Breastcancer Awareness Apparel Favorites

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the perfect time to think pink. Whether you are participating in a Breast Cancer walk, corporate event or simply want to support the cause, Threds can provide endless ways for you to go pink in October! Check out some of our favorites.

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The North Face®

The perfect layer for your community Breast Cancer walk, this versatile, smooth-faced fleece with a contrast embroidered North Face logo features a quarter-length zipper that lets you easily regulate temperature. The stretchy material allows for more mobility and dries quickly to minimize heat loss.

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Nike

For lightweight, allover warmth and temperature regulation, this Nike jacket excels with Therma-FIT fabric. The chevron design across the chest provides a striking pop of color detail. Distinctive contrast color at the neck and zipper, plus a brushed interior makes this versatile layering piece an everyday essential. Tailored for a feminine fit. Details include a reverse coil zip-through collar, open cuffs and an open hem. Thumbholes at cuffs for warmth and enhanced fit. Made of 10.2-ounce, 100% polyester Therma-FIT fabric.

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Outdoor Cap

The perfect pink accessory!

• Low Crown

• Garment Washed Cotton Twill Front Panels

• Mesh Back Panels

• Unstructured

• Printed Seam Taping

• Pre-Curve

• Hook/Loop Tape

• Heavy Washed

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Ogio

The Half-Dome Duffel with a purpose! Go pink at the gym in October!

·       600D poly/420D dobby poly

·       Front zippered audio pocket with headphone exit port

·       Easy-access front sleeve pocket

·       Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap

·       Side grab handle

·       Fabric-wrapped handle

·       Dimensions: 10"h x 18"w x 9"d

·       Capacity: 1,800 cu.in./29.5L

·       Weight: 1.0 lbs./0.5kg

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LEED’S

If it’s going to rain, at least have a pink umbrella, and dance!

42” automatic opening and windproof umbrella. Nylon canopy with matching color case. Two-section folding metal shaft. Ergonomic matte black plastic handle with wrist strap. Folds to 15" long. 

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Bullet

The Amp Power Bank is stronger in pink! Charge up and take a stand against Breast Cancer! Includes AMP Power Bank with Full Color Wrap. Three color max print.

Interested in finding some pink gear? Let’s chat!

All Things Outerwear: Hello Fall

Fall is in the air and that means things are starting to cool down, and THAT means it’s probably time to start adding a layer as you head out the door. But, as you know, Fall approaches with some trickery. Cool mornings and coffee often lead to a semi heat wave by lunch. Knowing that, Threds is here to share our Fall favorites that provide an extra layer that’s the perfect in-between for weather that’s still, well, in between.

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Cutter & Buck Ladies Half Zip Breaker

The Ladies Breaker comes in black, red, green, and blue with the affinity color is a limited edition offering. This Nylon/Elastane popover has an attached hood, reflective properties, a single pouch zip pocket at center front and side pockets. The half-zip front allows for breathable wear and the cuffed sleeves provide a fitted sleeve at the wrists. Other features include CB DryTec, CB Weathertec, moisture-wicking and UPF 40+. With great color options, this popover is a must-have Fall piece. Color shown: Affinity (limited edition).

Men’s Stormtech Ozone Lightweight Shell Vest

This is the perfect outdoor activewear vest. It’s breathable, water repellent, and offers reflective properties. The heathered style gives the Ozone Lightweight shell vest a stylish, unique look. With zipper pockets, chin saver, 100% Polyester fabric and an elasticized hem, this Stormtech vest will keep you dry and comfortable day. Sizes up to 5XL.

OGIO® ENDURANCE Ladies Crux Soft Shell Jacket

This lightweight Ogio jacket has a 100% poly stretch shell and is both wind and water-resistant. This embossed O pattern back provides reflective details and has set-in sleeves with shaped cuffs. Extremely breathable fabric and articulated shaping for ease of movement make this outerwear piece the perfect layer for a brisk Fall day.

OGIO® ENDURANCE Pivot Soft Shell Jacket

The men’s version of the Ogio Endurance jacket provides the same lightweight attributes with some slight variations to style. Offering the same wind and water-resistant features, the men’s 100% poly softshell is hooded and has a slight drop-tail hem. Set-in sleeves with shaped cuffs and thumbholes provide added warmth. This jacket also offers the same reflective properties as the women’s version for those evenings when you are out for a run and want to make sure you are safe and seen.

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Call a Threds representative today for a quote.

Eco Friendly Promotional Products and Apparel

Companies that are implementing eco-conscious initiatives are more than just on-trend, they’re on point. Is your company working to reduce its carbon footprint? Are you looking to incorporate promotional items and corporate apparel that is eco-friendly? We’re here to help! Check out the Threds list of top eco-friendly promotional products and apparel options that can leave a positive impact on your brand, and the environment.

Reusable Stainless Straw 10 in 1 Set

The Reusable Stainless Steel 10 in 1 Set includes 8 piece stainless steel straws in different sizes, fit most tumblers, 1-piece straw brush and a cotton pouch. The silicone tips in different colors can differentiate end users when having visitors. The straws are made of 18/8 food grade stainless steel material and is perfect for drinking cold beverages. 

Eco-friendly, environmentally responsible, and sustainable as they are reusable and dishwasher safe. It can minimize the plastic waste to help protect our oceans, rivers, and marine life.

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5”x7” Recycled Cotton Bound Notebook

The 5" x 7" Recycled Cotton Bound Notebook is a hard bound, pre-consumer recycled cotton notebook with color matching elastic closure, ribbon page marker and pen loop. 60 sheets of white lined paper.

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Herringbone 7oz Cotton Canvas Grocery tote

The Herringbone 7oz Cotton Canvas Grocery Tote features an open main compartment and a removable bottom board. The herringbone weave provides added durability and a unique look. This cotton tote is a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags.

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Threadfast Apparel Unisex Ultimate T-Shirt

Repreve® Recycled Polyester: Our ultimate tee collection uses a polyester fiber made from recycled content including plastic bottles. Compared to virgin fiber, our recycled poly consumes less petroleum, emits fewer greenhouse gases and conserves water and energy.

Eco-Dyed Heathers: Colorzen® is a cutting-edge technology that allows cotton to be dyed using up to 90% less water, 75% less energy and 95% fewer chemicals. Our heathers use approximately 30% colorzen® cotton.

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Call us today to get a quote or to learn more about custom Eco Friendly products. 

Service Tips, Top Picks, and a Trip Down Memory Lane.

August is our birthday month here at Threds and we are celebrating 25 years of service by sharing a timeline of how far we have come since 1994.

Rooted in humble beginnings, Threds officially launched in August of 1994 as a retail clothing store selling restored vintage jeans. Screen printing followed shortly two years later in 1996. To highlight our screen printing origins, we've provided a few tips on how to brand on a budget utilizing our services.

When planning a custom T-shirt order on a small budget, consider the following:

1. Select a simple 1-2 color design that will reduce the cost of your overall spend while still being able to maximize your logo or message. 

2. Utilize a one-print location verse multiple print areas on the garment. You can maximize brand visibility with a single front or left chest print option, like the examples below.

3. Comfort over brand name. Consider using a cheaper brand of shirt that can provide the same level of comfort. You’ll save on costs, but not at the expense of quality.

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In 1997, Threds included promotional offerings into our business portfolio. This allowed us to expand our overall custom branding capabilities and garner more corporate business. Check out our pick of the top 5 go-to promotional items for any occasion:

1.    Drinkware 

2.    Tote bags

3.    Writing instruments

4.    Koozies

5.    Notebooks

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Embroidery joined the family of offerings in 1999 to service clients who wanted a more formal branded apparel look and feel. Check out our list of items that are the best fit for embroidery services:

1.    Polo shirts

2.    Fleece 

3.    Hats

4.    Jackets (non-waterproof)

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Finally, in 2003 Threds introduced a fulfillment and e-commerce division, making us a full-service branding powerhouse with a national footprint. What does this service do for customers?

1. It provides an entire team of creative thinkers, committed to developing branded merchandise that resonates with your customers.

2. We have a dedicated account & design team that understands your brand.

3. Customer Service needs are handled in-house.

4. Our e-commerce division provides fast, affordable shipping options and tracking.

5. Design, production, inventory and order fulfillment all under one roof.

6. We provide accurate product sales and inventory reports.

Let Threds be a part of your brand’s story. We’ll do more than produce it; we’ll help you tell it. Start your custom apparel or promotional project today! 

Screen Printing Vs DTG (Direct to Garment)

We sometimes get the question, "why do you have a 12 shirt minimum?" Threds has a minimum of 12 garments for screen printing orders because 12 items is the least number of garments that can be efficiently screen printed. With time it takes to prep the artwork, burn in the screens and set up the press, producing under 12 shirts would make the price per shirt astronomical. 

Enter Direct to Garment. The industries answer to cheap, affordable one-offs. Or is it really what its cracked up to be? I like to think of Dad’s advice on this one: Products can be cheap, quick, and quality— but they can’t be all three of those things.

What is Direct to Garment (DTG) printing?

Technological advancements have made DTG more popular in recent years, and DTG fans will tell you that they are able to replicate artwork and designs with a high level of detail. But that’s where the devil is, isn’t it?

"Well, why don't you print direct to garment?"

Direct to Garment (DTG) printers offer lots of versatility, but they not up to par with the quality, as illustrated below, you have come to expect from Threds. We only produce the highest quality prints and cannot offer anything less than the best to our customers. But that’s just one reason. We’ve assembled a list below of all the reasons we chose not to use Direct to Garment printing.

The top photo is a print using a direct to garment machine. The art is blurry and the negative spaces fill in during the printing process. The screen printed version below creates a crisper and cleaner print that retains a high level of detail.

Top Reasons NOT to use Direct to Garment Printing.

1. Quality. We mentioned this already. But it’s worth repeating. Did we mention quality?

2. Fade. If you’ve witnessed the magic of a DTG machine, you know it suspiciously looks a lot like that desk jet printer you used back when computers only came in beige or tan, or…what was that color? As such, you probably know what happens to ink when you inadvertently set your coffee on it or a document gets rained on. Now imagine your DTG Tee after a few washes. You get the idea. While many DTG printers will tell you that it all depends on how the application is carried out, we will tell you that we would take that challenge any day of the week.

3. Maintenance. Ever own a luxury car? Everything is great until it isn’t. Repair bills can add up quickly and if your the type of person who doesn’t mind a lighter wallet then all is well-and-good. But if your car breaks down you don’t pass the bill on to your employer because you were on your way to work. DTG machines aren’t exactly known for their reliability and businesses have to make the cost up somehow. Hmm…I wonder how they might do that.

   To give an example, DTG machines use print heads, just like your old computer printer. Remember what happens if the ink dried out from sitting too long, or the job you printed used a ton of color? The heads become clogged and useless. Then you had to head over to the office supply store, and buy new cartridges and so-on and so-forth. If your DTG machine has clogged heads and you don’t have the part on hand, you’re stuck waiting for a new one.

   It’s not really a screen printing problem but, if screens become too clogged, we print a new screen to replace it and get back to work. We wash out the old one, make sure the frame and silks are up to par, and reintroduce it back into the cycle.

   There’s a significant difference between down time, and a bad time.

4. White Inks. Ask a DTG printer about white inks and watch their reaction. Industry leaders will tell their clients that the DTG problems of the past have been solved by newer technology and new methods. However, that still requires business to invest and train people on those new technologies and methods. Sounds like another checkbook-buster. Screen printing doesn’t rely on a limited palette to create a rainbow. It’s a little simpler and more straightforward. With screen printing, if you are looking to replicate an image, the same four-color palette can be used with extra colors added to make the image really stand out. The process adds another level of control that DTG simply doesn’t have.

5. The Blame Game. Everyone knows how its played and some DTG providers aren’t shy about telling owners the reasons they think their product isn’t selling. While sales and marketing are important parts of a business (and they’re very important), they aren’t everything. It’s an issue that could be argued for days. So the next time you see a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman, ask them what they think.

   Personally, we don’t dump truckloads of money or investment into marketing.

   For some unfathomable reason, we’ve gained hundreds and thousands of customers over the years just by word-of-mouth alone. Is it because of our excellent customer service? Well...yes, probably. Is it that our customers love our knowledgeable sales staff? That’s certainly part of it. Is it our commitment to quality and a reputation for delivering an excellent product time and time again? Most Definitely.

   We’d rather spend time serving our clients and community, than going back and forth with some sales rep about the warranty just because they want to keep their commission.

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Want Excellent Service & Products?

Contact Threds today and let us know about your next apparel project. We’d love to hear from you!

Custom headwear at the same price as your regular promo hat.

It's easy to pick a hat from a catalog for your logo but, imagine that you could create a custom hat from the bottom-up for the same cost, and you wouldn’t have to pay for them until they were delivered. Sound good?

In today's noisy and cluttered market, it has become increasingly difficult for consumers and retailers to differentiate themselves. Rather than being forced to choose from headwear that is mass-produced, let's look at what goes into creating a more unique option for your brand.

With a bit of pre-planning, an amazing custom hat could be yours for the right price. Our overseas programs can create entirely custom hats from your unique design. Custom headwear options feature unique fabrics, multiple embroidery styles, patches, trims, colors, closures, profiles, custom labels and so much more! Such options can transform an ordinary hat into a true original, retail-quality piece of headwear. 

The entire process does take time. To take a piece of headwear through that process of ideation, design, and creation is generally about four months long. However, from the initial concept to the design, to construction and shipping, the sky is the limit! With so many options to choose from, a custom retail quality hat almost always outsells the competition. Consumers tend to appreciate the small details in a custom hat and are often willing to spend a few more dollars for something unique. In our book— that's worth the wait.

Take these two hats for instance. They are comparable in price. The primary difference is that the hat on the right took an extra 90-120 days to produce. Well worth the wait if you’re in need of 144-288 pieces, the standard production requirements. Get more bang for your bill, and try our overseas program today!

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Interested in unique, retail-quality custom headwear?

Contact Threds today to get started. We have great relationships with our overseas vendors, and our sales team and artists will work hard to help transform your idea into reality.