Apr 27, 2016

The 4-1-1 on T-Shirts



When it comes to T-shirts, I’ve been an “eggs-pert” since I hatched. We know that every company has different needs for their branded tees-- each company has their own story to tell and their own reason for telling it. There is no reason why your t-shirts shouldn’t help you tell that story! I’m about to lay down some heavy knowledge, so grab a nice iced cold coffee, chill out, and pick up a thing or two for your next t-shirt need…

Basics
These are typically heavier weight shirts, ranging between 5.5 to 6 ounces and are made with thicker yarns, typically (24 singles count yarn or lower) in a carded cotton. The cut is generous, making it a popular choice among people who do not feel comfortable in form-fitted garments. Some of the brands that make up the basic category are Hanes, Delta, Gildan, Fruit of the Loom, Anvil and Alstyle. These usual suspects come from huge mills that manufacture major volumes of basics in a huge array of color options. Although we sometimes recommend the higher-end tees, there will always be a place for basics, as they are staples. And the price is right!

Hybrids
As the t-shirt landscape is always changing, we had to come up with a name that classifies this newer trend. Not quite a basic and not quite a fashion item, these styles are a nice mix of the two, making them versatile! Many of the same brands mentioned above in the basics category make a lighter-weight option that have a few fashion elements in the fabric treatment and fit. These are a great mix of quality and value.


Fashion
Fashion-centric apparel offers more form-fitting cuts, typically mirroring the hottest retail trends. Made from finer yarns (defined by 30 singles count or higher) and washed with enzymes and other chemicals, the result is a thinner, softer garment—soft as a new-born chick! Many people have the misconception that a thinner tee means lower quality, but this is not the case.  If you look at today’s retailers, they are offering more silky-soft garments that drape well on the body. These garments look great with distressed imprints, keeping the ink hand similar to the garment hand. Some of the fashion brands that we offer include American Apparel, Alternative Apparel, Next Level and many more!


Performance
These days, some of the world’s largest brands like Nike, Under Armour, Adidas and New Balance have entered the corporate market.  Their offerings come with a steeper price tag, but they are using some of the best fabrics out there.  Many of the performance offerings are made with polyester and require the use of polyblocker inks when printing. These inks stretch with the garment and ultimately keep the imprint looking great for the long haul. The Icebox has extensive experience in printing on all different fabrications.  


No matter what your t-shirt choice, many manufacturers now provide tear away label options in all of the above categories. The Icebox can tear out the manufacturers label and add a private label screen printed right into the neck of garment—making it YOUR brand.  How is that for cool?


Stay tuned for our next blog on the coolest ways to decorate tees. Because screenprinting is only the beginning…
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Apr 21, 2016

Golf Swag: 3 Ideas to Take Your Next Round or Tournament to the Next Level



Hey everyone – it’s Ping.

Spring is finally in full swing and summer is just around the corner. That means one thing to business people: golf. I love golf, though I’m not very good. My flippers don’t provide the best range of motion, so my swing is limited. My putting, however, is excellent!

It’s often said that deals are made on the golf course, and with just about every business in the B2B space participating in some kind of golf event—whether its 18 holes with your best client or a full-on tournament—I thought I would share some great golf swag that will ensure your next golf outing is creative and memorable.

1.       Under Armour Apparel
Thanks to the endorsement of a dashing young golf phenom with two majors to his name at age 22, (you know who I’m talking about…) Under Armour is deep in the golf game. It’s some of the coolest apparel among golfers right now, and just about everyone is clamoring to get their hands on the latest styles. Thankfully, Under Armour has finally entered the swag game, and only a select number of distributors have been approved to carry it. If you guessed that The Icebox is one of those distributors—you guessed correctly.

Branded Under Armour apparel will impress your clients, your partners and your employees. It’s a cool trend with great styles, and it’s difficult to get your hands on—that is, unless you know the right swag experts (which you do.)

Contact your Icebox Creative Expert today to get more information about Under Armour golf apparel.

2.       Maui Jim Sunglasses
It’s no secret that golf caters to a business crowd. It’s an expensive hobby, and golf events are typically very high-end. To take your next golf event to the next level and provide that premium experience, consider the Maui Jim Corporate Gifting crew.

Maui Jim is a renowned, sporty sunglasses brand that represents quality and craftsmanship in each design. In fact, the sunglasses are so well-made, they are fitted for each customer. When you book the Maui Jim Corporate Gifting crew, Maui Jim representatives will be onsite at your event with a large selection of sunglasses. Each attendee will have the opportunity to try on multiple styles and will be given a custom fitting by a Maui Jim fit expert. Your attendees will leave the event with a brand new pair of Maui Jims in a case branded with your logo.

You can book the Maui Jim crew through your Icebox Creative Expert!

3.       Travis Mathew Apparel and Event Truck
While golf typically caters to a high-end crowd, that doesn’t mean it’s not a ton of fun. Travis Mathew injects a trendy, whimsical California spirit into the game, and that’s why golfers everywhere love it. Travis Mathew is a premium brand with an on-trend style that’s as innovatively designed as it is comfortable. So if you’re looking to add some fun that will wow your clients and event attendees, consider booking the Travis Mathew Event Truck at your next golf event.

You can situate the truck near the club house, right after the ninth hole, or really anywhere on the course you want to! Travis Mathew fit experts are onsite at your event serving food and drinks to all the golfers and fitting them with their own Travis Mathew branded golf apparel. Each event attendee leaves the event with your logo on their new favorite golf polo and an experience they will never forget.

The truck itself is a total “wow” factor. It comes complete with a changing room for guests to try on the clothes, and its other awesome features include:
  • 4 flat screens
  • Satellite TV
  • Full surround sound speakers
  • Bar area with full size refrigerator
  • Full size “kegerator” with tap pull
  • Raised patio adjacent to the bar area
  • Rooftop patio
  • Bench seating
  • Umbrella covered high top tables

Contact your Icebox Creative Expert for more information on booking the Travis Mathew Truck for your next golf event. The minimum spend for this experience is $20,000, and the maximum value potential is infinite.

There are a number of other great brands associated with golf, like Nike, Adidas and Puma, that you can also have branded for your next golf event.  Our Creative Experts are on-hand and ready to help you craft a memorable branded swag and apparel strategy that will show your clients that you have a great sense of style and appreciate them. For fresh ideas that are dead solid perfect for your next golf or company outing, contact us today!
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