Fabric Newsletter

1. Don’t overlook scarves and gloves. While some customers might hesitate to put a logo on a jacket, decorated scarves or gloves make nice add-on sales.

2. Think beyond outdoor uses. Many work places are chilly, so suggest a fleece jacket or vest to accompany a t-shirt or sport shirt sale.

3. Show three distinct weights and styles. If wind resistance is important to your customer, show a wind shirt, soft shell and hybrid jacket to demonstrate the range of options available.

4. Always suggest outerwear when working with a uniforming client−especially if the job duties require the employee to work in the elements.

5. Compare against retail. The new soft shells and CRBN Jacket will show your customer that they’re getting a retail look at a promotional price.

6. With customers who resist outerwear because of the cost, point out that there is a higher perceived value among end users. Thus outerwear can be worth the extra expense.

7. Depending on the weather and the part of the country, outerwear is worn often (sometimes daily) and the logo is always exposed.

8. Pay attention to fit. Some styles are more tailored and have a youthful look. Others have a traditional fit and will appeal to a larger range of customers.

Warm Up Your Business with Outerwear

What’s in the forecast for imprintable apparel sales? A rapidly advancing warm front of outerwear. A force in the retail market, outerwear is making a real impact in our industry, too.

According to a Counselor survey, outerwear is the most popular wearables category following shirts, caps and totes. In fact, the sales-boosting effect of outerwear is so strong, we’ve added 18 new styles to our product offering—everything from technical soft shells to waterproof parkas. Here’s what you need to know about these styles…and how to sell them.

Why Outerwear?

Regardless of where you live, everyone needs a jacket or two. Outerwear appeals to both men and women and it’s:

• easy to coordinate with companion styles
• extremely versatile and can be used for uniforming, promotions, corporate awards, teambuilding, athletics and more
• typically longer-lasting, three-season wear.

Plus, with the ever-growing advances in technology and style, more and more customers are actively seeking out outerwear.

For you, outerwear makes good business sense because it typically has a higher price point—which builds a better bottom line.

Technical (and Sellable) Soft Shells

When it comes to the different outerwear styles, soft shells lead the way. These jackets have technical performance benefits that customers love like wind and water resistance, breathability and easy movement.

The new Port Authority Lightweight Soft Shell Jacket is a stretch interlock shell bonded to polyester interlock with a laminated film insert to repel water and wind. This versatile jacket has a soft, luxurious hand—yet stands up to the elements with style. Available in both men and women’s silhouettes—as well as a men’s two-tone 1/2 Zip—this soft shell fits in everywhere from on the boardwalk to in the boardroom.

Also new this year is a ladies companion to our popular Port Authority Two-Tone Soft Shell Jacket. Like the men’s version, this jacket is crafted from element-fighting polyester interlock laminated to fleece. A gently contoured silhouette gives this soft shell a feminine look while a touch of stretch adds mobility.

Since its introduction in 2006, the Port Authority Glacier® Soft Shell Jacket has been winning over customers with its smart looks and high-performing weather resistance. This year there’s a versatile new option with the Glacier® Soft Shell Vest.

Two more new styles are taking soft shells to the next level. For customers that want the assurance of waterproofing, there’s the Port Authority Waterproof Soft Shell Jacket. With fully taped seams and waterproof zippers—plus tech-savvy good looks—this jacket delivers complete weather protection without bulk.

The Port Authority Hybrid Soft Shell is unique because it joins the warmth of a puffy jacket with the easy movement of a stretchy soft shell. Quilted panels add a unique, bulk-free look and put warmth right where you need it—on the core.

Going Green, Making Green

Just like they’ve done for t-shirts and sport shirts, eco-friendly fabrics are causing waves in outerwear too. The new Port Authority Recycled Polyester Soft Shell Jacket is crafted from a blend of 63% recycled polyester and 32% recycled rayon bonded to a polyester fleece backing. A touch of spandex allows easy mobility. This “green” soft shell resists wind and water and the recycled content helps lessen the need for oil, reduces waste and produces less pollution.

The Recycled R-Tek® Fleece Jackets and Vests are more earth-friendly options. Available for men and women, these jackets and vests are made from an earth-conscious R-Tek fleece that contains 40% recycled content. With an anti-pill finish, these cozy styles will give your customers pure comfort—plus the peace of mind that they’re doing something good for the environment.

Cash In On Corporate Styles

Business accounts, too, can benefit from outerwear. Now more than ever, corporate customers can enjoy more choices that fit in with their budget and corporate culture.

The Port Authority Endeavor Jacket is a business-ready style that will help build your business. The Endeavor has a soft, quiet hand and modern details like ergonomic zipper pulls and a stowaway hood. It’s perfect for uniforming, incentives or anniversary programs.

The new Port Authority CRBN™ Jacket is a contemporary design with urban appeal. This wind and water resistant jacket is loaded with details like a zip-off hood, double storm flap and herringbone twill taping. The CRBN captures the energy of today’s fast-paced business environment.

The Port Authority Sueded Micro-Texture Jacket has an upscale texture and is exceptionally soft, while the new Port Authority Hip Length Wool Jacket has a classy look that easily transitions from professional dress to a night on the town.

Outdoorsy Opportunities

For customers who demand the ultimate in weather protection, four new jackets and parkas offer a warmer, more comfortable time outdoors.

The new Port Authority Mossy Oak® Jacket and Mossy Oak 1/2-Zip Pullover Hooded Jacket are waterproof options with the Mossy Oak Break-Up® pattern appreciated by the true outdoorsman. Designed for warmth and comfort, these styles are also extremely soft and quiet.

The Port Authority Heavyweight Parka is a fully seam-sealed parka that will stand up to Mother Nature’s toughest conditions. With high waterproof and breathability ratings, this parka is also available in a safety version.

Outerwear hits the sweet spot with function, fashion and profitability. Check out the complete outerwear category here and learn more about our extensive outerwear collection.