Top picks 2016 – Part 2 - Images magazine

In the second part of our trend-spotting Top picks feature, we look at the hoodies, jumpers, jackets and bags that are destined to get the imprint market buzzing this year

Hoodies are always a big seller thanks to their ubiquitous appeal: they’re loved by all markets from workwear to schools. Just Hoods by AWDis says going to the gym is the new trend for 2016, which is why it has nominated the Sleeveless Zoodie (JH057) as its top pick. Great for layering and staying cool, the zoodie features white contrast drawcords, hanging loop at back neck and hidden ear phone loops. It comes in charcoal heather grey, jet black and Oxford navy, while the Girlie Sleeveless Hoodie (JH057F) comes in six core colours and features self-coloured drawcords with metallic detail.

The keep fit theme continues with Tombo’s selection, the Ladies Lightweight Running Hoodie (TL551) with its fashionable funnel neck collar with hood, inner MP3 pockets, reflective tape-down sleeves and thumb holes in self-fabric cuffs. Made from 180 gsm, 100% polyester French terry, it comes in purple marl, grey marl and black, and matches the men’s TL550.

Finden+Hales also predicts its sporty funnel neck style, the Panelled Sports Hoodie (LV340), will be a top seller this year. It’s made from a 100% polyester brushed back fleece for a soft, luxurious feel, says the brand, and comes in red/black/white and navy/royal/white. The company points out that the use of polyester means it is quick-drying and the colour won’t fade.

Also ideal for work-outs are the new Men’s Cool . Zip Sweat (JC031) and Girlie Cool . Zip Sweat (JC036) from Just Cool by AWDis. These sweats are made from the brand’s Cool Fit fabric, allowing them to breathe – expelling moisture to keep the wearer cool and dry while they exercise. They have a contrast colour self-fabric binding at the zip, hems and cuffs, and a smooth fabric for a flattering silhouette. The raglan sleeve design allows a wide range of movement and the reflective tab on the back neck helps to keep earphone cords in place – ideal for those who like listening to music while on the move. The Men’s Cool 1/2 Zip Sweat is available in sizes S-2XL and the Girlie Cool 1/2 Zip Sweat is available in sizes XS-XL.

From left: The new JC036 Girlie Cool 1/2 Zip Sweat from Just Cool by AWDis, Tombo’s TL551 Ladies Lightweight Running Hoodie, keeping fit with the JH057 Sleeveless Zoodie from Just Hoods from AWDis, Finden+Hales nominates the funnel neck LV340 Panelled Sports Hoodie as its top pick for 2016

The top pick from Comfort Colors reflects the industry’s increased offering of flatteringly cut garments: the Ladies’ Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt (1598 ) offers a semi-fitted silhouette that is contoured to be comfy. It is made from a 305 gsm, 80% ringspun cotton/20% polyester fabric that is preshrunk, soft-washed and garment-dyed for a lived-in look. Features include set-in sleeves, ribbed cuffs and waistband, twin-needle seams, and a stylish metal zipper. It comes in 17 vibrant colours and in sizes LS-L2XL.

Jackets for all sectors

Epona Clothing says its new range of Chunky Raw Edge Zip Hoodies (CZ-623) is its top pick. The heavyweight hoodies, which bridge the gap between hoodies and jackets, are lined with a Sherpa fleece and available in bottle green, charcoal marl, dark denim marl and plum marl. They are made from 60% Fairtrade cotton/40% polyester and have the fashion edge that is frequently demanded by today’s customers.

From left: Epona Clothing’s range of Chunky Raw Edge Zip Hoodies (CZ-623), the 1598 Ladies’ Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt from Comfort Colors

Jackets for all sectors

From left: The Tarah Waterproof Insulated Jacket (TRA442) from Regatta, the S260X Reflectex Hi-Vis Jacket from Spiro, Result’s new R400M/F 3-in-1 Journey Jacket with Soft Shell Inner, the new Fleece All in One from Larkwood, the Aspire Jacket is Blue Max Banner’s Top Pick for 2016

The Tarah Waterproof Insulated Jacket (TRA442), along with the men’s Tyler (TRA441) style, is Regatta’s top pick. A quilted jacket in a diamond-quilted, water-repellent micro-poplin, it has Thermo-Guard insulation and a polyester taffeta lining, and comes in black, burgundy and navy (the men’s style comes in black, dark khaki and navy).

Showcasing the latest in smart fabrics is Result’s new 3-in-1 Journey Jacket with Soft Shell Inner (R400M&F). The brand says this technically-advanced waterproof, windproof, breathable jacket is ideal for wet and cold winter days. As well as the protective outer shell, the jacket features a water-repellent, windproof and breathable soft-shell inner for additional warmth and comfort. It can be worn in three different ways and can be customised using embroidery or transfer print. It comes in black/black, navy/black, red/black and royal/ black, and in sizes S-4XL for men and in a flattering cut in sizes 8-18 for women.

Fitness is top of the agenda again with the arrival of the Reflectex Hi-Vis Jacket (S260X) from Spiro, a jacket designed for runners and other athletes who need to be seen by cars in low light. It is made from a lightweight, soft, athletic fabric that is breathable, water-repellent, windproof, quick dry and streamlined with a longer back panel and detailed finishing. It also emits a highly visible ‘ghost’ effect luminescence that can be seen at a distance by drivers.

Blue Max Banner offers a totally different type of jacket as its top pick for 2016. The new Aspire Jacket is a two-button design, available in styles for both boys and girls, with jetted hip pockets with flaps, a welt chest pocket, fitted styling and a patterned jacquard lining to the body with piped trim and striped jacquard lining to the sleeve. It also features a concealed zip for easy access. The Aspire range is made from a durable 65% polyester/35% viscose fabric, is washable at 40°, coated in a Max Tech stain-resistant finish and comes in black, grey and navy.

Also focusing its attention on children is Larkwood. The new Fleece All in One is a firm favourite with those at the company already thanks to its supersoft fleece, hood with little ears and kangaroo pocket. It has a long line zipper for easy access and comes in four colours – fuchsia, heather grey, navy and red – and in sizes 6/12 months up to 24/36 months.

Clockwise from left: BagBase’s new Onyx Backpack (BG867), the QX570 SLX 15 Litre Courier bag from Quadra’s SLX range, Henbury’s H780 V-neck Marl Jumper, the B860 Signature Stretch-Fit Baseball Cap from Beechfield Headwear, the range of R369X HDi Quest Knitted Hats from Result

Knitwear and accessories

New for 2016 from Henbury, and its top pick this year, is the V-neck Marl Jumper H780. Made from a tri-blend yarn of 40% viscose/40% nylon/20% cotton, it provides a flattering drape with a soft touch finish. It is available in grey marl and blue marl, has a semi-fashioned sleeve and neck detail, and Henbury says it can be combined with a shirt and tie for a formal look or paired with a polo for a modern and casual alternative.

Result Headwear has opted for a different type of knit for its top pick – the new R369X HDi Quest Knitted Hat from the Winter Essentials collection. “Woolly hats are a must-have item this season,” says Result, hence the selection of this chunky hat with pompom. It is longer in length and can be folded up, and comes in a great range of colours including lime, raspberry and fennel.

Beechfield Headwear says its Signature Stretch-Fit Baseball Cap (B860), made from 98% cotton/2% elastane, offers high quality stitching detail and dual decoration opportunities with closed back construction. These are just some of the features that will help this new style take this year’s top spot in imprintable headwear, according to the brand.

The Onyx Backpack (BG867), part of the new Onyx Collection, is BagBase’s Top Pick for 2016. “Made with premium quality, 100% high density nylon, and featuring leather looks and metal trims, it is inspired by the catwalks and high street trends for 2016,” says BagBase.

Quadra, has selected the new SLX 15 Litre Courier (QX570) from the SLX range as its top performer. This technical performance bag has waterproof fabrics and zips as well as a durable, water-repellent design. It is, says the brand, the perfect bag for the increasing number of urban cyclists in the UK.

From left: Westford Mill’s Fairtrade Cotton Bottle Bag (W620), the Pick a Pocket apron from Dennys, the new MM031 Heart and Gift Bear from Mumbles, Towel City’s imprintable TC067 Towelling Slipper

Westford Mill says its Fairtrade Cotton Bottle Bag (W620) is a “fresh new product addition to our popular Fairtrade range”. The bag is made from 12oz cotton canvas, constructed with strong bound seams – ideal for carrying bottles – and comes in a choice of black or natural shades.

The top selection from Dennys is the company’s range of colour aprons called Pick a Pocket. “It’s fun, it’s simple and it puts you in control!” says the brand. “Our brilliant range of coloured aprons allows you to match any colour scheme or branding. Now you can customise your apron with a cool patch pocket while making it even more useful.” The apron and the pocket colours can be chosen from all of the shades in the DP100 and DP200 ranges.

Over at Towel City the garment to get the top spot for 2016 is its new Towelling Slipper (TC067). This cost-effective item has an open toe with a hook and loop fastening so that the top of the slipper can be easily adjusted and decorated, either by embroidery or print. It comes in two sizes (4-7 and 8-11) and in navy and white.

No list of accessories would be complete without a teddy bear, which is why we’re finishing off our 2016 Top Picks with the new cream-colour Heart and Gift Bear (MM031) from Mumbles. It comes with a choice of either a little gift or heart attached to its paws, both of which have a zip access for decoration and can either be printed or embroidered to create a memorable gift.