S&S Activewear Fashion, News

3 Things You Didn’t Know About Champion Apparel

Originally known as the “Knickerbocker Knitting Company,” the inventors of the classic reverse-knit weave have come a long way since their birth in 1919. For decades, Champion has been outfitting top athletes, military, students and fans worldwide with the iconic “C” logo. Their commitment to long-lasting quality and focus on teams, rather than individual superstars has helped them experience a longevity and resurgence, not many apparel companies get to enjoy. In celebration of their, now 100 years in the business, here are 3 things you should know about how Champion has impacted all of us.

1. The Reverse Weave changed everything, but what exactly is it?

1938 Reverse Weave Patent

Since Champion was a major supplier of tees and sweatshirts to sports teams around the country, when coaches started to complain about shrinkage in their uniforms, the company came to the rescue and invented the reverse weave knit in 1934. Simply put, to help the garment maintain its shape and fight shrinkage, the grain of the sweatshirt fabric was made to run sideways instead of vertically (like most apparel) and side panels were added in for additional reinforcement. Since then, modifications were made to give the fabric a greater stretch, and an even better fit.

Continue reading “3 Things You Didn’t Know About Champion Apparel” →
S&S Activewear Fashion, News

Why Alternative’s “Go-To Collection” Was Made For You.

Every distributor has their list of favorite brands to use for those simple, everyday orders on a budget, and Alternative is ready to be one of them, with their new “Go-To Collection.” So, why should you be excited about this? Because, it was created specifically for YOU, the distributor.

Lower Prices? Tell Me More.

“The Go-To Collection was developed as a response to growing customer requests for lower pricing and more colors in their favorite, best-selling styles,” says Kevin Miles, Sr. Marketing Manager at Alternative Apparel. “With the buying power of our parent company, Hanes, we were able to negotiate lower prices with our vendors, without changing anything about the garments. The best part is that Alternative is giving that savings directly back to the customer, through the Go-To Collection. Everything in the collection is still the same quality and softness.“

Continue reading “Why Alternative’s “Go-To Collection” Was Made For You.” →
S&S Activewear News

Why adidas is Your Sustainability Partner

Within the past decade, lots of major corporations have launched efforts to become more environmentally responsible. However, there are very few, who have gone as far as adidas has gone to develop an extremely broad and comprehensive sustainability program, both internally and externally. Here’s a quick look at why you can feel good about buying adidas’ products.

In 2018, @adidas produced more than 5 million pairs of shoes containing #recycled #plastic waste. #recycling Click To Tweet

Reducing plastic waste has been a big initiative for adidas over the past few years. Since 2016, adidas retail stores no longer use plastic bags. In 2018, they reduced plastic waste in their offices, retail stores, warehouses and distribution centers worldwide by OVER 40 TONS, and then replaced it with sustainable solutions. And if that wasn’t enough, in 2019, the company plans on producing 11 MILLION PAIRS OF SHOES containing recycled ocean plastic – up from 5 million pairs produced in 2018.

Continue reading “Why adidas is Your Sustainability Partner” →
S&S Activewear FEATURED, News

S&S RENO PRESENTS: A History of Game Changers

In February 2019, we’re CHANGING THE GAME with our brand new 800K square foot warehouse in Reno, NV. The new facility will have a SKU profile unlike anything our industry has ever seen, carrying 30% more SKU’s, 3x more inventory, and 1-day shipping to the entire west coast. We’ve been growing since 1989, with expansions to California, New Jersey, Kansas, Texas and Georgia, and this is by far our biggest yet.

Throughout our growth, we’ve always been innovators at heart, trying to find new creative ways of moving the needle forward. But for now, let’s take a look backward and pay homage to some of the pioneers, who’ve helped our industry evolve over the years. Ever hear of Jasper Meek, Lawrence Herbert, or Michael Vasilantone? If you love promotional products, have to color match everyday, and screen print tons of orders, then these should be household names for you.

Continue reading to see how these three inspirational figures became game changers in our industry, all of whom we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to. Continue reading “S&S RENO PRESENTS: A History of Game Changers” →

S&S Activewear News

The Road To 30 Years of S&S

Owners Jeff Adams and Paul Rohr take a stroll down memory lane, and tell the story of how S&S became the company it is today. “It’s fun to see how we have grown into 6 locations and what we started from,” says Rohr. See photos showing of the beginnings of S&S and hear how the owners developed a company culture you know and love to work with. “We wanted people that we’re coming to work Monday, charged up; ready to go, and happy about their environment,” says Adams.

Special thanks to all the loyal customers and vendors who have supported us over the years! Without you, S&S wouldn’t be where it is today, and this story wouldn’t be possible.

S&S Activewear News

FORT WORTH IS NOW SHIPPING!!!

The wait is over! Our BRAND NEW warehouse in Fort Worth is now ready to ship your orders. Now 7 more major cities can enjoy 1-DAY SHIPPING of the BEST BRANDS in wholesale. There’s lots to love about the DALLAS/FORT WORTH community, and we thank all the locals for welcoming us with open arms. Our pickup area is slated to open in FEB. SEE the new digs in the video below:

S&S Activewear News

Behind the Scenes: Champion Authentic Originals Shoot

 

 

You would think that having a photo shoot out in the desert sounds like it might be a scorching hot affair, but mother nature had other plans for us. With temperatures in the thirties and strong winds blowing all day, our models we’re truly put to the test. They, much like our NEW EXCLUSIVE line, Champion Authentic Originals, we’re CHAMPIONS throughout the whole thing, sometimes while even only wearing a t-shirt.

S&S Activewear business advice, News

How Inksoft’s Fundraising Feature Is Keeping Decorators Afloat During COVID

During times like these, you’d think that buying t-shirts is the last thing on anyone’s mind, but now they’re more valuable than ever. Using Inksoft’s fundraising feature, decorators around the country have started creating fundraising campaign sites, to help support local businesses and keep their shops running.

These campaign sites are loaded up with t-shirts, each being decorated with the logo of local businesses, from around town. People can then find their favorite restaurant or shop’s tee on the site, and when they buy one, part of the proceeds will go directly to that business. It’s a win win for everyone, that’s turned into a major movement all around the industry, known as #HereForGood.

Shirt Kong, located just outside of the St. Louis area, first heard about this idea from the shop that started it all, Tiny Little Monster. Soon after that, they put together a fundraising site of their own, and $10 from each sale went directly to a business in St. Louis.

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5 days ago. Monday. I was the last one at the shop finishing up some office work. I get so much done when it’s quiet. No interuptions. It’s like 5x normal speed. So there I was in a zone and the phone starts ringing. Made me jump. Normally it wouldn’t, but the phone doesn’t ring much anymore. Startled, I look down at the caller ID and it’s @tinylittlemonster. The ringing fades out – I wonder why they’re calling. Tiny is a shop not far from ours. But the thing is we’ve never met before. Ever. As I reach to pick up, the ringing gets louder – I bring the receiver closer and say “Hello, Shirt Kong,” and a voice says, “Hey, it’s Sloan from Tiny.” . We talk about our shops. We share stories. We talk about the times – the quarantine and how we’re both hanging in there. Then she starts telling me about a movement she started called “Here For Good.” It’s a movement that helps support small businesses in our city by setting up online stores where people can buy a shirt and 100% of the proceeds go directly to that business. She went on and on…and on, I mean she’s really pumped about it. I couldn’t tell her no. . Sloan’s tagline is “We’re in this together” and she’s right. Maybe this crisis helps bring this country together. It did for me and Sloan. . Our store is now live We are starting with over 20 and adding more daily Our goal is to raise $10,000 Link is in our profile Thanks for your support! . Time for pizza, more beer and more #tigerking . #shirtkong #screenprinting #screenprintingshop #screenprintinglife #customtshirts #ink #tshirts #stl #printshop #graphicdesign #graphicartist #printlife #embroidery #makeitcount #bandmerch #entrepreneurlife #mrprint

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It’s inspiring to see how businesses are joining forces to help their communities and each other, during this national crisis. The value of these campaigns also goes beyond raising money as well. The shirts sold during these fundraisers will become walking billboards for local businesses across the country, and have the potential to continue to supporting them well after things return to normal again. That the kind of local promotion and support is priceless, especially for the smaller shops around town. If you’re thinking about doing something similar for your local community, here’s a look at one way you can get started.

How You Can Join the Movement

Both Shirt Kong and Tiny Little Monster utilized InkSoft webstores to build their fundraising campaigns. These sites have given t-shirts a new meaning, and if you’re looking to join the #HopeForGood movement, check out the video below to learn more about InkSoft’s fundraising feature.

CLICK HERE to see more examples of how distributors are using webstores to keep business flowing in.