Impressions - August 2019 - 19

Fleece's Future
Design Placements
Fleece's versatility when it comes to decorating shouldn't be understated. For example, it lends itself to embroidery because it has sturdy-enough weight to support large embroidered artwork, says Barry,
adding that BELLA+CANVAS also has seen increased demand for
DTG-friendly fleece fabrics.
Edwards agrees that DTG printing offers extensive color options,
detailed graphics and is cost effective, particularly for smaller orders.
"With younger consumers demanding more customized apparel,
decorators have to consider DTG to service that market," she says.
"And you can print DTG successfully on fleece."
She says sleeve placements and oversized graphics that wrap front
to back, as well as mixed media combining embroidery and screen
printing, are trending.
"For embroidery, you traditionally want to keep decorating the
front left chest of any apparel piece," Ereren says. "For larger embroidery pieces, the back panel of some apparel garments can offer
more room to work with. If you've got a design that requires high
detail, lots of fill and an increasing stitch count, having a back piece
is the perfect way to make a grand statement."

New Styles: Fleecewear

Manufacturers agree that the fleece market will continue to expand
with innovative styles, cuts and colors.
"Retro and throwback styling are not just a trend; we believe they're
here to stay," Edwards says "We also envision more interesting techniques, such as overdyes, garment dyes and different washes, to bring
new color to life or to improve garment hand."
At BELLA+CANVAS, expect myriad new colors in the company's Fast Fashion collection, as well as new silhouettes and textures.
Davis says the Eco Fleece collection is Alternative's standout. "The
fabric is so incredibly soft, and it's available in more than a dozen
silhouettes across men's, women's and youth [categories]," he says.
Seymour says the fleece category will continue to emphasize wearabilty and garment softness. "I feel like the clientele is becoming ever
more discerning about the softness of [fleece] and how it wears and
washes, so fabrication and using good yarns and good knits will be a
super big part of the equation," he says. "The days of bulky, scratchy
fleece are behind us, and as that pendulum swings, it will capture the
customer base into that softer side." 
Hilary Daninhirsch is an award-winning freelance writer based in Pittsburgh.
Her writing has been featured in a number of lifestyle and trade magazines.
She can be reached at hdaninhirsch@gmail.com or hilarydaninhirsch.
journoportfolio.com.

7. GAME Workwear & Sportswear Maintenance Hoodie
Style 8260  Made of 12-ounce, 100% spun polyester fleece  Durable black
bottom reduces staining, according to the company  Lined, self-material
hood with drawstring that is oversized to accommodate head gear  Body
features generous cut for layering  Wicks moisture  Available in adult sizes
S-5XL
Use Info⋅Action #306 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

8. Alternative Apparel Challenger Eco-Fleece Hoodie
Weighs about 6.5 ounces  Unisex pullover hoodie with kangaroo pocket;
drawstring with hood; set-in sleeves; and ribbed hem band and sleeve cuffs
 Set-in sleeves  Thirteen colors and one camo print are available in sizes
XS-3XL

Use Info⋅Action #307 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

9. JERZEES Snow Heather French Terry Collection
Soft, lightweight hand in three casual styles  Made of 7.2-ounce, 66/34
polyester/ring-spun cotton  Slub cotton/polyester fabric provides tonal
texture and super-soft hand  Offered in a raglan crew, raglan hoodie and
ladies' raglan full-zip
Use Info⋅Action #308 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

10. ComfortWash Garment-Dyed Hoodie Fleece
Style GDH450  Mid-weight fleece hoodie made with American-grown, ringspun cotton  Made of 7.2-ounce, 80% cotton/20% polyester, with a 100%
ring-spun face that is optimal for embellishment, according to the company
 Proprietary dye process  Sizes S-3XL are available

Use Info⋅Action #309 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

11. Threadfast Apparel Ultimate Fleece Pullover Hoodie
Style 320H  Made of 8.5-ounce, 65% cotton/25% recycled polyester/10%
polyester  Heathers are made of 60% cotton/30% recycled polyester/10%
polyester  Retail fit with print friendly, hidden pockets  Sizes XS-4XL are
available
Use Info⋅Action #310 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

12. J. America Women's Zen Fleece Cowl Neck Sweat Shirt
Style 8930 from S&S Activewear  Made of 7-ounce, 55/45 cotton/polyester
burnout fabric  Stylish, self-fabric cowl neck  Convenient welt pockets
alongside gusset  Cuff with thumbhole
Use Info⋅Action #311 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

AUGUST 2019

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Impressions - August 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - August 2019