Let’s address something most distributors won’t say out loud: Apparel can feel risky.
- Sizing charts.
- Fit complaints.
- Reorders that don’t match the first run.
- Customers frustrated with how something fits.
For many in promo, apparel feels like the category that can go sideways the fastest. And most of that anxiety comes down to one thing: Fit.
The Truth About Sizing (No One Standard Exists)
There is no such thing as standardized sizing in the apparel industry.
A medium in one brand will not fit like a medium in another. That’s not a flaw — it’s just reality.
So instead of pretending we can control the entire industry, we focus on something far more practical: Standardized fit within our own line.
That means:
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A small top fits the same customer who wears our small jacket.
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A medium mid-layer layers properly under our medium outerwear.
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Reorders feel consistent, not like a gamble.
For corporate branding, that predictability matters.
Why Apparel Feels “Hard” in Promo
Distributors are often more comfortable selling hard goods. Drinkware doesn’t need to “fit.” Bags don’t create body insecurity. Sizing charts don’t derail reorder conversations.
Apparel does.
So when distributors avoid apparel, it’s usually not about margin. It’s about risk. The solution isn’t claiming “perfect fit.”
The solution is reducing friction.
How We Reduce Fit Friction
We use Alvanon Body Forms, a digital body-scanning system built from thousands of real men's and women’s measurements globally.
That data informs how we grade and scale our patterns so that proportions remain consistent across sizes.
The goal is:
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Predictable sizing
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Cross-category consistency
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Layer-friendly construction
When a distributor can confidently say, “This medium fits like the medium across the line,” that changes the sales conversation.
Our Fit Standards (So You Can Sell With Clarity)
We define fit clearly so you don’t have to guess.
Slim Fit
Contoured and movement-focused. Best for performance-forward or more polished silhouettes.
Women's Varsity Long Sleeve T-shirt (Style #1485)
Classic Fit
Balanced ease with room to move. Most of our assortment lives here. The safest choice for large programs.
Overachiever Sweaterfleece Jacket (Style #4620/4625)
Relaxed Fit
Looser, room to layer. Great for outerwear and comfort-first roles.
Aviator Bomber Jacket (Style #3050/3055)
Fit isn’t better or worse. It’s contextual.
One Body, Three Fits
The same person might prefer:
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Slim for active workdays
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Classic for corporate casual
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Relaxed for field or warehouse environments
When reps understand that, they stop overselling and start diagnosing. That’s when apparel becomes strategic instead of scary.
When Two Styles Compete
Instead of saying, “This one’s better,” shift to preference.
Ask:
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Does the team prefer stretch or structure?
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Lighter performance fabric or something more substantial?
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Sleeker silhouette or easier layering?
Examples:
2475 vs 2445 – Women’s Sidekick Quarter Zip vs Sidekick Hooded Quarter Zip
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2475: Sits above the hip
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2445: Tunic length with droptail, more coverage
3065 vs 3055 – Women’s Altitude Bomber vs Aviator Bomber
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3065: Sits above hip with adjustable waist
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3055: Banded bottom, classic fit
1485 vs 1555 – Women’s Varsity Long Sleeve vs Sightseer Long Sleeve
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1485: Fitted, polished feel
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1555: Classic fit, more ease
Each pairing serves a different employee profile. Your job isn’t to pick the “winner.” It’s to match the environment.
How to Sell Apparel Without the Fear
Before recommending, ask:
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Will employees layer this?
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Is the role desk-based or movement-heavy?
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What’s the climate?
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Broad age range?
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Is the goal polished or comfort-first?
When you lead with those questions, apparel stops feeling like a liability and starts feeling like a value-add.
Why This Matters for Corporate Branding
Fit impacts:
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Return rates
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Reorder confidence
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Employee adoption
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Wear frequency
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Brand impressions
A jacket worn weekly delivers more ROI than one sitting in a drawer. And that’s what corporate apparel is supposed to do.
