Embroidery, heat transfer, appliqué: What do they all have in common? They all can be used in creative, little-known ways that your clients and competitors aren’t thinking of. Show your clients something new and position yourself as a decoration whiz by suggesting these unique decoration ideas.
This classic – and classy – decoration method creates designs by stitching together yarn or thread. From company names or corporate logos, embroidery is a great fit for clients who want apparel with an air or prestige or don't want branding to fade over time. However, even one of the most time-honored decoration traditions has some new tricks up its sleeve, like these unique ideas.
Multiple Placements
One logo can only go so far. Increase exposure and impressions by embroidering multiple locations on each garment, resulting in branding that's seen from all angles. This is a great option for official event sponsorships, as you can embroider all the companies purchasing the apparel. Or, use this strategy to draw attention to sustainable items by adding a second placement featuring a recyclable symbol or eco-friendly message.
Suggested Style
Vansport Trek Hoodie (8062)
This hoodie is both stylish and sustainable, as it's made from Repreve premium recycled polyester and is prime for multiple embroidered graphics.
Sales Spotlight:
EARTHWISE ECO-FRIENDLY APPAREL
Provide clients with eco-friendly favorites from the new Earthwise collection from Vantage Apparel. Perfect for multiple decoration placements using methods like embroidery and more, this collection allows brands to communicate both an eco-conscious and charitable message at the same time. Each style is made with high-quality recycled polyester which helps to keep plastic bottles from ending up in our oceans and landfills. Vantage Apparel is also proud to have partnered with 1% for the planet and pledged to donate a portion of Earthwise sales to nonprofits committed to protecting our environment.
Monogramming
Let's get personal. Instead of stitching the company logo across the board, opt for custom monogrammed garments featuring the individual recipient's name. That personal touch won't go unnoticed and will make end-users more likely to wear their apparel. After all, who doesn't feel special when receiving something customized with their name? This method is also useful to identify different departments on company uniforms.
Suggested Style
Women's Soft-Blend Double-Tuck Pique Polo (2101)
Cotton-rich for comfort and engineered to keep its appearance after repeated washings, this polo is perfect for the company uniforms or professional apparel.
Inside Embroidery
Both professional and playful, this discreet decoration idea brings a subtle touch of excitement to every garment. Take advantage of an inside embroidery zone to reinforce a company mission, celebrate a milestone or add personalization such as names, initials or departments. The best part? Vantage Apparel can do inside embroidery on any jacket style with a Zocket™ embroidery pocket (an exclusive patented Vantage Apparel feature that allows you to embroider without stitching through the lining), so your options are plentiful.
Suggested Style
Denali Jacket (3180)
There's no shortage of creative messages you can include on the inside of this soft and cozy jacket.
Laser embellishent and appliqué decoration is one of the trendiest methods to date. It's experiencing a huge boost in popularity with retail, so it should come as no surprise that the promo industry is close behind. Help your clients catch up with the latest trends and stay one step ahead by suggesting these unexpected strategies.
Name-Drop Lettering
You may have seen appliqué material used for company logos, but did you know you can easily create varsity-inspired graphics using a pre-designed name-drop layout? This technique allows you to pick a font and number of layers as well as colors and an appliqué material to create a custom look without expensive graphic design charges. Also consider using numbers for company milestones or anniversaries.
Suggested Style
Premium Cotton Blocked Fleece Pullover Hoodie (3283)
The colorblock craze brings a fun fashion update to this super-soft fleece hoodie.
Appliqué Patches
Bring a touch of texture to this retail-inspired trend by showcasing a selection of fabric and patch options. Appliqué patches allow you to embroider logos with smaller copy on textured or higher-pile items. Plus, they easily add higher perceived value to a basic fleece sweatshirt. And with a wide range of materials to choose from, such as twill, cotton rib, felt and tech foam, there are endless ways to create custom looks for your clients.
Suggested Style
Women's Baja Hoodie (3121)
Whether end-users wear hoodies out and about or around the house, patch decoration will add trendy style to every item.
Tech-Based Appliqué
This creative decoration method combines tech appliqué materials under a twill fabric top layer to add dimension to any laser appliqué design. Creative logo techniques like this add value to any presentation and would be difficult for the buyer to find online. For maximum impact, bring a sample with you if you're meeting clients in-person so they can see and feel this unique method for themselves.
Heat-transfer decoration has greatly evolved since its inception as iron-on decals. While this method still uses heat and pressure to thermally transfer designs from paper to fabric, there are now countless techniques and materials you can use to take graphics to the next level. Consider the suggestions below to get started.
3M™ REFLECTIVE TRANSFERS
Turn any garment into a workwear piece with reflective 3M accents. This method increases brand awareness and staff safety too. The reflective transfer material can be used for the primary logo or added as a second placement to enhance visibility. Vantage Apparel also stocks a "running bar" logo that easily turns a performance quarter-zip into the ideal piece for a running club or 5k giveaway.
Suggested Style
Vansport Zen Pullover (3450)
Provide clients with the perfect balance of a smartly fashioned sport pullover that pleases the mind and the body – excellent for work or daily wear.
Large Front Placements
Go big or go home. If getting noticed is your client's top priority, steer them toward big and bold graphics on the front of their apparel of choice. Heat transfer is often more cost-effective for larger logos, as they are typically the same price up to a certain size. Decoration with greater impact for less money? You bet.
Suggested Style
Vansport Pro Banner Polo (2465)
This chest-block polo is perfect for unique deco placements such as large graphics in the front. UV and antimicrobial properties add plenty of workwear appeal as well.
Side Placements on Masks
Face masks are the one wearable everyone needs right now. Help prevent the spread of germs and communicate brand messages while end-users are walking around town. Why heat transfer? Because this method is lightweight and doesn't require a backing like embroidery, the end result is super comfortable and can be done at low minimums domestically.
Suggested Style
Reusable Cotton Face Mask 5-Pack (0650)
This multi-layer face cover meets the CDC's requirement for personal safety and is made with soft and pliable 100% ringspun cotton for excellent breathability.
Want even more decoration tips?
Get your free copy of Vantage Apparel's 2020 Popular Placement Guide for even more expert advice on apparel decoration.