Monday, September 16, 2013

What is Contract Embroidery?

What is contract embroidery? It’s a type of embellishment added to a product or piece of clothing to enhance its design. In other words, we sew the preferred design or logo onto the product that you’ve selected from our store. We use Barudan high speed embroidery equipment for fast production with quality results.

Contract embroidery is a great option for your custom clothing because it’s a long lasting high
quality design. It won’t fade or peel like some designs can. We also offer custom embroidery, and digitizing. Digitizing is a computerized technology that turns a design image into embroidery. 100% of our digitizing service is done in-house utilizing top-of-the line machinery.

We have 10 years’ experience in contract embroidery services and pride ourselves on providing efficient quality work to each customer. Some of our specialties include embroidering corporate logos on shirts, hats and outerwear. Some industries that use our embroidery services often include law enforcement and construction.

Embroidering apparel is a unique way to make your clothing stand out above the rest. Whether it’s for a charity run, corporate golf tournament or team celebration custom apparel will make your event unforgettable. 

Got more questions about embroidery? Ask us in the comments below!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Benefits of Apparel Made in the USA

Buying American made clothing sounds like a good idea, right? We think so too, but more than likely the shirt you’re wearing right now was made in another country. According to an ABC News article, “98 percent of the clothing purchased in the United States is imported from abroad. Just two percent of clothing bought in this country is manufactured on U.S. soil.” At American Promotional Products, we are proud to provide a variety of American made apparel and products. The truth is there are many reasons why you should buy products made in the great U.S. of A! Here are four reasons why you should be buying merchandise made in America:

  1.  Build America’s economy. Buying American made products creates new jobs locally, rather than
    creating them overseas. Supporting our local economy also strengthens the belief we were founded on: American independence.
  2.  Foreign labor laws. Labor laws have different standards than the United States. When you buy ‘made in America’ products, you are supporting safe working conditions, child labor laws, environmental restrictions and minimum wage requirements.
  3. Better quality. Didn’t your parents always tell you that you get what you pay for? In this case, and most cases - it is usually true!
  4. Protect our planet. American manufacturing processes are often more environmentally conscious. When products are made locally instead of abroad they are more sustainable, because they don’t have to travel as far to get to your door.



Do you have an American made product or piece of clothing? Snap a photo and share it with us on our Facebook page and we’ll share our favorite. 

Monday, August 5, 2013

Why Your Company Needs Branded Apparel

Does your shirt do more than make you look good? If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to think about what custom branded apparel can do for your business. Stop for a minute and imagine the number of people your employees see in a day - customers, neighbors, friends, potential customers, acquaintances, and even the lady at the coffee shop. That’s a lot of face time, and potentially brand awareness time for your business. Instead of promoting that Nike logo, get your own company logo out there with custom apparel!
Here are a few of our favorite reasons why we recommend branded apparel:

·         Manage the dress code. Maintain a professional working environment by providing appropriate work
attire for your employees. A company uniform keeps employee’s focus on their job responsibilities and not on out of office drama.  

·        All for one, one for all! When a group of people wear the same shirt it encourages a sense of community and friendship. Build team morale within your office while bringing equality to your work place with custom branded apparel.

·         Make it fun. Switch it up each season with new designs, styles, colors and prints to allow your employees personality to shine through. Whether you’re looking for solid polos, tie-dye or a simple crewneck tee, custom apparel depends on your company image and employees.
Did we convince you? Take the advertising bull by the horns this year by putting your employees in stylish branded apparel. You’ll know it’s working when you get your first lead from someone who saw your employee rocking a company tee at the local coffee shop down the street.

Do you currently offer branded apparel for your employees, if your answer is no, why not?

Questions? Feel free to contact us today!


Monday, July 29, 2013

Customized Back to School Athletic Apparel


While you are escaping the summer heat and enjoying vacation time with your family, don’t forget that the new school year is right around the corner and fall sports will be in full swing. If you’re concerned about making sure that your team looks unified and sharp, there is no need to worry.  American Promotional Products has personalized athletic sportswear to get your team pumped up and ready for the big game. We have an extensive selection of versatile styles, colors and sizes of customized athletic apparel that will have your team looking their best and ready for the big win.  

Here are a handful of our favorites:

·         The Sport-Tek Youth Short Sleeve Henley is a durable and light shirt with a classic fit that comes in several colors.  The cut is versatile and can be used for a variety of sports and clubs.


·         The Sports-Tek Youth PosiCharge Baseball Jersey offers vintage style manufactured with sturdy  Cationic polyester pique that will endure even the roughest slide into home base.


·         The Sport-Tek Youth Ultimate Performance Crew is the perfect choice for outdoor sports. The fibers of the shirt draw perspiration away from the skin and up to the surface of the fabric allowing for a cool feel even on the hottest day.
 

·         The Sport-Tek PosiCharge Tough Mesh Full-Button Jersey is a highly durable jersey that has a soft and comfy feeling. It comes in a variety of colors with matching dyed buttons.


There are incredible benefits to getting children involved in organized sports. According to the report Playing Well: Organized Sports and the Health of Children and Youth, written by Ann
Rosewater, participation in organized activities, including sports, is associated with greater emotional adjustment. Children and teens who engage regularly in organized sports tend to feel more skilled, capable and confident than their peers who do not participate. Through participation in sports they learn team building skills, organization skills and better ways to communicate amongst peers and authority figures. They also are able to understand the direct link between hard work and success and the value of setting goals.

Getting involved with organized sports can also be a great way for you as a parent to better connect with your child. Although it may involve devoting a lot of time to attending games and giving rides to and from practices the value of communicating consistently with your child and understanding their daily frustrations is invaluable. To find out more about getting your child involved in organized sports, contact the athletic department at your child’s school or research your local community centers for more information.

 If you are thinking about having your child join a team or if they are already a part of one, show your team spirit and be a cut above the rest with customized athletic apparel from American Promotional Products.  Your team is guaranteed to get attention with stylish customized athletic apparel.

What sports are you preparing for this fall? Share with us in the comment box below!

 




 

 

 

Monday, July 15, 2013

Hottest Selling Corporate Apparel and Products

The smells of barbeque in the air, the days are growing longer and the hot sun is blazing. It’s so warm outside it feels like you can cook an egg on the sidewalk.  That means it’s summertime! With the dog days of summer upon us, it is the perfect time to showcase the hottest items at American Promotional Products.  While you are taking a break from summer heat, take a look at the top five shirts that are sure to make your company’s brand sizzle.

·         The Men’s CB DryTec Genre Polo is a sleek, lightweight polo manufactured with fibers that help eliminate stickiness and keeps you feeling cool and refreshed.  With over twenty different colors to choose from, you are sure to find the best option for your business.

 

·         The CornerStone EZCotton Tactical Polo is one of our finest products, perfect for police and law enforcement. This 100% cotton polo works great with any embroidered badges or wording. Cotton is a hypoallergenic fabric so people who have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies will enjoy the comfort of this shirt. Cotton is delicate and firm at the same time so it provides optimal comfort while still providing a neat and professional appearance. Maintenance is low because cotton is a natural fiber and tends to be more durable, wrinkle free and is less likely to shrink. More importantly, it will keep you cool even in the most extreme summer heat.

 

·          The Port Authority Short Sleeve Easy Care Shirt offers a comfortable and conventional appearance. The light stone color inside the collar provides the right amount of contrast to accent the most important part of any organization, a smile. We have an extensive selection of vibrant colors to choose from including classic navy, dark green and athletic gold.

 

·         The Port Authority Long Sleeve Easy Care, Soil Resistant Shirt is the shirt for the sensible man who enjoys a professional and practical appearance. This shirt is great for working indoors or out. The soil resistant treatment protects from tough stains and makes maintenance a breeze.   

 

·         The Red House Non-Iron Pinpoint Oxford is a smooth shirt made from 100% non-iron cotton with the polish of pinpoint oxford. You will feel confident and determined while wearing this to the office, meeting or wherever the day takes you. We have three traditional colors that pair perfectly with slacks of any color which unites the perfect blend of elegance and style.  

We are proud to present you with our best summer shirts and remain committed to providing you with superior products at discounted prices.  So, while you are enjoying your favorite summer activities whether it is traveling, fishing, lying by the water or taking a long afternoon nap, don’t forget to stay connected with American Promotional Products for updates on what’s hot.

 

What are some of your favorite summertime activities? Share with us in the comment box below!


 


 

Monday, June 24, 2013

3 Reasons to Go Green with Eco-Friendly Clothing

We know eco-friendly clothing is good for the environment, but what are the specific benefits? Outlined below you will learn what eco-friendly clothing is and why it’s important

First, what is eco-friendly or sustainably made clothing? In order to answer this question, let’s step back and understand the normal production of clothing. According to Earth Pledge, a non-profit organization committed to promoting and supporting sustainable development, "At least 8,000 chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles and 25% of the world's pesticides are used to grow non-organic cotton. This causes irreversible damage to people and the environment, and still two thirds of a garment's carbon footprint will occur after it is purchased." 

So, what is sustainable apparel and why is it important? Much like organic produce, sustainable apparel is created without pesticides, harmful chemicals or bleach. Fabrics are often made from recycled or reused textiles or even plastic bottles. Additionally, sustainably made clothing comes with fair trade, which means the people making them are paid a fair price with decent working conditions.

In addition to environmental impacts and fair trade, sustainable apparel is better for your health. Harsh chemicals in traditional cotton can cause irritation and skin reactions. Our District Threads 100% organic cotton perfect weight tee is made from ultra-soft 100% certified organic cotton which is grown without harsh chemicals. It’s the perfect blend of lived-in softness and eco-friendliness.

What are your favorite sustainable brands?


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Custom Clothing Affects Consumer Psychology

According to recent studies, it has been proven that clothing can have an unconscious impact on consumer behavior. * For example, a logoed tee may have a big impact on whether a consumer chooses to buy it or not. Name brands like Nike and Port Authority with a consumer to exhibit behaviors that are consistent with the brands image. Do you know what branded clothing is hanging in your corporate store?
The right corporate apparel may influence how your audience interacts with your brand, whether it be an
employee or a consumer.

Here are a few ways to market your company apparel.

  •         Use trusted brands to build your company reputation by association. If your employees are active, showcase Nike products in your corporate store, if they’re young professionals offer Cutter and Buck Polo’s.
  •      Pay attention to the power of color. For example, blue is a calming color that puts consumers at ease making them feel comfortable. For companies offering customized products, the color blue provides reassurance and may inspire loyalty and trustworthiness.
  •     Choose a reliable embroidery service. At APP we have over 25 years of experience and offer excellent products with over 500,000 ad specialty items, screen printing services and art /digitizing capabilities.
  •     Learn more how you can speak to your audience through custom apparel at http://www.app-co-shopping.com.






*Psychology Today, AllMerchants, Journal of Consumer Research, Slate, and Psych Central