered on the back and on the back shoulder (think North Face!)

Performance apparel is probably number one on consumers wish lists, particularly golf apparel. Performance fabrics work double time by providing moisture wicking and quick dry technologies, UV resistance, microbial properties and of course stain and wrinkle resistance.

I found lots of fabrics made from organic or natural fibers such as bamboo and stood in awe of an amazingly fleece-like fabric made from recycled soda bottles!

Other notable trends – bright colors, toddler/baby styles, luxury cottons and more women’s styles (please - no more unisex golf shirts!) And don't forget lots of pockets for all your electronics and gadgets.

Branded apparel can be a fun and rewarding way to further extend your brand. They’ll get more use (and more exposure) if you incorporate fashion-forward thinking.

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