Oh, sweetest summer. It seems but a faraway vision now, but as always, the return of the warmer months will come sooner than we realize—and the upcoming summer season promises many exciting events and occasions. From the rescheduled  Summer Olympics to be held in Tokyo starting July 23 and the 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup planned to be held in Indonesia in May and June, to the Indianapolis 500 and the U.S. Open Tennis, and not to mention all the barbecues, picnics, camping and, hopefully, outdoor concerts and festivals that are in store. And luckily, this summer is anticipated to look far different than last summer.

In 2020, most people nixed their travel plans, according to Forbes, with more than seven in 10 Americans (72 percent) choosing not to take a vacation, and of those who did, the majority (71 percent) hit the road instead of using air travel. Contrarily, Forbes writes that this year may be “the year of travel,” with Americans looking to take the vacations they wearily missed the year prior due to pandemic-related precautions, delays and cancellations, and use their travel vouchers while time permits. In a travel survey conducted by market research company Dynata on behalf of GetYourGuide—a Swiss online travel agency and marketplace for tour guides and excursions—of 2,032 Americans between May 22 and June 3, 2020, respondents said they planned to take more leisurely trips the following year, in 2021, than they did the year prior, in 2019, before the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic (3.58 trips versus 3.24 trips, respectively), though nearly half (49 percent) said they would be more likely to drive to their destinations. Forbes also says that this year brings forth two types of travelers: the ones who are taking their “replacement vacations,” making up for those missed in 2020, and those who have remained indoors for much of 2020, and thus waited a year to travel. 

When Americans do get around to traveling, more than half (58 percent) said, in the GetYourGuide survey, that deals are a top priority for them while booking travel, and 34 percent said that a company’s planning flexibility would make them more likely to book a trip, followed by discounts (19 percent), smaller crowds (15 percent), masks and sanitation provided during travel (eight percent), and private tours (five percent). Veranda, a lifestyle magazine focused on home, style and travel, said to also expect a rising interest in private travel, which is pricier but offers more amenities and a smoother overall traveling experience. 

Outdoor events are also expected to largely resume by summer. Michael Rapino, president and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., a Beverly Hills, California, events promoter and venue operator, said he expects a “robust outdoor summer season,” according to NME, a British film, music and culture brand and website, and former print publication. Rapino cited nearly nine in 10 ticketholders’ (86 percent) decision to hold onto their tickets for rescheduled events, even after being given the option for a refund. On the contrary, however, Marc Geiger, co-founder of Lollapalooza, an annual four-day music festival in Chicago, said he believes the live music industry will continue to feel the effects of the coronavirus pandemic through 2022. The outdoor festivals with confirmed summer dates, as of the time of publication, include Outside Lands in San Francisco, August 6-8; Riot Fest in Chicago and Imagine Festival in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, both scheduled for September 17-19; and Electronic Forest in Rothbury, Michigan, with a to-be-determined date set for late June. Collectively, these four festivals draw some 450,000 attendees. 

Summer also naturally brings an influx of people dining out and taking advantage of outdoor seating—something that may also be more prevalent than last year. In a press conference held on August 3, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that New York City will return to its Open Restaurants program on June 1, 2021, which allows restaurants to set up seating on sidewalks and curb ramps, in nearby parking spots and on some open streets. In November  2020, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposed an extension of outdoor seating for restaurants, which includes offering businesses issued a café permit this year to be given the option to extend their sidewalk space to the front of a neighboring business, coupled with a 75-percent reduction in permit fees and recognizing more than 1,000 existing permits through June that are set to expire this month.

With the excitement budding around the return of long-awaited events and travel, it’s no wonder the fashion color palette is equally exciting. Pantone Color Institute forecasts 10 bubbly, bold and brilliant colors—including one of the 2021 Colors of the Year, PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating—that we can expect to see on the New York runways this spring and summer; (see above). These already electrifying colors can be incorporated into branded apparel and products to add pizzazz to campaigns, and draw end users’ attention with shades likely to bring smiles. Bright colors also add benefits to brands. When used in branding, in-your-face colors offer greater readability and recognizability, and the use of vivid gradient colors are seen as trendy, while also conveying an upbeat tone around the brand, according to UX Planet, a digital resource about the user experience. Read on to learn about new styles and colors to consider for your client’s upcoming summer campaigns.

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This spring and summer, the Pantone Color Institute predicts these 10 Pantone shades will make a splash in fashion.

And balancing out these louder colors are five core neutrals:

Source: Pantone

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Sunseekers certainly won’t leave behind their Peshtemal Beach Towel when they attend their next outdoor concert or beach trip. Made from 100-percent Turkish cotton, which contains stronger and smoother threads, this towel is super soft and fluffy, and becomes more absorbent over time as it’s washed. Best of all, it’s multiuse. In addition to a towel, it can be worn as a skirt or shawl, or used as a lightweight blanket. Measuring 39 inches by 70 inches and available in three colors—red, gray and coastal blue (shown)—it features a white stripe design with fringe.

Pro Towels  /  PPAI 112755, S8 /  www.protowels.com

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Bold and breathable, the Outdoor Cap is a casual sun-shielding solution for users during workouts and while running errands, and when gardening or simply hanging out by the pool. The washed cotton twill front conveys the feel of a worn-in cap, and the mesh back includes a convenient ponytail opening. It also features a structured, six-panel, mid- to low-profile build and a micro hook-and-loop closure. Available in 14 attractive colors, shown mint/tea stain.

Kati Sportcap  /  PPAI 113758, S5 /  www.katisportcap.com

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These custom-design flip-flops allow recipients to decorate their own sandals. The Color-On Riviera Premium Rubber Soled Flip Flops w/Vinyl Strap is part of FootPrints USA’s COLOR-ON product line, and offers the option to select from one of 12 stock designs or submit artwork for a one-color custom design. The flip-flops are individually polybagged and, drawing from the popular ’90s trend of jelly sandals (“jellies”), brands can choose from one of nine translucent vinyl colors, with the option to print a logo on the straps. Available in youth S-L and adult XS-XL.

FootPrints USA  /  PPAI 280344, S3  /  www.footprintsusa.com

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An easy-wear jacquard knit polo that’ll add a touch of sleekness to any getup, the 100-percent polyester Champion Men’s Textured Polo features a textured stripe and dyed-to-match rib-knit collar. Additional details include drop tail and side vents for movement and breathability, a three-button placket and the reflective Champion “C” logo on the sleeve. Available S-2XL in 12 colors, shown in royal.

Koozie Group  /  PPAI 114187, S13  /  www.kooziegroup.com

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Outdoor festivals, restaurants and other businesses drawing crowds can offer customers the Alternative Keeper Tee as a keepsake of their experience. This vintage spin on a classic tee features a contrasting color ring at the collar and arm openings. And most satisfying of all, this 4.9-ounce vintage jersey fabric, made from a blend of 50-percent cotton and 50-percent polyester, only continues to soften over time for ultimate comfort. Available in X-2XL in five colors, shown in white/maize.  

Koozie Group  /  PPAI 114187, S13  /  www.kooziegroup.com

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The last thing anyone wants to deal with on vacation—especially during trips to water parks and beaches, and other water activities—is a malfunctioning cell phone due to water damage. Brands can offer end users a sense of relief even before their trip begins with the Celly Water-Resistant Pouch. Made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the 4.125-inch-wide-by-eight-inch-high pouch with a snap-and-lock magnetic closure includes a 15-inch polyester lanyard with a J-hook attachment, allowing users to conveniently wear the pouch around their necks. Users can also make and receive calls and use their touchscreens without having to remove the device. Available in black, blue, lime green, red (shown) and white.

Hit Promotional Products  /  PPAI 113910, S13   /  www.hitpromotionalproducts.net 

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An everyday cap to add an uplifting feel to branding, the Adams Headwear Optimum is available in 43 brilliant color choices, offering a wide selection to enhance brand messaging and tone. Made from 100-percent cotton twill, the cap is garment-washed and pigment-dyed for a vintage feel, and features a six-panel, unstructured, low-profile construction. Details include a leather back strap with an antique brass buckle and tune-in buckle and grommet, Cool-Crown mesh lining and a matching self-fabric sweatband, and the Adams logo printed on the back strap.

TSC Apparel  /  PPAI 174523, S12  /  www.tscapparel.com

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The Ideal Color Block Racerback Tank is a cool way to make brands stand out with a contrasting color scheme. Made from blend of 60-percent combed ring-spun cotton and 40-percent polyester, the lightweight tank features a soft hand in a racerback style. The tank’s self-fabric binding matches the color of the back panel, and features a side seam, curved hem and tearaway label. Available in women’s XS-2XL in nine colors, shown in lilac/heather gray.

Next Level Apparel  /  PPAI 272027, S3  /  www.nextlevelapparel.com

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For clients seeking a little more protection this summer, the fully customizable Bammie offers space for allover printing and can’t-miss promotions. The 9.5-inch by 14-inch gaiter is offered in a white base, with the option to addon a filter pocket with or without a filter, and offers a cooling component for the wearer; it also comes individually wrapped. 

BamBams  /  PPAI 255565, S9  /  www.bambams.com

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Brands can offer end users a bit more comfort, safety-wise, when traveling or attending crowded events this summer—but with a fun twist. The Tultex Premium Pleated Tye-Dyed Mask adds personality to personal protective wear with five colorful designs: carnival, pastel, rainbow, red (shown) and black. It’s made from 100-percent American-grown cotton, antimicrobial fabric and features double-layer cotton construction with top and bottom binding, and convenient ties to loop behind the ears or tie behind the head. Available in one size fits most, it’s also machine-washable and reusable.

TSC Apparel /  PPAI 174523, S12  /  www.tscapparel.com

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Cheerful colors don’t have to be reserved for the after-work environment. The Men’s L/S Untucked Fit Crossweave is a business casual, no-stress option that recipients can wear to the office or when attending casual business events, both via Zoom and in person. This 55-percent cotton and 45-percent polyester shirt features a spread collar, adjustable cuffs, matching pearlized buttons, a center-pleated back and a patch pocket. It’s lightweight at just three ounces, wrinkle-resistant and is designed to be worn tucked in or out, offering a flattering option to complement any body shape. Availale in men’s S-4XL in aqua, French blue (shown), charcoal, black and white.

Blue Generation  /  PPAI 174655, S11  /  www.bluegeneration.com

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Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB.