When considering the vast array of popular promotional products, cuddle-worthy wearables certainly top the list as fan favorites. From cozy socks and plush jackets to snug scarves and comfy throws, branded products that allow wearers to bundle up and nestle in during cool weather can become go-to pieces for years to come—making for satisfied clients and unlimited brand recognition.

Softies At Heart

Cozy apparel offers more than physical comfort: the act of being cozy is actually good for your health, and it’s recognized across cultures. In Denmark, “hygge”—pronounced “hoo-gah”—is a term commonly used to reference feelings of coziness, contentment and wellbeing. Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, has said that “hygge” is deeply engrained in Danish culture, so much so that it’s considered part of the country’s makeup—and winter, the coziest season of all, has been dubbed the “most hygge” time of the year. In Switzerland, the word “mys” is used to describe a similar experience, and “Fredagsmys,” or Friday coziness, is a commonly understood “hobby.” (Count us in.) In Germany and Austria, “gemütlichkeit” refers to the mind state of comfort and coziness. And in Jefferson City, Wisconsin, which dubs itself “The Gemütlichkeit City,” gemütlichkeit is celebrated during a three-day festival.

But perhaps the reason we love coziness most of all, is because it’s the near-opposite of stress. And according to the American Psychological Association, Americans’ stress hasn’t decreased. In a nationwide survey of 3,440 adults, nearly half of respondents ranked their stress levels  as 4.8. on a 10-point scale and 45 percent of Americans experienced stress-related sleeplessness in 2017, compared to 40 percent in 2016. What better way to rest, recharge and relax than with a velvety, soft blanket, or a comfy, fleece hoodie—and one you’ll use for years to come?

With winter around the bend—yes, we said it—there are also new styles to consider for luxe outwear, offering wearers the at-home feeling of comfort while on the go. Some of the styles that will make their way into retail this fall are below-the-knee-length printed coats, blazers, cropped jackets, brightly colored pea coats and faux shearling coats. Consider any one of these sumptuous solutions to give your brand a comfy-cozy, luxurious spin, with all eyes on your logo or message.

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Snuggling up is one thing—but snuggling up in style is another. Refer to this list, gathered from Elle, for five trends to look for this fall and winter.

Millennial purple, or a mélange of electric shades of purple, both light and dark

Feather accents, perfect for complementing a beanie

  Asymmetrical necklines, think slouchy, off-the-shoulder sweaters

Ren-faire, the renaissance revival, with square necklines and silhouettes

Prep school—and yes, it’s just like it sounds: polo shirts and sweater vests galore

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Stepping into the color-block craze, the Premium Cotton Blocked Fleece Pullover Hoodie brings the edge of streetwear into everyday fashion—and to your brand. This super soft, brushed-back, jersey fleece hoodie is 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester, with details including a dark steel, front chest block, a jersey-lined, hooded neck, a flat drawstring, and a tag-less label. Available in unisex XS-5XL in deep navy and black (shown).

Vantage Apparel   /   PPAI 113235   /   www.vantageapparel.com

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Just because you’re headed to the gym, work or school, doesn’t mean you can’t cuddle up during your travels. This Women’s Street Hoodie, made from 100-percent polyester, was designed with mobility and comfort in mind. Featuring brushed-back fleece, a contrast, flat drawcord and zipper closure, this hoodie is easy to wear—and it’s easy to look good while wearing it. Imprint your client’s logo on the chest, as shown, or consider a back or sleeve print for an unexpected pop. Available in women’s XS-3XL in black, navy and dark grey (shown).

Vantage Apparel   /   PPAI 113235   /   www.vantageapparel.com

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When the recipient slides into these Fashion Fuzzy Feet, they’ll have not a care in the world. Well, maybe one—they won’t want to take them off. The 100-percent acrylic socks are available as a one-size-fits-all at 14 inches in length, and can be adorned with a special message or logo, using an embroidery applique/patch or fusion sublimation digi-print—perfect for a campaign serving the hospitality and travel industry, or schools. Available in nine patterns, shown in gray/black.

Suntex Industries   /   PPAI 113094   /   www.suntexindustries.com

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“Baby, it’s cold outside”—and sometimes, it’s just plain cold in the office. Warm up your recipients with Fuzzy Gloves. These chenille-like gloves have made their way into a kit distributed to sorority members, with embroidered Greek letters, and into a plastic surgery center, where they were distributed to female patients. Available in a one-size-fits-most style in brown, pink, white and purple (shown).

Suntex Industries   /   PPAI 113094   /   www.suntexindustries.com

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For those days you’re obligated to leave your couch (but don’t necessarily want to), there’s a free-flowing solution in the WL1025 Women’s City Pant. Designed with a relaxed fit, elastic waistband and exterior drawcord, this sleek pant—perfect for home or work—is made with 88 percent microfiber poly and 12 percent spandex, and includes added details like a tapered leg with an ankle zip, and front and back pockets. It is also moisture-wicking with a tear-away label and includes antimicrobial properties to fight the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Available in women’s XS-2XL in navy, black and olive (shown).

Expert Brand   /   PPAI 267226   /   www.expertbrand.com

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Sometimes all you need is a little R&R—and a soft hoodie. This AA920 Men’s Soft Hoodie is sure to do the job. Made in the USA, this long-sleeve hoodie with self-cuff boasts a relaxed fit, with inherent moisture-wicking properties, antimicrobial technology and a tear-away label for ultimate comfort. Available in men’s S-3XL in dark heather navy, dark charcoal heather, dark heather red and dark heather royal (shown).

Expert Brand   /   PPAI 267226   /   www.expertbrand.com

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These fold-over sweats are a loungewear staple for Millennials, perfecting the balance between loungewear and activewear. The ultra-comfortable Pizzazz Roll-Down Waist Pants, made from 90-percent cotton and 10-percent spandex with a stretchable waistband, features a six-inch zebra-print, roll-down waistband with glitter accent, and a full-length, boot-cut design. A top choice for loafing in style, or for team wear, including cheerleading and dance teams. Available in girl’s (XS-L) and women’s sizes (S-2XL), with five fold-over styles including black zebra print in white, hot pink, red, lime and turquoise (shown).

Pizzazz Performance Wear   /   PPAI 266705   /   www.pizzazzwear.com

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From outdoors to indoors, sitting beside campfires to grilling burgers in the fall, scaling local landscapes to enjoying a cool breeze on the beach, the Juneau Knit Hoody is designed with all of life’s adventures in mind. The ultra-soft, sweater-knit fleece includes a scuba fold and low-profile, zippered hand-warmer pockets, along with a bicep, zippered pocket for carrying small gadgets, plus rib cuffs and an audio port. Made from 100-percent polyester two-tone mélange fleece, the hoodie is available in three colors—graphite, denim and sage—in men’s S-3XL (S-5XL in men’s graphite) and women’s XS-2XL.

Stormtech   /   PPAI 260245   /   www.stormtech.ca

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There’s no limit to the creativity, comfort and personality that a pair of uniquely designed socks can add to a wearer’s getup—and a brand campaign. These socks are knit using a custom yarn blend, crafted on 200-needle Lonato machines to ensure both durability and unmet softness, with a hand-linked toe and seamless finish. And its pattern will remain bright, bold and in focus, no matter how often the sock is worn or stretched.

 

Tribe Socks   /   PPAI 716751   /   www.tribesocks.com

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The lumberjack trend—also dubbed “lumbersexual”—is not going anywhere: for the guys who love to wear ’em, and the gals who love when they wear ’em. But make no mistake, it’s a top choice for both men and women, and a warm, stress-free one at that. This classic plaid design is available in three colors—carbon plaid, navy plaid and black and red (shown). The Logan Thermal is a fleece-lined, breathable, cotton-blend shirt that features solid panels, snap pockets and center front and cuff closures. Imprint your logo on the sleeve or chest, or go for an allover design on the back. Available in S-3XL.

Stormtech   /   PPAI 260245   /   www.stormtech.ca

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The Epic Sherpa 1/4 Zip (left) and Vest (right) are on-trend and ever-so-soft options for cool and frosty seasons. Made from 100-percent high-loft polyester Sherpa fabric, the one-quarter zip features a zip placket and self-fabric collar for breathability, with a side-seam waist to keep wearers cool, while the vest includes a full-zip placket with zippered pockets. Both items are available in S-2XL; the quarter zip comes in seven colors, shown in sapphire heather, and the vest is offered in two colors, black heather and oatmeal heather (shown).

J. America Blanks   /   PPAI 351699   /   www.jamericablanks.com

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Knitted beanies and toques are always technically “in”—they’re great for covering the head, neck and ears when it’s chilly, but they’re not necessarily compartmentalized into “winter,” with wearers donning them all year ’round. The Slouch Bunny Knit, available in white, grey and black (shown), is a cable knit, 100-percent acrylic hat, with ample space to include an embroidered patch or message. For added personality, opt for an accessory, like a dazzling pin—this one has a shag pom.

J. America Blanks   /   PPAI 351699   /   www.jamericablanks.com

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Nothing says “snug” more than a heavyweight hoodie that hugs the body. The Ultimate Cotton Pullover Hood is plush and durable, made with patented low pill, high-stitch-density PrintPro XP fabric with a 100-percent cotton face. With a dyed-to-match drawcord for an even snugger fit, the armholes and waistband include a double-needle cover seam with a relaxed waistband, and a roomy front pouch pocket for storing small items. Available in men’s S-3XL in 13 colors, shown in ash.

Hanes/Champion   /   PPAI 191138  /   www.haneslocator.com

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Home-y and carefree, the A07050 Women’s French Terry Jogger is a style that requires little effort—and no discomfort—but is on trend, nonetheless. The retro jogger features jersey-lined, on-the-seam pockets, with a spandex waistband—no stress here!—and flat, woven, natural-colored drawcords with ends turned and tied. The iconic Champion “C” is embroidered in a natural color on the left hip. Available in women’s S-2XL in four colors, including black, charcoal heather, oxford gray and oatmeal heather (shown).

Hanes/Champion   /   PPAI 191138   /   www.haneslocator.com

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Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB.