Freeze!

The Farmers’ Almanac has named Grand Forks, North Dakota, the hands-down coldest city in the U.S. To overwinter there means you will experience average temperatures of nine degrees Fahrenheit and snowfall on 47 percent of the days between December and March. Just thinking about it is enough to bring on a shiver. So naturally, when seeking information for choosing quality cold-season wearables, PPB looked to an industry insider in—you guessed it—Grand Forks.

Troy Nelson, CAS, president of Grand Forks, North Dakota-based distributor Trojan Promotions (UPIC: Tropro), breaks down the task of selecting wintertime promotional apparel into three categories: performance, details and testing.

“New technologies, such as Teflon-blended fabrics, have improved the performance of winter coats,” Nelson says. No stranger to harsh temperatures, Nelson checks the waterproof and breathability ratings on garments and compares items against each other to find the perfect level of protection. He also likes to throw long-sleeved performance tees into the mix. “They’re great for layering and important for moisture wicking.”

When the mercury is dropping, small details make a big difference in the fight to stay warm. Nelson looks for high-quality zippers and niceties such as nylon-lined sleeves. “Nobody wants to fight with a cheap zipper on a cold, windy day,” Nelson says. “It’s also nice when sleeves are nylon lined, so your shirtsleeve doesn’t bunch up at the elbows when sliding your arm in.”

Finally, Nelson recommends distributors test drive coats and jackets to check fit and performance. “Soft-shell jackets, in particular, fit very differently, even within a brand,” he says, suggesting that add-on accessories such as beanies are a one-size-fits-all way to get your client’s logo noticed.

(from left to right)
A Tiny Chill
Hit the park or playground with the Toddler Full-Zip Hoodie Fleece Jacket. The unlined jacket has two pouch pockets and rib-knit cuffs and hem for an adjustable fit. Royal Apparel UPIC: Royal992 866-769-2517 www.royalapparel.net

Getting Colder
The Extreme Cold Jacket is good for temperatures as low as -16° Fahrenheit. It’s just one piece in Ash City’s new lineup of wearable cold-weather protection. Ash City UPIC: ash0001 866-274-2489 www.ashcity.com

Score
Turn chilly walks into musical strolls with the MP3-player pocket in the interior of this Fleece-Lined Jacket (style PRM 92 SHZ). Independent Trading Co. UPIC: Trading 877-366-9911 www.independenttradingco.com

Cold Start
Athletes can stay warm during morning practice sessions in the Champion® Reverse Weave® Pullover Hood. It’s a great pick for when they cross the finish line, too. Hanes/Champion/Outer Banks UPIC: hanesob 800-685-7557 www.hanesbullseye.com

Get Ahead
The one-size-fits-all Outer Limits Knit Cap is an easy sell for ski resorts, travel programs and weather safety initiatives. Toppers, LLC UPIC: TOPPERS 800-446-1554 www.toppersllc.com

Pretty Cozy
Ladies will look polished yet feel comfortable in the Helena Shawl-Collar Microfleece Pullover. Polyester anti-pill fabric and kangaroo pockets add to its feminine appeal. Tri-Mountain UPIC: TRIM0003 800-824-6464 www.trimountain.com

In The Hood
Interchangeable hood linings make the Heavyweight Full Zip Sport Hood totally customizable and perfect for sport and school teams looking to coordinate with team colors. J. America UPIC: Blanks 866-470-4536 www.jamericablanks.com

Fall Fave
When autumn leaves begin to fall, people everywhere reach for cozy neckwear. Hand them the PolarScarf-100, a 10-inch-by-60-inch polyester fleece scarf available in 10 colors. Suntex UPIC: SUNTEX 336-784-1000 www.mainstsun.com

Hot And Cold
On or off, the Apex Compressible Jacket (style 7320) provides maximum comfort. When the temperature warms up, this quilted polyester rip-stop jacket can be folded up into its own pocket for easy carrying. Vantage UPIC: vantage 800-221-0020 www.vantageapparel.com

Head Stand
The bright colored stripes of this Knit Beanie help wearers stand out on cloudy winter days. Available in five fashion colors. Cap America, Inc. UPIC: CAPAMRCA 800-487-2227 www.capamerica.com

His And Hers
The Men’s and Women’s Quilted Jacket comes in wind- and water-resistant nylon with lightweight polyfill insulation, nylon-lined sleeves and a low-bulk profile. It comes in black, espresso brown and—for ladies only—grape. Charles River Apparel UPIC: CRA 800-225-0550 www.charlesriverapparel.com

Slow Fade
Special pigments used in the dying process make the Heavyweight Hooded Pullover Sweat Shirt look distressed and worn-in, but 10-ounce cotton-polyester fabric means it’s actually thick and durable. Barry T. Chouinard, Inc. UPIC: ComfortC 802-223-8223 www.dyehouse.com

>>Five Coldest U.S. Cities

1. Grand Forks, North Dakota
2. International Falls, Minnesota
3. Baudette, Minnesota
4. Hibbing, Minnesota
5. Fargo, North Dakota

Source: www.farmersalmanac.com

>>Five Coldest Cities In The World

1. Vostok, Antarctica
2. Oymyakon, Siberia
3. Verkhoyansk, Siberia
4. Yakutsk, Siberia
5. Snag, Yukon Territory, Canada

Source: www.ouramazingplanet.com