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Fine in Fleece

With the cold weather comes expanded opportunities to sell fleece.

Fall is the season for layering. This is where fleece jackets come in handy because they are not too bulky or heavy. They are a comfortable and stylish staple – and the prefect platform for promotional use.

“Fleece styles are no longer only available in just traditional polar fleece – in fact, many textures within current fleece pieces add an increased level of interest and perceived value,” says Elson Yeung, director of private label design and merchandising at alphabroder (asi/34063).

There are a variety of fleece materials trending, such as mélange, corded fleece, textured fleece with print and moisture-wicking performance. New colorblocking techniques, like adding a pop of color to zippers or through contrast threading, are also selling well, Yeung says.

"If your client is looking for warmth and comfort, an anti-pill fleece jacket will keep them warm and protected."
  Elson Yeung, alphabroder  

Some popular fleece apparel at Vantage Apparel (asi/93390) includes lightweight performance and microfleece layers in full-zips and quarter-zips. “These versatile fleece pieces can be worn to work or on the weekends, and are quickly replacing jersey fleece and traditional outerwear,” says Lauren Cocco, director of merchandising at Vantage.

Fleece jackets have a near universal appeal, ideal for corporate events, trade shows, retail, charities and more. “Fleece can replace heavy outerwear if the end-user is in a mild temperature environment, or if that person has to move around a lot, it may be a more comfortable and practical option,” Yeung says. “It can also act as a mid-layer to throw over a T-shirt for extra warmth.”

When a customer is looking for performance features, there are fleece jackets available with moisture wicking, easy-care properties and active-inspired features, including storm cuffs with thumbholes. “If your client is looking for warmth and comfort, an anti-pill fleece jacket will keep them warm and protected,” Yeung says.

Fleece jackets are great for promotional use because the garments are used regularly and have universal appeal. “In addition to versatility in wardrobing, these items also show off many types of decoration techniques and placement options,” Cocco adds. “For high-impact promotional branding, try vertical logos along the zipper or in the colorblock panel.”

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