Pink Accessories; Click here
Wearables Editor Nicole Rollender shows some hot, pink accessories, including a scarf, jute bags and a bucket hat. She also shows how one top decorator chose to embroider each piece to showcase the logo or design – and the product – in the most appealing way possible. Click here to watch the video.

Do you like what you see in this video? Send your feedback to jhaley@asicentral.com.

[ AUDIO SELLING TIP ]

What's New In Wovens; Click here
Senior Editor Matt Histand checks in with wovens expert David Bebon, executive vice president for Capital Mercury Apparel (asi/43778), the manufacturer of Bill Blass Premium, Arnold Palmer and the NYNE line. He talks about what's new in wovens, the features that end-buyers love and some new styles that will really make your client stand out. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Do you like what you hear in this podcast? Send your feedback to nrollender@asicentral.com.

[ TRENDS ]

Soft Shells Sell
One of the hottest recent trends in outerwear is the growing popularity of soft-shell jackets. These lightweight garments feature soft, abrasion-resistant surfaces and are warm and breathable without a lot of bulk. Many also include performance features such as wind and water resistance and fashion-forward styling.

"Soft shells are strong in both men's and women's outerwear," say Margaret Ann Andrews, vice president of design, merchandising and marketing for Ash City (asi/37127), which has expanded its selection of soft shells for 2009. "Customers like the clean, modern lines and the performance features."

The soft-shell trend is very popular at retail and it's growing very rapidly within the promotional industry, as more and more people learn that big and bulky is no longer the best solution when it comes to outerwear. And because of their lightweight nature, soft shells are ideal for packing in a suitcase or carry-on, or taking on a day trip.

But it's the performance features found in many soft-shell jackets that are really attracting wearers. The jackets got their start with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who first used them to replace their dual-layer systems, which included a warm inner garment and weather-resistant outer shell.

'80s Revival
It should come as no surprise that '80s-era trends – leg warmers, leggings, fringe, fashion belts and epaulets – have been coming on strong lately. This need to look back to fashion's past is common, but if you plan on taking advantage of the trend, shoot for modern versions, such as fitted button-down jackets with epaulets or a fashion belt over a contemporary blouse that's paired with skinny jeans.

Selling Tip: Many people who grew up in the '80s like the retro look, but just as many shiver at the styles, as they do their yearbook photos. Offer '80s styles and accessories in small doses, and show your buyer how to make a modern outfit just a little bit funky.

From California Basics (asi/71050), pair these
retro leg warmers with contemporary dress and
tunic styles for a look that's fashion forward.

From Beardmore Leathers (asi/39275),
style MG701 lamb leather gloves
have a micro-fleece lining.

Gals' Gloves
Distributors looking for an add-on sale should consider offering women's gloves to round out their offerings this fall and winter. Retailers are betting that lots of women will be wearing gloves to stay warm and to look good. Gloves of all kinds from elbow length to fingerless are being sold, but the safest bet is more typical styles that have small style details such as a snap, zipper or tie.

Selling Tip: Gloves come in all kinds of materials, but try to stick with leather (or faux leather) in black or brown; that's always a safe bet. Leather or faux leather gloves are durable for wearers on the go – and offer a classic look that never goes out of style.

[ OUR FAVORITE WEARABLES ]

Shawl Collar Terry Velour Robe

Available From: Pro Towels Etc. (asi/79750); (800) 547-8783; info@protowelsetc.com

Sell To: This 100% cotton robe is great for any quality spa, hotel or resort where clients need to feel pampered and spoiled.

[ NEWS BRIEFS ]

Augusta Sportswear (asi/37461) released its first two catalogs for 2009: Outerwear/Warmups and Basketball.

Boardroom Apparel (asi/40705) has registered its ECO trademark in both the U.S. and Canada. Launched in early 2005, the ECO line implements the highest Environment, Health and Safety Standards throughout its entire supply chain.

Broder (asi/42090) added several new Champion and Harriton styles to its fall catalog. The Champion release will include a total of seven new styles include two new level of performance: Double Dry Elevation and Basic Performance. The Harriton additions include a new T-shirt, women's performance polo, vest, outerwear, youth caps and blankets. Broder has also added Rossignol, a leading outdoor apparel brand, to the promotional industry for the first time through Broder and NES (asi/72808).

Hanes/OuterBanks (asi/59528) introduced the Hanes EasyColor system to make it easier for distributors to buy and sell products. The system uses icons to quickly identify available color choices for each garment in its catalog.

Leed's (asi/66887) announced the launch of its "Wrap It Up" catalog, a holiday-gift-focused catalog that features 165 new products.

River's End Trading Co. (asi/82588) added Columbia Sportswear to its catalog starting this fall.

Sportsman Cap Network (asi/88877) will release its 2009 catalog in September.

Tehama (asi/84569) expanded its Green Collection with an entire carbon/tech grouping for men and women. It has also added six cashmere styles to its line in both men's and women's styles.

[ ASK AN EXPERT ]

Question: I have a customer looking for short-sleeve sweatshirts. I suggested sleeveless or cutting the sleeves short from long-sleeve ones – they thought I was joking. Any help?

Answer: There's no need to cut sweatshirts to make them short sleeved. Short-sleeved versions for your client are now available from a few different companies such as Broder (asi/42090), which offers an adult (unisex), relaxed-fit, short-sleeve, eco-fleece, crew-neck sweatshirt (say that three times fast!) that's listed as product AA9585. Also try Virginia T's Inc.'s (asi/93917) style 1202, which is a short-sleeve Henley sweatshirt with double-needle sleeves and bottom hem. For a women's style, go to Alpha Shirt Co. (asi/34408). Its product AA1966 is a heather hoodie with short sleeves that has a vintage look. It's available in eco black, eco gray heather and eco oatmeal.

Selling Tip: There's some trend sense behind your suggestion of cutting off the sleeves given the '80s revival going on right now. Of course, with all the options available in the market it's always best to check if a comparable style is already available.

Question: I'm looking for cosmetic cases, slippers and towels in waffle weave, organic cotton or bamboo. Can you help?

Answer: For the cosmetic case, look at product JUT from Safehaven Line (asi/84495). This supplier offers an eco-friendly cosmetic case made with a natural jute fabric with cotton lining. For waffle cloth slippers, look at product SLPR-050/11 from Rimann & Associates (asi/82445I). Also check out product W32 from A Terry Collection(asi/30113I). This supplier offers open-toe waffle slippers with a Velcro closure. Now, as for 100% organic cotton towels, look at product 5556 from Agua Promotions (asi/33205). You can get bamboo beach towels, product BAM-BT, from Pro Towels Etc. (asi/79750).

Selling Tip: It's safe to say that eco-friendly fabrics will become easier to find in all kinds of products, particularly leisure and spa wear, so be sure to keep an eye out for them for earth-friendly clients.

[ WEARABLES TERMS ]

Blanket Cloth: Thick, heavily fulled woolen fabric with a softly brushed finish similar to an actual blanket used for outerwear.

Jersey: The consistent interlooping of yarns in the jersey stitch to produce a fabric with a smooth, flat face and a more textured, but uniform back. Jersey fabrics may be produced on either circular or flat weft knitting machines.

Felt: A non-woven fabric made by layering thin sheets of carded wool fibers, then applying heat, moisture and pressure to shrink and compress the fibers into a thick matted cloth that won't ravel or fray.

Nylon: A synthetic polymer; a plastic, durable fabric used in apparel and other everyday items.

[ SHOW LIST ]

Sept. 2: Special Effects Screen Printing Webinar
(800) 394-4426; www.hirschinternational.com

Sept. 2-5: The ASI Advantages Roadshow, Boston; New York; Northern New Jersey; Philadelphia
(800) 546-3300; www.asishow.com

Sept. 4: NE Apparel and Footwear Materials Show 2008, Danvers, MA
(503) 642-0977

Sept. 4-6: The NBM Shows, Minneapolis
(800) 669-0424; www.nbmshows.com

Sept. 4-6: The Printwear Show, Indianapolis
(800) 669-0424; www.nbm.com

Sept. 4-6: Agenda San Diego Show, San Diego
(323) 653-0066; www.agendashow.com

Sept. 5-8: Western/English Apparel & Equipment Show, Denver
(303) 295-1040; www.biztradeshows.com

Sept. 8-12: The ASI Advantages Roadshow, Pittsburgh; Cleveland; Cincinnati; Chicago
(800) 546-3300; www.asishow.com

Sept. 9-10: New England Apparel Club Show 2008, Portland, ME
(781) 326-9223; www.neacshow.com

Sept. 11-13: ISS Show, Atlanta
(770) 291-5416; www.issshows.com

Sept. 11-15: Trends the Apparel Show, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
(780) 455-1881; www.trendsapparel.com

Sept. 12-13: Imprint Canada Show, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(877) 895-7022; www.imprintcanada.com

Sept. 14-21: DC Fashion Week, Washington, D.C.
(202) 271-7235; www.dcfashionweek.org

Sept. 15-17: Las Vegas International Lingerie Show, Las Vegas
(305) 598-7019; www.lingerieshow.cc

Sept. 16: Multicolor Printing on Black Shirts Webinar
(800) 394-4426; www.hirschinternational.com

Sept. 22-26: The ASI Advantages Roadshow, Phoenix; San Diego; Irvine, CA; Ontario, CA; Van Nuys, CA
(800) 546-3300; www.asishow.com

Oct. 13-17: The ASI Advantages Roadshow, Minneapolis; Des Moines, IA; Omaha, NE; Kansas City; St. Louis
(800) 546-3300; www.asishow.com

Oct. 15-18: DMIA Print Solutions Conference & Expo, Atlanta
(703) 385-1335; www.sgia.org

Wearables Style and Wearables are trademarks of the Advertising Specialty Institute. You were sent this newsletter as a benefit of your ASI membership. Copyright 2008, ASI. All Rights Reserved.