For years, promotional clothing has been relegated to a corner, like the black sheep of the world of fashion, with its famous designers and illustrious maisons. In fact, not only does the sector generate significant revenues and increasing interest year after year, but it also serves as a source of inspiration for high fashion, with the introduction of certain garments that later become iconic. This is true of the t-shirt and the hoodie, with the hooded sweatshirt now a must-have on a par with sneakers, and all casual wear, by now also a regular in prêt-à-porter collections. Garments that are well-constructed and masterfully crafted, yet easy to wear at home, in the office, or during leisure time—absolutely essential for any occasion.

The history of this kind of clothing (outerwear such as windbreakers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, trousers) and accessories (hats, bags and backpacks etc.) goes back a long way, winding through the whole of the twentieth century. It is still in full evolution because the requests from companies, universities, sports centres and many other subjects (even supermarket and discount chains have launched capsule collections of clothing and accessories) are demanding, both in terms of originality in the use of natural and high-performance technical fabrics and in terms of the shapes and processes, with innovative and eye-catching details: a seductive appeal that must immediately make a good impression.

Promotional companies are attentive and committed to investing heavily in research on fibres and fabric processing, as well as the shapes and style of each product. Very varied proposals that are then further ennobled with the addition of equally original prints, embroidery and decorations.

The research that is lavished in the collections is also visible in the communication approach adopted by companies that make promotional clothing, the setting of the product in the photos is increasingly glamorous, the inspiration is that of the high-street style and in fact these products are now part of the clothing that is worn to go to the office as much as to go out on a shopping trip. The boundary between formal and informal clothing has taken on all the nuances that each individual’s personality can add.

Thus, the uniqueness of promotional clothing lies in its threefold identity: it boasts a well-defined design with a host of meticulous details, while also being ready to adopt the specific traits of the wearer’s personality and the branding of the company that endorses it.

For this reason, the garments are produced and crafted in line with the criterion of quality and durability, as they will have to prove to be up to the brand that they will carry and therefore contribute to shaping the company’s reputation. From this point of view there is great interest in social and environmental sustainability both in relation to the fabrics and for all the collection processing stages.

The presentation of the promotional clothing collections, during PTE – Promotion Trade Exhibition, will take place with a fashion show, following the finest tradition of fashion week.