Last month we reviewed some of the expected trends in corporate apparel. But we couldn't cover if all. The largest trade show in the promotional products business just concluded, with booth after booth showing the latest garment styles. Here are a few observations from the upfront and personal looks at the Expo.

The untucked look

Thanks to big companies like Untuckit, keeping a dress shirt untucked is no longer just for slobs or slackers. And, to keep end-users from looking like their shirts don’t fit when they go untucked, brands like Blue Generation are offering shirts that are cut specifically for going untucked and still pulling off that perfect fit. After all, fit is really what makes an article of clothing look its best.

Recycled

Companies like Adidas are making apparel and footwear from recycled and recyclable materials, most notably saving the oceans from trash by using ocean-bound plastic for apparel. Companies like HTT Apparel have been jumping on this trend, too. “Everything that you see here—shirts, caps, jackets—is made from recycled bottles,” said Jamie Allen, marketing director from HTT Apparel, Murrieta, Calif.

Workwear

There's a formula for workwear. Safety colors, ANSI certifications, performance materials—voila. It's a good formula, one that's helped make workwear a vital category for promotional apparel. But Hanesbrands Inc. thought it was time for an upgrade. At Expo, the supplier was showing off its new workwear, a pair of ANSI-certified pocket T-shirts—one long-sleeve and one short-sleeve—with a whole bunch of small improvements that make a big impact. Made from a super soft cotton/poly blend for retail-level comfort, the shirts are slightly longer in the sleeves and hem for a better fit while on the job. The pockets also have a built-in pencil compartment, and the six color choices include safety green and safety orange. The subtle upgrades come together to create an impressive shirt option that, finally, puts worker comfort on par with safety.

Name Brands

By offering name brand apparel, companies are giving customers the brands they know. SanMar promoted well-known brands like the North Face and Carhartt. Here are some of the other popular brands you can find on our site.