Printwear - February 2010

winter headwear that can rob us of the image we want to project at work or the PTA meeting. We want to stay warm, but are willing to sacrifice this staple if we think we look less than serious. (Tell me you’ve never witnessed anyone duck immediately into the men’s or ladies room to doff all evidence of hat hair and winter caps into their tote before they’ve been seen. I’ll believe you….) There are no signs that winter plans to take it easy on us this year, so I asked a few industry experts just what solutions exist to keep us toasty warm, seasonably fashionable and promotionally functional until the anticipated thaw next spring. It’s awkward enough to juggle a teeming coffee mug and computer case while trying to honor plastic “Wet Floor” warning signs through the office doors, do we need to top off the grand entrance in headwear that disrupts the pulled-togetherness we strive to project? Not this year.

Wintertime headwear takes a short break when traditional caps get thrown in the mix. Using new technology that involves a single head laser and a special attachment, headwear can be cut or etched right on the embroidery machine. If you look at the right-hand edge of the cap, you can see some words that have been etched. (Image courtesy Bito)

mature generations see knits as a warmth factor, so its appeal transcends all.” Safe to say that knit headwear can bridge age gaps seamlessly and keep us streamlined in our appearance all while paying homage to our ever-present efforts to stay bundled and healthy in this frigid season.

Cap-off winter needs for warmth
“Jacquard is a great way to weave in de-
signs that will look very retail as opposed
to promotional.” My ears literally perk up.
Jacquard? You are speaking my language:
Jacquard, an intricate weave used in creat-
ing tapestries, brocades and damask, adds
interest to fine items and piques mine.
“We can do these at one-hundred-forty-
four piece minimums so there is not a huge
investment required,” continues Tony
Karlicek, CEO of Headwear USA, based
in Frederick, Md., who acknowledges that
there is certainly a demand and answer for
headwear that looks off-the-rack, but is
indeed promotional apparel, in jacquard.

Varieties of a self-expressive kind

Just because winter knits can meet the toned-down needs of some fashion-con-scious wearers, don’t think the market for highlighting individuality is sitting the bench this season. Streamlining a winter wardrobe-clad profile doesn’t have to mean stuffy or boring at all; the choices in promotional headwear for showcasing your clients’ message are limitless. Anyone can look pulled-together and stay warm until the solstice without stifling the urge to express their desired degree of flair.