February 19, 2016
Q&A: Unique Product Ideas for Your Clients
Looking for that distinctive garment or accessory for a discerning customer? Check out the following recommendations from the Wearables staff.
Q: I’m looking for bamboo blankets to promote an environmentally conscious company. – Gretchen
A: Warm up to the Bamboo Throw Blanket (BBTB; shown here) from Wolfmark (asi/98085); (800) 621-3435; www.wolfmarkties.com. With six solid colors and three plaids to choose from, this 50” x 60” blanket features whip stitch edging, and embroidery is available from the supplier. Or, aspire to the Bamboo Dream Throw (20431) from Kanata Blanket Company (asi/63823); (800) 594-9411; www.kanatapromo.com. Measuring 50” x 60”, it’s breathable, moisture-wicking and antimicrobial with rayon/bamboo construction.
Finally, get cozy with the Terry Bamboo Blanket (51-500) from T Mak’s International Inc. (asi/90469); (866) 308-8368; www.tmaksinc.com. Made from bamboo terry material, it measures 50” x 60” and offers natural antibacterial properties.
Q: Can you please help me find polo shirts in toddler sizes? Much appreciated. – Yvette
A: Check out the Enza Toddler Pique Sport Shirt (EZ825) from One Stop Inc. (asi/75085); (800) 968-7550; www.onestopinc.com. Consisting of cotton pique, this top features double-needle stitching, set-in sleeves and a two-button placket with wood-tone buttons. It’s available in eight colors and sizes 2T, 3T, 4T and 5/6.
Next, get on the green with the Toddler Jersey Golf Shirt (4600) from LAT Apparel (asi/65948); (800) 414-5650; www.latsportswear.com. This 100% combed ringspun cotton jersey shirt has a welt collar and cuffs with a three pearl button placket. Choose from eight colors and sizes 2, 4 and 5/6. Last but not least, head to MONAG Apparel (asi/72010); (877) 996-6624; www.monag.com; for the Short Sleeve Placket Tee (CL405003), which comes in four colors and in sizes 12 months to 24 months. Made of 100% ringspun combed cotton pique, this polo features a rib collar with a two-button placket and a double-needle bottom hem.
Q: My client needs chef pants to include in employee uniforms. Do you know of any suppliers? – Leo
A: I’ve cooked up some leads. Start with the Unisex Ultimate Baggy Chef Pants (2002) from Edwards Garment Co. (asi/51752); (800) 253-9885; www.edwardsgarment.com. These 65% polyester/35% cotton, full-cut pants have two large side pockets, one back pocket, a 2” elastic waistband and a fly-front brass zipper. Another option is the Executive Chef Pant (V4020) from Aprons, Etc. (asi/36558); (800) 467-1996; www.apronsetc.com. Made from 100% premium cotton twill, this garment is available in black or a houndstooth pattern, as well as sizes XS-XL.
Third, whip up something delicious with the Chef Designs Spun Polyester Baggy Chef Pant (PS54) from Golden Express (asi/57665); (800) 234-1686; www.ge411.com. Available in sizes up to 5XL, these pants consist of 100% spun polyester with an elastic waist, drawstring closure and two side seam pockets.
Q: Can you find any sources for a higher-end, all-season men’s jacket with a removable hood? – Gerry
A: Cover up with the Valencia 3-in-1 Jacket (TM19310) from Trimark (asi/92121); (800) 860-1555; www.pcna.com/Leeds/en-us. Features include a removable fleece liner, a detachable hood, a center front stormflap with Velcro closures and an adjustable drawcord. Alternately, weather any weather with the Men’s Morris Jacket (MQO00023) from Cutter & Buck (asi/47965); (888) 338-9944; www.cbcorporate.com. This water-resistant outerwear includes a nylon shell with polyester lining, a zip-off hood with adjustable drawcord, reverse coil zippers, a drop-tail hem and front and interior pockets.
Don’t forget to visit Dunbrooke (asi/50930); (800) 641-3627; www.dunbrooke.com; for the Edmonton 3-in-1 System Jacket (8340), made of 100% polyester. This wind- and water-resistant jacket features a detachable hood, adjustable cuffs and a removable softshell inner jacket.
Q: Please let me know where I can find a sleeveless hoodie for women. Thanks! – Nicole
A: Slip on the MOCO Eco Hybrid Spandex French Terry Sleeveless Hoodie (3MCSF555) from Blanks Plus (asi/40642); (877) 577-0006; www.blanksplus.net. Made in USA of soft terry material, it’s preshrunk and features handy side pockets. Or, zip over to American Apparel (asi/35297); (213) 488-0226; www.americanapparel.net/wholesaleresources; for the Unisex California Fleece Sleeveless Zip Hoodie (5496). Lightweight and breathable, it consists of 100% cotton fleece and comes in sizes XS-L.
Finally, get in the game with the Women’s Rival Hoodie (02827D9) from Alternative Apparel (asi/34850); (888) 717-3988; wholesale.alternativeapparel.com. Made with soft, eco-friendly mock twist jersey, this top includes drawstrings and a kangaroo pouch and is available in three color choices.
Q: A customer is asking about men’s cargo shorts in khaki. Can you work your magic? – Ron
A: Get to work with the Industrial Cargo Short (KLR542) from TSF Sportswear (asi/90522); (800) 331-1067; www.tsfsportswear.com. Made from a poly/cotton twill blend, these shorts feature a relaxed fit, cargo pockets with hidden zip closure and stitched down flaps.
Or, check out the Cargo Utility Short (B275) from Rugged Outfitters (asi/84143); (888) 388-1453; ruggedoutfitters.espwebsite.com. Available in three colors including dark khaki and tan, it’s available in men’s sizes up to 44, with cotton ringspun twill construction and multiple tool and utility pockets. One more idea is the Wrangler Adult Functional Cargo-Pocketed Work Short (WP90) from Atlantic Coast Cotton (asi/37355); (800) 262-5660; www.orderacc.com. Consisting of 60% cotton/40% polyester with soil-release and wrinkle-resistance properties, it comes in four colors including khaki and in sizes 30-48 men’s.
Q: Your help is needed! Where can I get skull caps with camo designs? – Wendy
A: Blend in with the Camo Skull Cap (PSK-RX) from Gamehide (asi/46701); (952) 895-8740; www.gamehidecorporatewear.com. With a RealTree Xtra camo pattern, this one-size-fits-most hat is fleece lined for warmth and comfort. Then, journey into the wild with the Deluxe Woodland Camo Acrylic Skull Cap (5709) from Rothco (asi/83708); (800) 645-5195; www.rothco.com, made of acrylic and featuring a woodland camo pattern. Cap off your search with this Cap (HS4) from MLF Sales (asi/68264); (800) 633-9238; mlfsales@voyager.net. It features a Mossy Oak camouflage pattern and includes a CoolMax sweatband.
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