custom apparel

Custom Jackets vs. Custom Shirts: What’s The Best Bang For Your Buck?

Custom Jackets vs. Custom Shirts: What’s The Best Bang For Your Buck?

The time has come. You are in charge of the event planning for the local 5k to help raise funds for your nonprofit. It’s scheduled for November. While you have high hopes for nice weather, you know there is always a chance that a chilly, rainy day could be on the horizon. When your marketing intern comes to you with that dreaded question, “Should I order custom jackets or custom shirts for the 5k?” You sit in your office and ponder…which should you pick?

At Pinnacle Promotions, we are the experts in promotional apparel, custom jackets and custom shirts. In this blog, we will walk you through the benefits of custom jackets, and the ‘why’ behind custom shirts and help you decide which is best for your event. 

Getting to Know Custom Jackets

Woman in custom fall jacket

Promotional jackets are a fantastic way to showcase your company’s brand. From light windbreakers to cozy fleece, custom jackets are functional and practical for a variety of uses. They are popular among businesses, sports teams, schools, non-profit organizations, and event organizers — and for a good reason. According to the ASICentral 2023 Ad Impressions, 41% of consumers would be more likely to do business with an advertiser that gave them logoed outerwear or fleece. 

What Are the Benefits of Custom Jackets? 

Custom jackets offer a wide range of benefits for your brand. Here are some key advantages:

Brand Promotion: First and foremost, custom jackets can offer your brand a lot of mobile real estate. When your customers or employees wear a logoed jacket, it helps increase brand visibility and recognition.

Professional Image: Outfitting employees or team members in custom jackets creates a professional and cohesive look, which instill trust in customers and help attendees recognize who is working or volunteering at a specific event. 

Employee Morale: Employees love a well-thought-out gift. Customized jackets can help boost office morale and team spirit, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

Versatility: The coolest thing about custom jackets? They come in so many different styles! Custom jackets come in all shapes and sizes, perfect for different seasons and activities.

Gifts and Incentives: Just like your team, customers and clients love gifts too! Branded jackets make excellent gifts, rewards or incentives for customers and clients, strengthening relationships.

Unique Style: Customization allows you to create one-of-a-kind designs that align with your brand or personal style, setting you apart from the crowd. 

Weather Protection: Depending on the type of jacket, they can offer protection from the elements, such as rain, wind, or cold temperatures. 

Longevity: Well-made custom jackets may be on the more expensive side but these apparel items can last for years, ensuring prolonged exposure for your brand or message! 

Custom jackets bring a mix of branding, a professional touch, and practicality to the table, making them a smart and valuable choice.

The ‘Why’ Behind Custom Shirts

Custom shirts are a popular choice for individuals and businesses to convey a specific message or promote a brand identity. For instance, businesses often distribute custom shirts at trade shows and conferences as promotional merchandise, fostering brand recognition. 

Many companies also utilize them as uniforms for employees, projecting a professional and cohesive image. On a more personal note, custom shirts are ideal for commemorating special occasions like weddings, family reunions, or milestone birthdays, where personalized designs and messages add a memorable touch. 

Non-profit organizations leverage custom shirts to raise funds and spread awareness for their causes, while schools use them to bolster school spirit during events and competitions. Whether for team-building, celebrations, or marketing, custom shirts offer a blend of professionalism and individuality to meet various needs.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Custom Shirts? 

At one time or another, we have all received a custom shirt. Whether from summer camp as a kid or at a corporate team-building event, shirts are one of the most popular apparel choices. Trust us when we say we know a thing or two about how custom shirts can make a difference in your next campaign or event. Here’s a breakdown of the top benefits: 

Rock Your Brand: Just like custom jackets, custom shirts put your logo front and center, making it stand out in the crowd and leaving a lasting impression.

Spread the Word: The average American owns about 16 promotional t-shirts. That means you have the opportunity to create a unique custom shirt that can become a walking billboard, taking your brand message far and wide.

Take It Home: For special events like weddings and reunions, custom shirts become cherished keepsakes. 

Fundraising Marvel: For non-profits, custom shirts are like superheroes — they help raise funds as purchasable merch and shine a spotlight on your cause.

Promo Power: For business conferences or trade shows, shirts are the secret weapon for leaving a memorable mark.

Feel-Good Fit: One of the best things about shirts is their versatility and cost-effectiveness! Whether it’s a workout or a workday, custom athletic or work shirts can be designed for ultimate comfort and performance.

So, whether you’re boosting brand recognition or simply looking good, custom shirts have got your back, making them a functional and winning choice for all sorts of situations.

How to Make Custom Jackets and Shirts Unique

With all these benefits, how can you create a one-of-a-kind custom jacket or custom shirt for your audience? At Pinnacle Promotions, we are the go-to experts on how to create a truly unique promotional experience, but to help you get started, here are a few key tips:

Pick Your Perfect Base: First things first, choose a jacket or shirt style that suits your vibe. Whether you’re into a classic tee or sporty windbreakers, find custom apparel that feels like your brand.

Dive into Design: Get creative with your designs, logos or artwork. If you’re not a design whiz, don’t sweat it – collaborate with a talented graphic designer who can bring your vision to life.

Splash of Color: Think about the color scheme that speaks to you or represents your brand. Consider how those colors will pop on your jacket or shirt’s fabric.

Place It Right: Decide where your custom magic will happen — front, back, or sleeves. Where you put your design matters for maximum impact.

Quality Matters: Make sure to choose quality materials! Quality threads and inks ensure your customizations stay sharp and vivid over time.

Test Run: Before going big, create a prototype to fine-tune your design. Consider getting a sample if you find a jacket or shirt you love but want to check out the quality beforehand. 

Should I Give Out Custom Jackets or Shirts?

Now that we’ve looked at all the aspects of custom jackets and custom shirts, it’s time to choose! Let’s do a short review:

Custom Jackets

Custom jackets are a statement piece that not only keeps your team or customers warm but also ensures your logo or message is on full display. Jackets are fantastic for the cooler months, outdoor events, or trendy employee uniforms. They are a slightly more expensive option but often worth the extra expense.

Custom Shirts

On the flip side, custom shirts are like the Swiss Army knives of custom apparel. They come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, suitable for every occasion. They’re perfect for any season, ideal for mass giveaways, and cost-effective.

Why Quality Matters Most

Here’s the golden rule: no matter your choice, quality reigns supreme. Invest in well-crafted, comfortable, and durable jackets or shirts. Why? Because it’s not just about what you give; it’s about how long it sticks around. Quality ensures your custom apparel becomes a cherished asset and that go-to item that your recipients pull from their closets again and again. This is really how you make the biggest impact at your next event.

In the end, the choice between jackets or shirts depends on your specific needs and the season. Just remember, it’s quality that truly sets you apart and leaves a lasting impression.

The Perfect Choice for Your Brand’s Apparel

The debate between custom jackets and custom shirts may seem daunting, but fear not – we’re here to help you make a confident decision. We know that when your event comes, you will have not only chosen the best apparel that will turn heads but it will be designed with perfection. 


At Pinnacle Promotions, we’re your go-to experts for custom apparel and promotional items. Whether it’s jackets, shirts, or any other branding solution, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us today for expert guidance and assistance in planning your next promotional project. Together, let’s make it a resounding success! Contact us at 877.300.2007 today!

Posted by Chrissy Petrone in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
Unique Promotional Products for Prom Giveaways

Unique Promotional Products for Prom Giveaways

The theme. The dresses. The dance moves.

Prom can be one of the most exciting and unforgettable events for high school students, and giving away the right promotional products leaves them with more than just memories.

The key is to give away items that they can treasure long after their done with high school, and with everything from promotional cups to T-shirts and even chocolate, we’re sure some of these promotional products will leave them dancing even long after the music stops:

1. Promotional Drinkware and Tumblers

Branded cups and tumblers make easy and inexpensive party takeaways that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Popular among all ages, promotional tumblers are the perfect way to leave students with a promotional item they’ll use long after their high school career has ended.

24 oz. Revolution Tumbler Item #24REVNEO

24 oz. Revolution Tumbler Item #24REVNEO

2. Promotional Chocolate

Okay, we can’t exactly promise that this sweet promotional product won’t get eaten right away, but c’mon – what’s cooler than getting your logo on a sweet piece of promotional chocolate? Get your school mascot or logo on one these party treats to leave them with some sweet and tasty memories.

Logo Caramel Chocolate Apple Item #LCCA

Logo Caramel Chocolate Apple Item #LCCA

3. Promotional T-shirts

Custom promotional T-shirts are among some of the most popular promotional products on the market, and a commemorative shirt makes for a great giveaway item. Not only are you providing everyone with a keepsake, but you’re also getting your mascot, brand or logo onto a wearable item that’s sure to gain exposure. Prom night wouldn’t be complete without the perfect promotional T-shirt.

Port & Company 5.5-oz All Cotton T-Shirt Item #PC54

Port & Company 5.5-oz All Cotton T-Shirt Item #PC54

4. Promotional Photo Frames

Take a second to think about how many pictures are taken before prom, at prom AND after prom. Between eager parents, selfies, photo booths and more, the opportunities to create photographic memories are endless. Therefore, providing your students with a promotional photo frame that’s screen-printed with the event name is a promotional item they’ll be using for years to come.

5" x 7" Aluminum Frame Item #1070-56

5″ x 7″ Aluminum Frame Item #1070-56


With the right promotional products for prom, partygoers can focus on the most important part of the night: making memories. Be sure to check out Pinnacle Promotion’s selection of promotional items for Prom Night to give away memories that won’t fade with time.

Pinnacle Promotions

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3 Surprising Things You Don’t Know About…Promotional Apparel

3 Surprising Things You Don’t Know About…Promotional Apparel

When shopping for promotional apparel, don’t make the mistake of missing out on 3 key factors that matter and should be part of your decision-making process.

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We interviewed our Sr. Merchandising Manager Megan McConnell and she shared her top 3 things that people need to know about purchasing promotional apparel.

Protection Factors

The trend of protection factors in fabrics also applies to promotional apparel. OSHA recommends your workforce be protected from UV Rays and monitor themselves for skin cancer regularly.

Many customizable items have fabric that is rated for UVA-blocking ingredients. Also, you can find micro-bacterial fabrics throughout promotional categories such as apparel and even home goods.

Port Authority Ladies Tech Pique Polo

Port Authority Ladies Tech Pique Polo

Port Authority Tech Pique Polo

Port Authority Tech Pique Polo

Quality Standards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has strict requirements for apparel labeled or sold as “Youth” apparel. The fabric must be labeled for origin of location, contents and safety issues like flammability. A hooded promotional sweatshirt labeled for “Youth” does not have drawstrings around the hood, per USCPSC guidelines.

Gildan Youth Heavy Blend Hood

Gildan Youth Heavy Blend Hood

Get a sample!

Pinnacle recommends you request an actual sample when purchasing promotional apparel or uniforms. This helps with both product use and sizing. With a sample in hand, you can see better how the embroidered image will look and you can get a feel for sizing in length and width. Looking for tall or extended sizes? Talk to your Account Manager for more information! Call us today at 800-351-4226.

When thinking about promotional apparel for your organization or your customers, think about these 3 surprising things that help guarantee the customized apparel you choose will help you to Make the right impression.™

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Admin in Top Trending Topics, 0 comments
Can’t Miss Trade Show Tech Trends

Can’t Miss Trade Show Tech Trends

Whether you are attending the trade show, hosting the booth, or the guest speaker, trade show technology is on the rise, and fast! Technology is making an impact across all aspects of the trade show world. Here are some key areas technology is changing the way we conduct and attend trade shows.

Giveaways

Giveaways have become more prevalent than ever at trade shows, and the use of tech trade show giveaways has increased year over year. Giveaways have transformed beyond uni-function pens, keychains, and bags.

-The promotional pen is no longer just a pen; it is a pen stylus and LED light combination.
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-The branded keychain is no longer just a keychain; it is a LED flashlight and bottle opener.
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-The imprinted bag is no longer just a bag; it is a full-color, screen-printed, reusable tote bag complete with embedded QR codes that links to the full event schedule online.
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Security

Security has become an exceedingly important part of the trade show experience. It is more important than ever to protect your identity when traveling for business. It’d not just your personal information that is at risk, but a compromised corporate credit card can be a nightmare for both employee and company.

– RFID-protection (RFID, Radio-frequency Identification, is the wireless use of radio frequency to access information and transfer data) technology can be found in everything from logo’d travel wallets to laptop bags and briefcases. 0011-28_500

-We recently wrote about the rise of RFID protection in promotional products.

Apps

Last but not least, get a good app! Whether at a small venue near your office, or McCormick Place in Chicago there are several apps that can help the trade show traveler on the go!

Google Maps can help you avoid traffic and arrive on time at the right destination.

-Whether parking at the airport or convention center, you’ll probably leave the facility with your arms full and tired feet. Don’t wander! Use the Find My Car app to help you locate your vehicle right away.

-This great blog post highlights a few other apps that can help make your trade show experience better.

Whether the attendee or host, your trade show experience will be touched, and more than likely improved by the increased use of technology. Be on the cutting edge of what you see on the trade show floor, and stand out among the competitors by upping your technology game with unique giveaways. Be safe with RFID technology promotional products. And, don’t forget to use Find My Car so you aren’t left wandering the convention center parking garage after a long day on the show floor.

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Lee in Top Trending Topics, 0 comments
The 20 Year Old T-Shirt

The 20 Year Old T-Shirt

What an amazing year we have had at Pinnacle! We had so many great moments. One of our highlights was the fact that Pinnacle Promotions celebrated our 20th birthday this year! We threw a party, we had personalized balloons, we had custom sunglasses, we gave the Pinnacle entire team promotional t-shirts. We held a contest and gave away an iPad in a branded tablet cover as a Grand Prize, and logo’d Bluetooth speakers as a First Place Prize. All of this to say, will any of these promotional products be around 20 years from now?

Turns out the answer might just be YES!

We love this article about a t-shirt that resurfaced after 20 years and the search to restore it to its original owner. The focus of the original story was donated clothes winding up for sale in third-world countries. We have written similar posts. As one commenter states below, “(I) can tell you that there’s no lost value on “bad” clothing donations.”

A journalist noticed one shirt in particular that had personal details on the front and a name on the tag in the back. The man who saw the shirt decided to track down its original owner. With a little social media and a lot of luck…here’s what happened:

“We Found This 20-Year-Old T-Shirt In Kenya. The Internet Found The Original Owner”

Courtesy of Gregory Werner/NPR

Courtesy of Gregory Werner/NPR

Courtesy Jennifer Rasansky

Courtesy Jennifer Rasansky

The value of a promotional product never goes out of style. The average promotional item is kept for 6.6 months, according to the Advertising Specialty Institute’s Impression Study (link). And in this case, some are kept for more than 20 years! Look around; do you own a promotional product that you have had longer than 6 months, a year, 5 years, even 20 years? If so, snap a picture and post it to our Facebook wall at facebook.com/pinnaclepromotions.

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Lee in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 0 comments
Case Study: Gift with Purchase

Case Study: Gift with Purchase

Challenge

Hush Puppies was looking to increase sales of Hush Puppies shoes in the Fall for their WeatherSmart campaign and in the Spring for their Commuter campaign using a gift with purchase. The Pinnacle programs team worked closely with the fabulous group at Hush Puppies to develop just the right products to help Hush Puppies make the right impression with their value-added items.

“Hush Puppies helped the world relax… but it took a bit of work to get there. The history of Hush Puppies is rooted in comfort innovation – from the first casual shoe with Worry-Free Suede® to the many patented technologies that make shoes more comfortable and lightweight. From the beginning, the revolutionary use of Scotchgard® leather protector, added during the tanning process, made Hush Puppies leather scuff, stain and water resistant and changed suede footwear forever. Water beaded up and rolled away, leaving feet dry and the suede soft, supple and looking like new. Hush Puppies made “worryfree” a benchmark of its shoes and its brand attitude. In the 1980’s, Hush Puppies combined “computer modeling, biomechanical design and state of the art shoe crafting” to introduce the Hush Puppies “Body Shoe®” and ushered in the walking shoe era.”

The long, storied history of innovation at Hush Puppies set the bar high for quality and unique product offerings!

Solution

Pinnacle provided our client with IdeaKits featuring product ideas that would speak to the campaign messages.
• For WeatherSmart Campaign, we designed a fashion-forward folding umbrella that would appeal to the retail distribution channel.HPW-U-041810 042
• For Commuter Campaign, we designed a fashion-forward keychain and introduced a clever, new & unique product called the PopSockets(R) for a mobile technology accessory.HPS119HPS118

Pinnacle managed the production and distribution of these 2 campaigns to Hush Puppies’s nationwide retail channels. We also held available leftover inventory on these items that we then re-purposed for Dealer Incentives (WeatherSmart) and to tie into a Social Media Campaign Giveaways (Commuter).

Result

Pinnacle not only was able to manage and execute the projects successfully for the US, but also for the UK and Canada markets. In addition the retail partners responsible were very impressed with the drive in sales and appreciated we were able to integrate into their distribution network without any hassles.

Posted by Admin in Case Studies, 0 comments

Case Study: Building a Strong Brand

Challenge

FLEETCOR is a leading independent global provider of specialized payment products and services. It serves 500,000 commercial with millions of cardholders across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa and Asia.

FLEETCOR was given the last minute authorization to order products for their upcoming Sales Incentive Trip, only four weeks away and in the Dominican Republic. They were looking for high quality products that met their branding guidelines but were on a tight deadline.

Solution

Since time was of the essence, Pinnacle created an IdeaKit in less than two hours, recommending products that historically have been successful and would deliver internationally in a timely manner. FLEETCOR selected six items for their event: The Starphire Glass Award, 5”x 7” Embossed Tropical Frames, Superior Weight Colored Beach Towels, Suncare Kits with added lip balm, the Alta Triton Water Bottle and the Riviera Striped Tote.

Since this order was shipping internationally, Pinnacle worked directly with a major global logistics provider and the client’s hotel to ensure delivery would go smoothly. We learned, however, after the items had landed in the Dominican Republic, that the logistics company was unable to make the delivery. Despite the significant setback, we worked with concierge at the hotel and hired a taxi to pick up the packages from the airport and drive three hours to make the delivery. The items arrived at the recipients’ hotel rooms that evening.

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Result

FLEETCOR was extremely pleased with the outcome of their order, despite one item not clearing customs. FLEETCOR declared this to be the nicest collection of products that they had ever given away at a sales incentive trip. And, the Pinnacle and FLEETCOR teams were able to work together to select the perfect promotional items to help the client Make the right impression™.

Pinnacle Promotions

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What IS a promotional product?

What IS a promotional product?

Someone said to us recently, “What IS a promotional product?” We were aghast to realize everyone might not necessarily know what is classified as a promotional product. Promotional products can be anything. And if you take a look around, you might be surprised to find out just how many promotional products you do own!

Here are a few promotional items that you might find around your home and office right now:

The concert tee

Your concert t-shirt is actually a promotional product! The band put their logo on the shirt, and you have worn that shirt until it has faded out.

Your concert t-shirt is actually a promotional product! The band put their logo on the shirt, and you have worn that shirt until it has faded out.

Bank pen

The traditional bank pen may be where it all started! The very foundation of promotional products has always been a logo on a pen.

The traditional bank pen may be where it all started! The very foundation of promotional products has always been a logo on a pen.

Soda cup

Reusable soda cups have become the staple for restaurants. And, when paired with the restaurant logo and the soda name the promotional soda cup becomes the double-marketing whammy!

Reusable soda cups have become the staple for restaurants. And, when paired with the restaurant logo and the soda name the promotional soda cup becomes the double-marketing whammy!

Matchbook

This classic promotional item may not be as popular any longer, but the personalized matchbook was an early marketing adopter due to the high-visibility and available imprint space.

This classic promotional item may not be as popular any longer, but the personalized matchbook was an early marketing adopter due to the high-visibility and available imprint space.

Calendar

A fixture in the real estate markets, the promotional magnetic calendar can be found on many a refrigerator at the start of the New Year!

A fixture in the real estate markets, the promotional magnetic calendar can be found on many a refrigerator at the start of the New Year!

Letter opener

We asked a focus group to tell us the most useful promotional item at their desk right now. Their overwhelming answer? The letter opener.

We asked a focus group to tell us the most useful promotional item at their desk right now. Their overwhelming answer? The letter opener.

Shopping bag

Now it’s not just the store from which the bag came that wants to use the space for advertising, it is also products that want a piece of the branding pie. The marriage of Kroger and Kraft on the same reusable grocery tote is in the near future.

The reusable shopping bag market has exploded! With everyone trying to do his or her part to save the planet, the value of the grocery tote has grown. The state of California has become the first state to propose banning plastic bags. Now it’s not just the store from which the bag came that wants to use the space for advertising, it is also products that want a piece of the branding pie. The marriage of Kroger and Kraft on the same reusable grocery tote is in the VERY near future.

Take a look around! Tell us just how many promotional products you see. We think you will be surprised at how many promotional products we have in our lives and the prominence of some of those products. Now that you see just how many things classify as promotional products, think about your audience reach when you put your brand on a customizable item. The value of promotional products cannot be understated!

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Lee in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 1 comment
3 Keys to Social Selling with Promotional Products

3 Keys to Social Selling with Promotional Products

Our recent Pinnacle Promotions Atlanta Idea Expo ’14 was a huge success! We invited area customers and prospects to join us for the day to take advantage of promotional samples and a chance to meet with vendors. We hosted several educational seminars. And, we invited our guests to sit down with us for lunch provided by local fav Cue. One of the educational seminars focused on the idea that you can use social media to connect, sell and reward your customers using promotional products.

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Pinnacle Promotions

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5 Ways to Make People Forget You

Not putting your brand name on the door of your business is the same thing as not using a promotional product. The price of NOT using promotional products all but guarantees people will forget you.

The Advertising Specialty Institute, a leading promotional products association, releases an annual impressions study. ASI breaks down the effectiveness of promotional products against other types of advertising, by product, and by demographic. Every single study type drives home the high-value effectiveness of promotional products.

Here are the top 5 ways to not use promotional products to guarantee people forget you:

1. Don’t put your brand logo on a promotional pen that people find in their kitchen drawer, on their desk or in their purse.

2. Don’t brand a personalized note pad…let’s just keep calling it scrap paper.

3. Don’t put your logo on a shirt or customized uniform to ensure no one thinks about you when you see it in a crowd.

4. Don’t put your company name on a reusable tote bag that you give out at a tradeshow and no one will thank you for not helping them carry all of their show swag.

5. Don’t put your restaurant logo on a custom mug, on the menu or on the café door. Why do you want people to remember where they at that delicious meal that time?

Click to see our best selling promotional items, and make sure your brand is never forgotten!

Posted by Lee in How to Reach a Target Audience, 0 comments