Impressions - April 2021 - 19

" I think as workplaces open up, the workfrom-home style of attire we got used to in
2020 will carry over into the workplace for
2021, " Perez says. Guard agrees that comfort
is key, pointing to the growing popularity of
women's sweat pants and leggings.
As a result of the comfort focus, Carlson
says, team uniforms are getting lighter in
weight and are worn closer to the body, while
inseam lengths are decreasing - all factors
that are driven by performance.
Chavez says there was an uptick in varsity
award jackets even before the pandemic, and
he expects that to continue this year. He says
to look for chain stitching on jackets to be
revived due to the " Sport Americana " look
that will be popular this year.

Decorating Solutions
Sublimation, another carryover from last
year, has been a game changer for the industry. The process is inextricably linked to
customization, particularly as it becomes an
easier application for team uniforms.
" The simpler sublimation gets to create
and manufacture, I think it will continue to
dominate, " says Carlson, touting the process because of the quality of the machinery,
equipment, inks and fabrics involved. " As
those continue to get better, sublimation
has no real limit, in my opinion. "
Chavez agrees. " Industry-wide, most
customers are chasing a unique look and
sublimation, as well as other techniques,
have provided the end user [with] a fast
and cost-effective way to really enhance the
look of athletic wear to meet the demand
for striking design, " he says.
Perez says other decorating methods -
embroidery, transfers, laser etching and screen
printing - will gain popularity in 2021.
Meanwhile, Carlson says stock uniforms
will start to diminish in popularity as sublimation grows.
" I just think that there's more opportunity for customization now that people are
better at sublimation and the fabrics are
better, " he says. 
Hilary Daninhirsch is an award-winning freelance
writer based in Pittsburgh. Her work has been
featured in a number of lifestyle and trade magazines. She can be reached at hdaninhirsch@gmail.
com or hilarydaninhirsch.journoportfolio.com.

New Styles:
Athletic & Team Apparel
7. GAME Sportswear 5000 All American
Varsity Award Jacket
Ideal for everything from promotional wear
to high-fashion street wear, according to the
company  Features a 24-ounce Melton wool
body, set-in, genuine leather sleeves and
coordinating pockets
Use Info⋅Action #306 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

8. J. America Tri-Blend Sleeveless Pullover Hood
Style 8877  Part of the company's Tri-Blend Fleece
Collection  Made of 7.5-ounce, 55% cotton/39%

10. Russell Athletic Essential Jersey Tee
Style 64STTM0  Made of 4.75-ounce, 60/40
cotton/polyester preshrunk jersey  Dri-Power
moisture-wicking properties, UPF 30+ sun and
odor protection  Sizes S-4XL are available in 23
colors
Use Info⋅Action #309 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

11. Tri-Mountain Approach Heather Color-Block
Quarter-Zip Performance Pullover
Style K523  Made of 5.3-ounce polyester birdseye
knit and features the company's UltraCool
moisture-wicking properties  Woven heatsealed shoulder panels and back yoke with woven

polyester/6% rayon tri-blend fleece  Off-white

shoulder panels  Open cuffs and square bottom

drawcords and front pouch pocket

Use Info⋅Action #310 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

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9. Yazbek USA Polyester Mesh Crew-Neck
Short-Sleeve T-Shirts
Styles C1302 and D1302  Made of 100%
polyester  Provide a casual, comfortable,
sporty look and soft feel with moisture-wicking
polyester  Five colors are available in men's sizes

12. JERZEES Dri-Power Poly T-Shirts
Made of 5-ounce, 100% polyester preshrunk
jersey  Look and feel like cotton tees, but deliver
benefits of performance polyester fabric without
the sheen or snagging  Ideal for sublimation
printing, according to the company  Available in

S-2XL and women's sizes S-XL

four styles in youth, ladies' and adult options

Use Info⋅Action #308 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

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APRIL 2021

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P.19

3/18/21 10:57 AM

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Impressions - April 2021

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