Checking out the latest and greatest is a priority for distributors attending The PPAI Expo. Promo apparel, whether for employee uniforms or branded merchandise, remains one of the biggest sellers in the industry, with multiple garment types making SAGE’s top 10 product categories every month.

Let’s take a look at a few of the apparel products that caught distributors’ attention on the trade show floor this year.

white trucker cap with mountain logo

Trucker hats keep on – well, truckin’ – and the new FLX672M-E OCflx Eco, a more eco-friendly version of the classic silhouette, is made with 40% recycled front panels, 100% recycled mesh back panels and a 100% recycled visor, plus its slightly pre-curved visor and adjustable sweatband make for an excellent fit.

Outdoor Cap / PPAI 13485, S10

Several newer business casual options for women from Edwards Garment caught the eye of Jodi Frank, CEO of Delaware-based Frank Communication Solutions. “They’re offering things that will hopefully fill the void that we see from Tri-Mountain not being in our industry anymore,” Frank says.


white tunic with V neck, front pleat and long sleeves

This new Soft Pleated Blouse, made of jersey knit fabric, features a stylish pull-on silhouette, and the pleated front adds extra ease and fluidity that also makes it a great maternity option. Available in black or white (shown) and sizes XS-3X.

Edwards Garment / PPAI 198530, S11

Renee Holmes, sales coordinator at North Carolina-based Brand Fuel, says the moment she saw this Marine Layer Corbet Quilted Crewneck, she knew she had to have one for herself.

navy and oatmeal quilted crewneck sweatshirts

“This quilted fabric is crazy soft, and the crewneck can be dressed up or down,” Holmes says. “The women’s version has puffy sleeve detail we don’t usually see in promo, but if puffy sleeves aren’t your thing, just switch to the men’s version, which has a more classic cut. Both are amazing and would look great with a subtle tone-on-tone embroidery and would be a great corporate gift.”

Men’s cut available in dark oat heather or navy heather (shown) and sizes S-2X. Women’s in oat heather only and sizes XS-XL.

Marine Layer / PPAI 690355, S1

Drew Davis, owner of Denver-based Specialty Incentives, liked the retail appeal of the Men’s Greatness Wins Core Tech Quarter Zip (sizes S-3X) and Women’s Greatness Wins Core Tech Full Zip (XS-2X). “This item is very soft and comfortable” Davis says. “It’s a knock-off of Vuori apparel and similar to Lululemon.”

light blue and light gray zip athletic jackets

Made from plastic bottles, the ultra-soft fabric combines double-brush hand feel with durability, and it is certified by the Global Recycled Standard. It’s also moisture-wicking, quick to dry and breathable, and it offers UPF 40 sun protection and stretch for maximum range of motion. Both cuts come in superior blue heather, ash gray heather (both shown) or black.

PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15

Katie Whitehead, director of marketing for Illinois-based HALO, the No. 2 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100, says the MV Sport Women’s Striped Sleeves Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt stood out as trendy and versatile. “It was great seeing [the S&S Activewear] team wear this item in their booth for additional exposure and to showcase how well this works for team events.”

girl wearing charcoal gray full-zip hoodie with 4 pastel stripes on the sleeves

The cotton/poly fleece sweatshirt features a classic fit, lined hood with matching drawcord, covered full-length zipper, split-pouch pockets and colorful jersey stripes sewn on the sleeves. It comes in charcoal (shown) or ivory and sizes S-2X.

S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12

Shyloh Rhodes, brand development and recognition specialist at California-based Arnolds for Awards was enamored with a bathrobe from Kashwere.

“It was more waterproof than anything and perfect for the hospitality industry,” Rhodes says.

plush white bathrobes

The Kapua Cotton Velour robe features a super-absorbent interior and deluxe soft exterior with a shawl collar, tie belt and spacious front pockets. Made of a blend of cotton and velour, these plush white robes are machine washable and come in unisex sizes XS-XXL. Matching slippers available also.

Kashwere / PPAI 642505, S6

charcoal gray joggers with drawcord and cuffed ankles

Customers want more sustainable goods, and these classic District Re-Fleece Joggers are made with a cotton/poly blend of 100% recycled fibers, including the undyed drawcord. Features include side-seam pockets and ankle cuffs for a polished fit. Available in black or charcoal heather (shown) and unisex sizes XS-4X.

SanMar / PPAI 110788, S16

Walter Kurt, president of Houston-based Three K Consultants, found the customizable insoles from AIRfeet to be a useful and memorable product. “They are supposed to be the best of the best insoles, plus the added bonus of branding them,” he says.

custom branded insoles

Add your client’s logo to one of six AIRfeet Insoles designed for different kinds of shoes and wearers. Designed to fit any footwear without removing the existing footbed, these super-thin, lightweight insoles massage the foot to provide all-day comfort. Easy care machine washable and covered by a six-month warranty.

AIRfeet - Life Changing Insoles / PPAI 719794, S1

Whitehead also loves the custom footwear from SOCK101, in particular the Midtown Sneakers. “The current trend encompasses this shoe style, which exhibits versatility both in formal and casual settings,” she says. “I love the customization capabilities, which undoubtedly distinguish your company.”

custom printed sneakers

Go from basic white to all-over branding with 10 customizable panels printed with your design – and the company offers free virtual designs within 24 hours. The shoe is made of a microfiber leather upper and a mesh lining, and the sole is made with high-quality thermoplastic rubber so it’s lightweight and has more elasticity. Minimum order of one pair.

SOCK101 / PPAI 625402, S6

John Corrigan contributed to this report.