Why the Polo Has Become a Must-Have Campus Style

 For apparel retailers catering to the college market, polos have become one of the hottest product categories in recent years. Long a menswear staple, the modest polo shirt has burst onto campuses nationwide as the latest must-have style for students of all genders. Its combination of casual athletic vibe and slightly dressier aesthetic has evidently struck a chord with today's college crowd, encouraging more retailers to invest in wholesale blank polo shirts to cater to this segment.

How did polos get here?

Major label endorsements from fashion-forward brands like Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Fred Perry have undoubtedly helped drive polo popularity. But the style's enduring versatility, comfort, and functionality, in some cases, are what has solidified it as a campus essential from California to Maine. So what's behind the college polo craze? Let's break it down.

Versatile for Class or Kickbacks

A polo's clean, classic pique knit gives it a smart look that works equally well for class presentations or casual meetups. Paired with chinos or dark jeans, it reads upscale and pulled together. But untucked over shorts or joggers, it's an instant athleisure vibe for more relaxed campus kickbacks. 

This versatile style range makes the polo an easy all-day piece students can wear from morning lectures straight through night study sessions. Rotating just a few polos in different colors provides a simple wardrobe stretcher for lazy laundry habits. Long sleeve polos from Sport-Tek, CornerStone, and Port Authority are what our customers mostly prefer when buying in bulk.

Sporty Yet Refined

Compared to basic cotton tees, polos have a more refined, polished aesthetic - but still project that sporty, relaxed attitude college students love, even when the garments come with pockets. Hallmarks like the flat knit collar, sleeve ribbing, and iconic placket pique detailing give polos a distinctly sporty heritage rooted in their origins as breathable warm-weather athletic uniforms.

They look perfect dressed up with a sweater vest for a prep vibe. Or when you leave it unbuttoned over a vintage tee, you get a skater, streetwear-inspired look. There's a definite cool factor to polos that college-goers identify with, that regular tees just can't match.

Performance Functionality

More apparel brands are taking cues from technical athletic wear and updating polos with moisture-wicking performance features. These polos absorb the moisture from the sweat and are conditioned to evaporate it quickly. Some of them also offer excellent odor resistance. It's a game-changer for avoiding sweat stains, bad odors, and overheating on campus sprints between classes.

Style-savvy students also love how these technical polos resist wrinkles - ideal for looking presentable after stuffing them into backpacks or wearing them for days on end. Top brands like Sport-Tek and New Era offer great options in this pique polo shirt category.

On-Trend Colors & Fabrics

Aside from advanced technical knits, polos made from classic cotton pique in vibrant hues are what’s getting wows on campuses. Appealing to college kids are colors like coral, sky blue, purple, color blocks, and other pastels that look fresh and Instagram-ready.

Brighter shades like green and hot pink are also huge for capturing that retro '90s aesthetic. When it comes to fabrications, cotton/poly blends create a cool texture while vintage-inspired piques and heathered knits provide a nice rustic vibe.

With so many stylish fabric options, print/graphic treatments, and colors - not to mention added performance benefits - it's clear why the polo has become a must-have campus style and an all-around lucrative bet for retailers looking to invest in wholesale apparel. For retailers, ensuring a well-rounded assortment of polos from trusted brands like Port Authority, Sport-Tek, and New Era is key to cashing in on this booming trend.

Our Finest Hoodies From Top Brands

 Few garments have woven themselves into the USA’s cultural fabric quite like the hoodie. Outdoor enthusiasts have started seeing it as a ubiquitous symbol of effortless cool. The hood set the stage for the garment's future as a streetwear icon. And now apparel retailers are competing to purchase the finest wholesale hoodies in bulk for resale. Unlike most other blank apparel, a blank hoodie offers a wider area for printing and embellishments. 

Here are some of our top-selling hoodies from some of the most sought-after brands in ShirtsBargain.

Carhartt Apparel Wholesale 

CTK121 Midweight Hoodie 

Superb quality premium hoodie from Carhartt, the CTK121 is meant to allow wearers to seamlessly adapt to the weather. The 10.5 oz hoodie is made of a 50/50 cotton-poly blend except for the Heather Grey variant which is 70/30 cotton-poly. With the iconic Carhartt-strong, triple-stitched main seams and a three-piece hood, this hoodie is mostly bought by premium apparel retailers and organizations. 

CT102788 Women’s Clarksburg Full-Zip

This one is as durable as a jacket, and yet offers that soft feel one expects from a sweatshirt. Made of a 55/45 cotton-poly blend, the CT102788 comes with a full length brass zipper and rib knit cuffs. It’s designed for superior comfort for women. And it’s a top-selling garment in ShirtsBargain from Spring through Winter, and among the finest in our wholesale Carhartt hoodies collection.

Port & Company Apparel Wholesale

PC78ZH Core Fleece Full-Zip

An absolute favorite for our customers who are into apparel decoration, the PC78ZH is a 50/50 cotton-poly blend hoodie that comes in over two dozen colors. This pill-resistant hoodie is one of our top recommendations and among the most customized hoodies in our Port and Company hoodies wholesale catalog. 

PC90H Fleece Pullover

A pullover hoodie for those who are not looking for a full-zip hoodie. The PC90H is made of a cotton - poly fleece blend, and comes in many color options including a few unique colors. The mid-range hoodie is also popular among apparel decorators. 

Port Authority Apparel Wholesale

K826 Microterry Pullover

Snag-resistant, extremely soft, and a great mid layer clothing, the K826 is by far one of the best performance wear in our Port Authority hoodies collection. It’s largely preferred for uniforming, and is considered a great mid-range hoodie, though the color options are limited.

District Apparel Wholesale

DT810 The Concert Fleece Hoodie

District blank apparel has always been about style. And their DT810 fleece hoodie is no different. Made of a 50/50 cotton-poly fleece blend, the hoodie also sports a black twill back neck tape which is a highlight. The Heathered Charcoal and Grey color variants are the most loved colors evident from our sales figures. 

DT196 Raglan Hoodie

Lightweight raglan hoodies are hard to come by. This could be one of the reasons why the DT196 still remains a customer favorite, even with only three color options. Maybe it’s also worth mentioning that this hoodie is super soft, lightweight and very comfortable to wear. 

Sport-Tek Apparel wholesale

F244 Fleece Hooded Pullover

Unlike District hoodies that are all about style, Sport-Tek hoodies bring more substance into the mix albeit at a slightly higher price point. Featuring Sport-Tek’s iconic Sport-Wick technology, the F244 is a great option for warming up and cooling down. The hoodie is crafted to keep the skin dry and comfortable. Despite being made of 100% polyester, it has a cotton-like soft feel that just about anyone will love. The F244, with its wide color options, is among the top-selling hoodies in our Sport-Tek hoodies wholesale collection.

And that covers a part of the long list of super awesome hoodies you can find at ShirtsBargain, at the best wholesale prices. 

How To Customize T-Shirts To Tell Stories

 T-shirts aren’t just another basic clothing that makes up an outfit style. In the hands of creative minds, they have transcended into canvases that narrate stories via various forms of customization including the recently trending “shining artwork embroidery”. The youth are more into this trend of buying blank t-shirts in bulk and selling them customized, as a side hustle that actually pays. 

Customization of t-shirts goes beyond embellishing them with logos and brand names. Several brands offer affordable, good-quality t-shirts that can be customized and sold for profit, including Port & Company t-shirts wholesale and Port Authority t-shirts wholesale. The idea is to craft t-shirts with compelling narratives that appeal to the public. Such creativity can also blow up, earning a big reputation for the brand that did the customization. 

So, how do you craft a narrative that transforms a blank t-shirt into a conversation starter? Here's a breakdown:

1. Figuring out the audience

Do you want to sell to fitness enthusiasts? Or are you looking into eco-conscious millennials who support sustainable practices? This is how you decide which t-shirt brand is right for the job. Investing in Sport-Tek t-shirts wholesale can help you appeal to fitness enthusiasts better, owing to the brand’s focus on performance-aiding apparel with great fabric features. On the other hand, many consumers appreciate tees from sustainable brands like Comfort Colors. District t-shirts wholesale collections in ShirtsBargain also offer quite a few pieces that are popular for being eco-friendly. The next step is to come up with a story that’s imbued with the values, interests, and aspirations of the audience.

2. The right imagery

A thoughtful graphic can make a lasting impact. You can use portraits or symbols to represent something that as a whole will tell a story. For example, a portrait of Che Guevara along with one of his quotes could tell a story of rebellion. Such elements can easily trigger conversations while enabling the audience to identify with a message they connect with.

3. The right kind of slogan

Slogans offer a different way of storytelling but demand more creativity. The slogans can be thought-provoking, witty, or both. A great example is Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign which actually succeeded in encouraging consumers to consider environmental impact.

4. A clear, direct message

A clear, to-the-face message can even begin a cultural movement. It can serve as a call to action that can bring the masses together. The “Black Lives Matter” movement saw many apparel sporting artworks and messages that became a rallying cry.

Examples of Storytelling Through T-Shirts:

Charity: A t-shirt design featuring an impactful image and a slogan that supports a specific cause, like breast cancer awareness or veterans' rights, can inspire customers to wear them as a sign of support for the cause.

Environmentalism: T-shirts with graphics depicting endangered species or slogans promoting sustainable practices can tap into the growing eco-conscious market.

Social Justice: Designs that raise awareness about social issues like racial equality or LGBTQ+ rights can empower wearers to make a statement.

Body Positivity: Artworks complemented by thought-provoking slogans can speak a narrative that encourages self-acceptance.

Benefits of Narratives:

Increased Sales: These narratives build a deeper connection with customers, leading to higher sales and brand loyalty.

Standing Out From the Crowd: Unique narratives set your custom t-shirts apart from generic options. In theory, this attracts a more engaged audience.

Building Brand Identity: A strong narrative fortifies your brand identity, raising the value of your custom merchandise in the long run.

Top-Selling Sweatshirt Styles to Boost Your Bottom Line

 Sweatshirts are not just a comfort garment. They offer quite a lot of styling possibilities. For wholesale buyers, sweatshirts present a goldmine of opportunities that can not only elevate their brand’s reputation but also impact sales positively. It’s very much possible to source cheap wholesale sweatshirts without compromising on quality if you explore the many brands offering great sweatshirts in the wholesale market.

Here's a look at a few of ShirtsBargain’s top-selling sweatshirt styles from renowned brands that will keep your customers cozy and your business thriving:

Port & Company PC78 Core Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt: This Port & Company sweatshirt is a champion for a reason. Made with a comfortable 50/50 cotton-poly blend and featuring air jet yarn for a soft, pill-resistant finish, it comes in a whopping 25 colors. Port & Company sweatshirts enable retailers to offer both comfort and value to their customers; blank or customized, while keeping investments minimum. 

Gildan 12500 DryBlend Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt: Looking for super budget-friendly blank sweatshirts?  Purchase Gildan sweatshirts bulk and rest easy. The 12500 Gildan hoodie is a classic, boasting a moisture-wicking 50/50 cotton-poly blend which makes it a favorite for small and budding apparel retailers.  While it offers 16 colors, keep in mind special care is needed when printing them due to the cotton-poly blend.

District DT810 The Concert Fleece Hoodie: District sweatshirts are known for their trendy appeal, and The Concert Fleece Hoodie delivers that and more. This 50/50 cotton-poly fleece hoodie combines comfort with a modern look. Featuring a trendy jersey hood lining, black draw cords, and a limited but popular color selection of 7, it's a great option for those seeking a fashion-forward twist.

Port Authority K806 Pinpoint Mesh 1/2 Zip: This Port Authority sweatshirt caters to the active crowd, striking the perfect balance between comfort and style. Made from 100% polyester, it has great moisture-wicking properties and snag resistance. The budget-friendly price point is the icing on the cake. It comes in 6 colors and is a seasonal top-seller among all Port Authority sweatshirts in our collection. 

Bella+Canvas BC3945 Unisex Sponge Fleece Drop Shoulder Sweatshirt: A solid pick for a more retail-focused aesthetic, the Bella+Canvas BC3945 features a modern dropped shoulder design and is made of a soft, comfortable 52/48 Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton/poly fleece blend delivering superior comfort that overshadows most other sweatshirts at its price point. Offered in 6 trendy colors, this sweatshirt is yet another win for Bella+Canvas.

Conclusion

These sweatshirts have earned their reputation for quite a few reasons, including comfort, quality and affordability. They can be combined with other garments to easily form unique outfit styles OR customized to cater to specific customer interests. So, stock up on the finest sweatshirts and blank apparel at competitive wholesale prices and elevate your business with ShirtsBargain!

Tailoring Blank Jackets for Gen Z: The Ultimate Guide

 Off-the-rack jackets can only take you so far. To impress the digital-native Gen Z, apparel retailers investing in wholesale apparel will need to closely observe that audience’s dynamic rules of fashion. It seems customized jackets are something that catch the attention of Gen Z, particularly when the pieces reflect their dynamic style. So get ready to stock up some wholesale blank jackets, because this article is about to help you capitalize on this golden opportunity. 

By understanding the design trends and customization options popular with Gen Z, you can leverage the appeal of blank jackets to the generation, for boosting sales and building brand loyalty.

Decoding Gen Z Style

Oversized: Oversized apparel with dropped shoulders are all the rage among Gen Z. They will find boxy denim jackets or bombers interesting, as these garments can be layered over tees and worn along with baggy pants for a relaxed look.

Eco-Friendly: Gen Z is hyper-aware of environmental and social issues, more so than their predecessors. Opt for jackets made from recycled materials like organic cotton. Prioritize brands known for responsible manufacturing, because that will earn extra brownie points from them.

DIY:  There's a growing trend of DIY fashion. You can also consider upcycling clothes that used to be a thing. Stock up on a variety of blank jacket styles in colors that appeal most to your Gen Z customers. This way, your customers will be able to personalize them with embroidery, patches, or fabric paints. We recommend dropping by our Port Authority jackets wholesale page for a value-priced selection of blank jackets you can buy, and selling them along with a short DIY guide.

Interest in Streetwear:  Streetwear continues to influence mainstream fashion. Soft shell jackets, denim jackets, and windbreakers with graphic prints, bold color blocking, or reflective detailing can also appeal to this generation. The Sport-Tek ST970 soft shell jacket is a great pick for starters. If you need alternatives, check out our Sport-Tek jacket wholesale collections for trendy pieces in a variety of colors that your Gen Z customers will appreciate.

Statement Patches & Embroidery:  Patches and embroidery  pique the interest of Gen Z simply because they allow people to showcase their personalities and interests better on their outfits. Stock a variety of pre-made patches featuring pop culture references, social justice messages, or vintage-inspired designs and recommend them along with your jackets. 

Sourcing The Best Jackets Wholesale

Here's a quick guide to sourcing high-quality blank jackets from ShirtsBargain, specifically from two of our bestselling brands:

Port Authority:  A leading manufacturer of blank workwear and casual apparel, Port Authority offers a wide range of classic and trendy jackets in various fabrics and fits. Their commitment to comfort and quality for any budget make them attractive to Gen Z customers.

Sport-Tek:  Known for their performance apparel, Sport-Tek also offers a great selection of functional jackets. We recommend lightweight windbreakers, fleece jackets, and varsity jackets to experiment with different looks.

Tips To Sell Them Quicker

Offer Customization Workshops: Partner with local artists or apparel decorators to host workshops where Gen Z can learn basic customization techniques like embroidery or patch application. This creates a unique shopping experience and fosters brand loyalty.

Partner with Influencers: Collaborate with Gen Z influencers on social media platforms. Let them personalize and showcase your jackets to inspire their followers.

Utilize Social Media: Run engaging social media contests where Gen Z can share their custom jacket creations. Offer prizes and highlight the best designs to build a community around your brand.

The key is in catering to Gen Z's desire for self-expression, to unlock a new level of customer engagement and sales. Getting the best jackets wholesale from renowned brands is a great place to start. Remember, it's not just about selling a jacket – it's about empowering Gen Z to create a one-of-a-kind fashion statement with jackets.

The Incredible Durability of Carhartt Apparel

 When Hamilton Carhartt founded his workwear company in 1889, his goal was simple - create extremely durable clothing that could withstand the toughest jobs and working conditions. Over 130 years later, Carhartt has not only lived up to that promise but has set an unparalleled standard for ruggedness; evident in every single Carhartt wholesale offering.

Built To Last

Thousands of people love the brand for its durability, so much so that they believe some Carhartt garments can be passed down to the next generation in pristine condition, with enough care. 

The key to this legendary durability lies in their meticulous construction techniques and premium materials. Take their signature duck cotton canvas fabric for example. This tightly woven, firm cotton twill is practically indestructible. It resists rips, tears, abrasions, and even fire, offering unmatched protection for workers in demanding industries like construction, manufacturing, and farming.

Even the seemingly normal wholesale Carhartt hoodies boast this durability. The toughness of the Carhartt’s garments goes well beyond just the fabric. The brand prioritizes reinforcing every potential stress point and failure area on its garments. Triple-stitched seams, riveted stress points, double-layered knees and elbows, and thick hardware ensure these clothes can endure years of intense use and abuse without falling apart.

Stringent Quality Control

The pride in craftsmanship is evident in Carhartt's manufacturing facilities as well. Genuine quality control is enforced, with numerous inspection points along the production line. Skilled sewers and workers carefully assemble each garment, ensuring perfection in every stitch. You won't find any hurried, sloppy piecework here.

Their casualwear like hoodies, flannel shirts, and jeans are built like tanks with uncompromised quality, compared to much of what's available in department stores. This commitment to premium construction has earned Carhartt immense loyalty from everyone - from oil riggers to streetwear aficionados.

The People Have Been Speaking

Just look at any veteran contractor, farmer or tradesman's well-worn Carhartt apparel. Faded from years in the sun, patched from heavy use, stained with the marks of a hectic day's work - yet still going strong with no signs of quitting. Each frayed edge and scuffed fabric panel are testaments to how the garments can withstand abuse.

So if you are looking into Carhartt blank apparel, you can count on Carhartt's workmanship and quality. Their apparel is quite simply designed to work as hard as you do, no matter what you throw at it. Explore the wholesale Carhartt apparel catalog in ShirtsBargain to get the finest from the brand at incredible value and volume discounts, along with optional, professional-grade decoration services. 

A Comparison Between Sport-Tek and Port Authority Polos

 Activewear, corporate apparel, streetwear…polo shirts go anywhere. They are versatile enough to just work, which could be one reason why the wholesale polo shirts market keeps growing every year. When it comes to wholesale blank polos that offer superior quality, performance, and value in ShirtsBargain, two brands are at the forefront - Sport-Tek and Port Authority.

Let’s take a look at what makes these brands distinct in the wholesale industry.

Sport-Tek Polos & Superior Performance

Sport-Tek has built a reputation for creating activewear that doesn't just look good, but is engineered to perform at the highest levels. Their polos exemplify this focus on fabrication and athletic functionality.

Many Sport-Tek polos feature their signature PosiCharge technology - a patented polyester blend with the ability to lock in color vibrancy and resist odor-causing microbes. With PosiCharge, you get shirts that look and smell fresh even after multiple washes. Most of the fabric the brand uses on their polo shirts is also highly breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping wearers cool and dry.

When it comes to durability, you can find Sport-Tek blank apparel utilizing  snag-resistant Double-Knit Mesh. This high-density knit resists not just snags but also punctures and runs, making the polos retain their freshness even with heavy activity.

Another standout is Sport-Tek's line of PosiUV Pro polos, which offer UPF 50+ sun protection to shield against UV rays during outdoor activities. With technologies like anti-migration and anti-microbial treatments, these polos emphasize why the brand became popular for delivering superior performance even outdoors.

While excelling at performance, Sport-Tek hasn't neglected style. Many of their polos come in modern cuts with contoured silhouettes, flat knit collars, and other tailored design elements for a sporty, polished look.

Port Authority Polos: Comfortable & Versatile Uniforming

Port Authority cemented its reputation as a brand that offers high-quality, high-value basic apparel with absolute consistency. Their polos embody practicality and all-around utility across many sectors; most importantly as a teamwear.

A major strength of Port Authority polo shirts wholesale is the sheer number of styles, colors, sizes and fits available for any budget. From value-priced classic pique mesh polos to moisture-wicking ultra-soft polos, there's an option for every need and budget. This makes it easy to find the right polo shirt to suit any workforce or brand guidelines.

Many of the brand's polos leverage advanced performance fabrics as well. For example, their Dimension Polo utilizes a 100% rayon-made fabric with phenomenal moisture wicking capabilities. The Dimension also has UV protection built into the yarns.

The Port Authority Signature line offers roomier silhouettes combined with premium ring spun cotton that gets increasingly softer with each wash. Options like this make Port Authority ideal for corporate, hospitality, and other professional environments.

One of the brand’s biggest benefits is that their polos have true color density molded trims that are heat-transferred to prevent cracking and peeling over time. This level of quality in construction ensures high customization-friendliness, translating to long-lasting branded logos.

Conclusion

Both brands are heavyweights, leading their own niche markets. While Sport-Tek offers arguably the finest athletic polos in the wholesale industry, Port Authority leads with classic, professional-looking polos that are fascinatingly comfortable. Both brands deliver exceptional value, performance and durability, and are also great innovation drivers. Explore ShirtsBargain’s Sport-Tek and Port Authority blank polo shirts collections to find high-quality, customizable polos with numerous color choices at incredibly competitive wholesale prices in addition to bulk discounts.