TREND REPORT
Promotional Product &
Style Trends for 2015
FEBRUARY 2015
®
lapine trend model
To ensure we’re delivering the
latest insights we tap into every
source:
•
Trade publications to learn the
history of a trend
•
Expert blogs to understand today’s
focus
•
Trade shows to see what’s coming
in the future
Combine this with the Lapine
team’s over 50 years of expertise
in the industry, and you’ve got
an unmatched trend model.
The key to riding a trend is hopping on before it’s
reached its peak. That is why at Lapine, we don’t just
focus on what’s big today, but on what your audience
will want tomorrow.
apparel trends
Apparel Trends
Apparel accounted for 31.5% of distributor revenue in
2013, about $6.45 billion in sales. The demand for
this category is only expected to rise in 2015.
About the Trend*
•
Performancewear continues to soar. Expect
compression tops and performance headwear to
grow in popularity. Also, thanks to new
technologies look for: pieces in materials such
as woven fabrics, innovations like biometric
tracking and temperature control.
•
In mainstays (t-shirts and polos) textured slub
fabrics and ultra-soft jersey fabrics will be big.
Heathered color treatments, as well as bold
color blocking, accenting and ombre
sublimation, will also be popular. For fit, look
for scoop necks for women and a more fitted cut
overall.
•
Outerwear: battle the elements in style. Trendy
soft-shell jackets with less bulk will continue to
be popular. Also in demand will be transitional
pieces that go from work to recreation, as well
as three-in-one jackets that can be used in
multiple seasons. In outerwear, quilted fabrics,
fleeces and the use of mixed media with pops of
color accents will be dominant.
Source: Advantages
health & wellness
Health & Wellness
The promotional space is following cues from retail
and the rest of the world and products centered
around health and wellness are in high demand.
About the Trend*
•
Hydration and on-the-go health is popular.
Companies are designing products that make
committing to a healthy lifestyle easier. Protein
drink shaker bottles, water filtration bottles
and pitchers and meal-saving tupperwares for
breakfast and lunch are all favorites.
•
Hand sanitizers and lip balms are small
products that pack a major punch. Lip balm
users apply 4-6 times a day and that one tube
can last about 8 months – which equates to up
to 1440 impressions from one product! Look to
retail to partners or inspiration, such as the
popular EOS brand.
•
Lifestyle products such as pill boxes and
performance apparel are getting an innovative
touch. The Pill Organizer Bottle from AdNArt
keeps health concerns top of mind. Brand
name wearables such as Garmin’s vivosmart, as
well as strictly promotional pieces, are in
demand.
Source: Lapine, 2015; Promo Whisperer
pop style
Pop Style
About the Trend*
•
Promotional supplier Gemline presented
“GeoPop”, dynamic geometric patterns paired
with bold, crisp colors, in its 2015 trend report.
Garmin debuted its vivofit2 fitness bracelets
featuring key, chevron and other geometric
patterns in a rainbow of colors.
•
A similar trend is the dominance of bold
typography art and apparel. Seen in the popular
location art and graphic t-shirts, this style is
expected to grow in 2015.
•
Color will be a major player in the coming year.
Along with Pantone Color of the Year, Marsala,
bold standards, rather than pastels or neutrals
will be big. Long-standing grill leader Weber®
introduced its handy portable Q® 1200® grill in
rich colors such as blue, green and fuchsia.
•
Also expected to be popular is the use of strong
accent colors in apparel, whether its through
contrast stitching or accent zippers and pockets.
Source: Gemline; Lapine, 2015
not just a name
Not Just a Name
About the Trend*
•
The power of brand is being felt more than ever in
the promotional world. While generic items such
as stress balls and baseball caps have their place,
more and more promotions are featuring items
that cultivate strong brand recognition. 58% of
consumers note that receiving a branded item
would make them think differently about a
company than a generic item would.
•
Direct use of a brand name item in a promotion.
For instance, brands like Puma and Otterbox were
seen at PPAI in the promotional space. Sometimes
a branded item is decorated with the sponsoring
company’s logo and art, other times it is given
blank.
•
High end designers are also improving the
perceived image of promotional goods. One
example is Isaac Mizrahi’s partnership with
Gemline. The bags he co-creates carry his name
and clout and have a distinctly retail look. This
concept follows the overall trend toward retailcentric looks and products taking the forefront in
promotional goods.
Source: PPAI; Lapine, 2015
barware
Barware
About the Trend*
•
A dominant trend in housewares for several years,
barware is gaining prominence in the promotional
world. From custom shaped ice molds to
meticulously etched rocks glasses, this category is in
high demand.
•
A major influencer is the shift in attention to craft
beer, which saw a 17.2% rise in sales in the last year.
These beers have unique ways of serving, consuming
and storing and as such call for different
merchandise. Items like growlers and mini kegs are
popular and offer ample space for decoration.
•
Driving the craft beer trend is a desire for
authenticity. This idea lends itself nicely to a “rustic
utilitarianism” This style utilizes materials such as
woods and metals and gives goods a more
handmade, “authentic” look.
•
Another movement is the rise of unique cocktails
that require certain tools and cups. Where 2014
featured the Moscow Mule and its ubiquitous copper
mug, 2015 is focused on formerly “bad” drinks like
Long Island Iced Teas and Amaretto Sours. Look for
bar accessories that pair with such cocktails.
Source: Lapine, 2015; Bon Appetit, Design Sponge, Brewers Association
multi-purpose goods
Multi-purpose Goods
About the Trend*
•
Multi-purpose items pack an extra punch both
for users and the distributing brand. Because
of their multi-functional nature, receivers are
more likely to use products more often,
increasing the number of impressions gleaned
from a single product.
•
Multi-tools are some of the most prevalent
items in this category. Especially popular with
men, these highly functional pieces come in a
range of styles and sizes. The smaller models
are a perfect choice for a mail-based
promotion.
•
Other mainstays that serve a dual (or more!)
purpose include clock picture frames that take
prime real estate on desks and walls or the
always popular keychain-USB drive. One
standout from this year’s show that pulls extra
duty was a combination pen-stylus-USBcharger, these extra functions adding to the
perceived value of the item.
Source: Branding Beat; Lapine, 2015
origins
Origins
About the Trend*
•
Another trend presented in Gemline’s 2015 report
was “Origins.” This movement is all about goods
that tell a story. This could literally mean words
imprinted on an object, or a product that comes
from a company with a rich history.
•
In line with the greater theme of authenticity,
Origins highlights goods that represent something
and ones that consumers know where they came
from. Similarly, this trend is helping to stoke the
flames of Made in America which has continued to
grow year after year. Handmade goods, especially
with a vintage feel are predicted to be popular, as
well as denim and leather goods. Think the oneof-a-kind styles that are seen on Etsy and others.
•
Popular are goods that make use of words or
symbols as decoration. The Alex & Ani bangle
brand features charms that represent something
unique to the wearer. Goods also use small print
words to tell a story, recite lyrics or more. This has
a similar look to a step and repeat imprint, but has
a continuous flow instead of a single print.
Source: Gemline; Lapine, 2015
Decoration
techniques
Decoration Techniques
About the Trend*
•
From eye-catching embellishments to custom
design, the decoration of an item can be a major
selling point for consumers. In 2015, expect to see
more unique forms of decoration than a standard
screen print or embroidered logo.
•
Personalization is one of the biggest draws for
consumers when it comes to a promotional
product. Data shows that a personalized item has
3o times the ROI of a generic item. With more
cost effective methods of personalization being
developed, this practice is becoming more
common in the promotional space.
•
Try full-sublimation printing or custom knits for
an all-over design. For 2014 this was especially
popular in socks, and is expected to continue
throughout 2015.
•
Look to tone-on-tone imprints and matte finishes,
particularly in drinkware, in 2015. Unique
decorations, such as glow in the dark or heat
activated elements to also make a splash.
Source: Cap Venture; Advantages; Lapine, 2015
coming soon
Coming Soon
Gemline also debuted two up and coming
trends: Biomimicry and Classic Fusion.
“BIOMIMICRY”
Goods that evoke nature, both in color and
texture will be popular. Products in hues of
greens, blues and reds will be prevalent,
with deep green, sand and Color of the Year
Marsala being especially popular. Look for
sensory fabrics like suede and leather to
complete a look.
“CLASSIC FUSION”
Mixed media is predicted to become even more
popular later in 2015. Unexpected color
combinations, as well as the blending of
patterns such as stripes and polka dots, will give
fashion and goods an extra pop of excitement.
*Source: Gemline
color your world
Marsala:
2015 Color of the Year
Source: Pantone, 2015
Scuba Blue
Source: Pantone, 2015
Treetop
Source: Pantone, 2015
Tangerine
Source: Pantone, 2015
Neutrals:
Toasted Almond & Glacier Gray
Source: Pantone, 2015
Interested in
learning more?
Contact your Lapine sales rep or
[email protected] to
set up an ideation meeting to learn
more about a specific style,
trend and more for 2015!
THANK YOU!
Lapine
15 Commerce Road
Stamford, CT 06902
www.lapineinc.com
(203) 327-9099
®