1. Sweatpants

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There’s no better way to stay warm and stylish this fall than by cozying up in a pair of tie dyed sweatpants. To make your own sweats, start with white ones if you are going for the classic look. Then, just fold the fabric, secure it with rubber bands, and apply the dye. If you want to try something a bit more unique, start with black sweats. Fold and tie like normal, but apply bleach instead of dye. Let sit until the black has faded. Then, add dye to the bleached areas. Why spend a fortune on tie dyed sweatpants from a boutique when you can make your own for a fraction of the cost? 

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2. Curtains

Tie dyeing clothing is the most popular option, but it certainly is not the only one. If your closet is already bursting at the seams, consider dyeing up some linens for your home instead. Making tie dyed curtains is a breeze, and it is an excellent way to breathe some new energy into your home. It is also a great way to spruce up your old, faded curtains. Check out the full tutorial to get started. 

3. Hats

Hats are lots of fun to tie dye, too. When you stock up on wholesale hats, you can let your imagination run wild and create headwear in every color of the rainbow. Tie dyeing a hat is a little tricker than dyeing a shirt, but it is not as hard as it looks. We even have a complete tutorial to help you learn how to tie dye a hat. 

4. Sneakers

If you are looking for a way to freshen up a pair of old white sneakers, why not dye them the colors of the rainbow? Instead of tying your shoes up with rubber bands and squirting on dye, this project requires you to brush dye onto the fabric. It is super easy once you get started, and the results are incredible. Whether you start with a brand-new pair of white shoes or a dingy pair that is in desperate need of a new look, you will be blown away by how great these sneakers look when finished. 

5. Underwear

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You may be the only person who gets to see them, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving your tighty whities a new look. Boxers, boxer briefs, briefs, and panties of all styles can all be tie dyed using the same techniques you would use to dye a shirt or any other piece of apparel. If you are stuck in formal or business casual attire all day for work, why not have some fun by donning colorful undies? 

6. Denim Shorts

If you have white denim shorts that are starting to look a bit dingy and discolored, tie dyeing them is a much better option than throwing them in the trash. Rather than bunching or rubber banding them, lay the shorts out flat. Then, squirt dye on them. Add one color at a time until you have achieved the desired look. When you are finished, flip them over and repeat on the other side. 

7. Tote Bags

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Ditch plastic bags once and for all, and start carrying your groceries and other essentials in tie dyed totes. Making tie dyed tote bags is an excellent alternative to wrapping gifts in single-use gift bags, too. This tutorial will teach you how to make a super snazzy tote. Of course, you can also use any of your other favorite patterns and techniques to create totes that suit your style. 

Closing Thoughts

Prefer Sticking to Classic Tees? We Have Bulk Wholesale T-Shirts

The ideas above are just a few of the many, many things to tie dye. Nearly anything made from natural fiber — like cotton — can be tie dyed, so feel free to experiment. Whether you buy new blank apparel to customize or breathe new life into stained or outdated garments, accessories, or household textiles, you can’t go wrong with tie dye! 

The post 7 Things to Tie Dye Besides Shirts: Sweatpants, Hats, and More first appeared on The Adair Group.

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The Basics

When dyeing fabric that is already colored, there are two primary options. First, you can directly dye light and pastel colors, such as baby blue, light yellow, and pale pink. If you go this route, though, the result will be a mix of the original color of the shirt and the dye you added. So, if you add red dye to a light blue shirt, you will end up with a purplish color. This is important to keep in mind because some colors are not very pretty when mixed. Understanding basic color theory will help you avoid making a mess. 

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The second option — and the only one when working with dark colors and black — is removing the color using bleach. After bleaching, you can apply dye to the areas where color was removed. This process is known as “reverse tie dye,” and it’s a great way to add vibrant pops of color to dark apparel. Be careful not to leave the bleach on too long, though, as it can damage the fabric. 15-20 minutes is usually plenty of time for the bleach to do its job. 

Tie Dyeing Gray Shirts

Tie dyeing a gray shirt can be tricky, and the exact process varies depending on the darkness of the gray. For dark gray shirts, you have two options. First, you can add black dye to create a unique dark tie dye effect. The other option would be bleaching it then adding the colors of your choice. 

Lighter gray shirts offer more versatility and can be dyed using many colors. Gray tends to make other colors look dull, though, so you are not likely to achieve vibrant results. If you want the colors to pop, consider using a bleaching agent to remove some of the shirt’s color before dyeing it. 

Tie Dyeing Black Shirts

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When you want to tie dye black shirts, using bleach to remove some of the color is necessary. Because black is made up of all colors, there is no dye that you can add to it that will change its color. The best you can hope for would be making a faded shirt darker by adding more black dye. 

Whether you are dyeing up a batch of wholesale t-shirts or you are looking for a way to add some color to a few of your old tees, start by folding or twisting them into the desired pattern. Secure using rubber bands or string. Then, apply bleach. Rather than using liquid bleach (which tends to be very messy), consider using gel toilet bowl cleaner. Since it is thicker, this product is much easier to apply to specific areas. You are less likely to spill it, too. If you do use regular liquid bleach, mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio. 

Let the bleach work for 15 to 20 minutes. This is usually enough time for it to do its magic. If more time is needed, check back every five minutes until the fabric is light enough to dye. Do not leave the bleach on for more than an hour. After bleaching, rinse the shirt under cool running water, then wash. 

After washing, lay the damp shirt out on a flat surface. Then, squeeze dye onto the bleached areas. Add colors one at a time until you have achieved the look you desire. When finished, flip the shirt over and repeat the process on the other side. Let the dye set overnight, then rinse under cool water until it runs clear. Wash using warm water and a gentle color-safe detergent, and your new shirt will be ready for wear.

We Have The Blank Clothing for Tie Dye You Need!

Wrapping Up

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Whether you’re freshening up your own wardrobe, making gifts, or creating apparel to sell, tie dyeing colored shirts is a fun twist on a classic project. Here at The Adair Group, we have blank shirts in a wide range of colors. And, of course, we also carry a full range of white t-shirts for tie dye. Shop now to get started on your next project! 

The post Can You Tie Dye a Colored Shirt? first appeared on The Adair Group.

If you are like most people, you probably pick up a package or a few pairs of undies when your old ones have worn out or when you need something nice for a special occasion. You probably do the same thing when you need undershirts. Changing to buying in bulk, though, could save you a lot of time and money. Here are just a few reasons why you should be buying underwear in bulk.

Save Money

When it comes to buying just about anything in bulk, saving money is one of the biggest perks. Underwear is no exception. No matter what style you prefer, it generally costs a lot less to buy in bulk than to purchase individual pairs or the small packages you can get at your local big box store. If you buy wholesale boxer briefs, for example, you could pay as little as $1 per pair. Wholesale undershirts can cost as little as just over $2 each.

Buying in bulk also saves you money because you don’t have to make trips to the store every time you need a new pair. Grabbing a new pair out of your drawer doesn’t require you to put gas in your car or pay for shipping. It also means you won’t be tempted to spend any money on impulse purchases at the store.

Convenience

Imagine you are getting ready for your first day at a new job. You want to look and feel your best so you decide to wear your nicest boxer briefs and undershirt. When you’re getting dressed, you discover that your best white undershirt has turned a dingy yellow, and the nicest boxer briefs you can locate have a stretched-out waistband. It might not ruin your entire day, but it could leave you feeling less confident.

When you buy in bulk, you will have a supply of new underwear ready and waiting for such an occasion. Wouldn’t it be much easier to have a few pairs of boxers and some unworn undershirts put away so you don’t need to make a last-minute run to the store?

Less Laundry

You might be able to get away with wearing your favorite jeans several times before washing them, but undies are only good for one-time wear. When you buy a small package, you only have enough to get through a few days before needing to do laundry. If you buy in bulk, though, you can have enough undergarments on hand to get you through a few weeks. Who wouldn’t love doing laundry less frequently?

Prepare for Emergencies

It seems like there is a new natural disaster every time you turn on the news. From blizzards and ice storms to all sorts of other devastating disasters, there is a lot that could happen to prevent you from being able to wash your clothes. While Tide’s Loads of Hope Disaster Relief Aid helps people in disaster-stricken areas wash their clothes, stocking up ahead of time could save you from having to depend on such a service in an emergency.

We take a lot of things for granted–like being able to wash our clothes whenever we want. But if something goes wrong and you are left without power for several days, you’ll quickly realize just how comforting something as simple as a pair of clean underwear can be. Buying wholesale underwear and putting some in storage means that you will have a supply of fresh, clean undergarments if you are ever faced with such a disaster.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great reasons to buy underwear in bulk. Doing so saves you time and money and ensures that you won’t run out of this essential clothing item during times of need. At The Adair Group, we offer wholesale underwear from trusted name brands like Gildan and Hanes. Browse our selection now to stock up on the wholesale underwear products you need!

The post Why You Should Be Buying Underwear in Bulk first appeared on The Adair Group.

At The Adair Group, we are proud to offer Comfort Colors clothing in a variety of styles. Let’s take a closer look at the garment dyeing process and how it sets this brand apart from its competition.

What Is Garment Dyeing?

When most companies manufacture t-shirts and other apparel, they do so using pre-dyed fabric. In the conventional dyeing process, the fabric that will be used to make clothing is dyed prior to being cut and sewn into their final products.

Garment dyeing, on the other hand, refers to the process of dyeing clothing after it has been manufactured. This process is most often used for cotton knit clothing and cotton woven goods. Garment dyeing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to current fashion trends as well as the potential cost savings, but Comfort Colors has been utilizing this method for more than 40 years.

Why Garment Dyeing?

The process of pre-dyeing fabric before constructing it into clothing is known as piece dyeing. Traditionally, this process has been widely used because it is extremely cost-effective when mass-producing t-shirts and other identical garments in large quantities in the same color. The drawback to this process, however, is the potential risk involved in having a large inventory of a particular color of fabric in today’s rapidly changing market.

Garment dyeing enables clothing manufacturers–like Comfort Colors–to dye pieces after they have been made. This eliminates the need to stock huge quantities of certain colors and risk having them go out of style before they can be used. The garment dyeing process also results in clothing that is softer, more comfortable and more resistant to shrinking.

How Garment Dyeing Works

Rotary drums and paddle machines are commonly used in the garment dyeing process. The rotary drum machines are more frequently used for delicate garments, like sweaters, while paddle machines are used for more durable clothing items.

Paddle machines move garments around using a rotating paddle. There are a few different types of these machines, and they all work differently. In any case, though, they move clothing around inside the machine to ensure that the dye is applied evenly.

A rotary drum machine has a perforated drum that rotates inside a slightly larger vessel. The outer vessel contains the dye and the inner drum is divided into compartments to ensure that the garments rotate as the drum rotates. These machines can be used to dye t-shirts and a wide range of other garments with minimal abrasion.

There are a few different processes for garment dyeing, and there are several types of dye that can be used to create different effects. Overall, though, this technique enables manufacturers to create smaller batches of clothing in less time. It also tends to require less water and energy than other dyeing processes, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

About Comfort Colors

While more and more brands are adopting the garment dyeing process, we especially love Comfort Colors. The company embraces time-proven, refined dyeing processes and creates high-quality clothing that is as durable as it as fashionable.

As a member of the Gildan family, Comfort Colors is also committed to social and environmental responsibility. Their products are manufactured in facilities where workers’ rights and health are respected. The company also takes steps to minimize their energy and water consumption to reduce their harm to the environment.

Conclusion

The garment dyeing process results in clothing that is brightly colored, durable, soft and resistant to shrinking. It is an affordable process for manufacturers that results in high-quality products for consumers. Comfort Colors is a pioneer in the garment dyeing field and they have spent decades perfecting the art. At The Adair Group, we are thrilled to offer a range of blank Comfort Colors apparel in a rainbow of colors. Browse our selection today or contact us to request additional information.

The post Comfort Colors: The Process of Garment Dyeing first appeared on The Adair Group.

Screen printing is a printing technique in which high-quality ink is pushed through a polyester mesh onto an underlying layer. In most cases, screen printing is used to transfer original designs onto clothing, such as t shirts, tote bags, sweatshirts, or leggings. Screen printing has become the most common technique of transferring original designs onto products.

As screen printing continues to flourish, it’s important for printers and their clients to understand which items will leave them with the best end result. We’ve found that Anvil t shirts can fill your screen printing needs. More than one quality aspect has gone into consideration when making this list of five reasons why Anvil t shirts are perfect for screen printing, and we know after reading, you’ll consider Anvil for your next screen printing project!

1. Anvil T Shirts Are Made Well

The ways Anvil t shirts are constructed make them a great choice for screen printing. Anvil produces very sturdy tees, no matter the style. Soft but well-built, the tightly woven cotton fabric makes an ideal canvas for perfect printing. Using higher-quality t shirts like Anvil means your screen printing won’t result in blurry end graphics or gaps in the ink. When you choose to print on Anvil, you choose peace of mind.

2. Anvil T Shirts Are Wide in Variety

Anvil makes a t shirt for every size and type. They understand that trends change and businesses can’t stock different prints on the same exact tee and expect to succeed.  Anvil styles are plentiful—from unisex to a line of kid’s tees, it’s easy to find what you’ll need to stock your shop.

Anvil can help rocket your e-commerce business to success, simply by providing the perfect base for your design at a reasonably low price. The market for graphic tees specifically designed for kids is huge and expected to continue to grow. Anvil has a wide selection of kids tees available to help you get in on a market that remains unsaturated and to beat your competition in prices every time.

Many of our customers are looking for a uniform look, and that is common and expected when building a business. Creating your brand and making it immediately recognizable among consumers is important, and this is more than possible when choosing an Anvil t shirt for your designs. The Adair Group has all the Anvil designs you need to build your brand.

3. Anvil T Shirts Come with a Tear-Away Label

Why is this a good thing, you ask? Well, an easy-to-remove, tear-away label ensures you can begin to brand your line from the inside out! No more painstakingly cutting tags out while struggling to avoid leaving a hole in every single piece. Encouraging a consistent look, Anvil wants everyone to know the design is yours. While this concept has been introduced on a variety of tees, and within a large spectrum of companies, it’s just another great factor in the value of using Anvil for your screen printing needs.

4. Anvil T Shirts Wash Well

While minor shrinking after washing is expected with most cotton or cotton-blend t shirts, and Anvil is no different, it’s still a good sell to let your customers know you stock tees that shrink as little as possible. Anvil tees are tried and true, and they keep their shape and length with minimal shrinking, fading, or wear, wash after wash. Your customers can count on you for a piece that will last. Anvil is a brand that can help you build trust.

5. Anvil T Shirts Fit True to Size

We live in a world where online purchases are a part of our daily routine. We have incorporated them into the way we run our lives and, because of this, we rely on feedback. Whether it’s website descriptions or a review from a customer, we continually look to other people for assistance in our buying. A quick search of online reviews will assure you that Anvil t shirts fit true to size. A good fit is obviously important to buyers, and a major plus when it comes to marketing technique. Stocking Anvil takes the guessing out of sizes.

No matter the size of your business or complexity of your project, Anvil manufactures a t shirt that will be perfect for the job. Keep our stock of Anvil products in mind when shopping for your next screen printing venture. Our online inventory and special deals are updated every day, so you never have to doubt whether you’re getting the best deal available. Contact us today to get started!

The post 5 Reasons Why Anvil T Shirts Are Perfect for Screen Printing first appeared on The Adair Group.

Polo shirts are great for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for adults, juniors or infants, some are designed specifically for men or women, while others are unisex. Either way, polo shirts are a great investment for your wardrobe and appropriate for various occasions.

When it comes to affordability, style and diversity, polo shirts always hit the mark. There are endless color options when it comes to polo shirts for women and men. Whether you are seeking something classy and conventional (think black or white) or something bright, you can find one that suits you. In fact, why stop at one? That’s the beauty of buying polo shirts wholesale. 

Wholesale Polo Shirts Are Great to Customize for Businesses

History of Polo Shirts

Practical and comfortable, the humble polo shirt came about after tennis players became disenchanted with the restrictions of long-sleeved button-down shirts. With short sleeves and the option to leave the neck unbuttoned, polos offered a more relaxed (but still smart) alternative for tennis players. 

Now, people wear polo shirts to school, work and almost any place where they need to look casual yet classy.

Casually Cool or Delightfully Dapper?

To some style aficionados, the polo shirt is strictly a relaxed look. Teamed with well-worn jeans and sneakers, they are considered excellent for lounging or laid-back outings. To others, they represent a smart alternative to a sloppy t-shirt. Teamed with fitted trousers or stylish jeans, they can help you achieve a clean, effortless look. Whether you seek a casually cool vibe or a delightfully dapper look, polo shirts are incredibly versatile. 

Check Out Our Collection of Men’s Polo Shirts

Ladies: Style Up Your Polo Shirt

Polo shirts for women are spot-on for sports, the office or a relaxed day shopping with the ladies. The sporting look is an easy one to pull off, and the practical polo shirt allows you the freedom to swing a tennis racquet or golf club if you decide to hit the links or the tennis court.

If you’re looking for a casual vibe, match your polo shirt with khakis, sneakers and a denim jacket. This comfy style can carry you through just about anything the day or night might bring. 

Try buttoning the polo shirt up to the top for a crisp, refined feel. Team it with some fitted shorts or a playful A-line skirt in a bold print for a modern and fresh look that exudes quiet sophistication. If you’re looking for some extra polish, try tucking it in.

If you want something a little edgier, replace the A-line skirt with a sleek, fitted skirt. A pencil skirt is ideal. Or pair your polo with flattering, slim-fit jeans. Denim tends to be a safe bet to pair with most garments, but you can make a bold statement by ditching the blue for something more striking. Do you have any white or red jeans, by chance? If you want to go all-out, add some block heels. Who said a polo shirt can’t be girly? Remember, it’s all about how you wear it. 

Polo Shirts at Work

You can even wear your new wardrobe staple to work. If you plan to wear your cheerful polos to work every day, you can always shop for bulk polo shirts. When you know exactly what you’re going to wear every day, you won’t be as stressed when you’re rushing to get dressed in the mornings. Take the decision-making out of your morning routine with a closet full of polos. Is your office dress code on the fancier side? A polo shirt can look preppy and cultivated when you throw on a classy blazer. You can also work the layers look by adding a light sweater over the top. Be aware–the sweater and polo combination will leave you looking extra preppy.

Don’t Forget the Kids!

Children and polo shirts seem to be a match made in heaven. Polos are a perfect solution for kids who need to move around in their clothes while looking cute and presentable for parents. Kids’ polo shirts are perfect for school, sports, family gatherings and photos. Since they tend to look smarter than the average t-shirt, kids can wear polos with slacks for a more formal occasion or jeans for a friend’s birthday party. Do you need to impress grandma and grandpa? What better way than sending your kids to the in-laws looking fresh and fancy in a colorful polo?

Polos for the Win

Do you still think polo shirts are boring? We hope not. You can wear polo shirts in so many ways and for so many different occasions that it just doesn’t make sense not to keep a few in your closet. Play with different colors to spice up your wardrobe and you’ll fall in love with these classic shirts.

The post Polo Shirts: Elevate Your Casual Style with These Timeless Classics. first appeared on The Adair Group.

The “crewneck,” “crew neck,” or “crew-neck” refers to a variation of shirt or sweater with a round, collarless neckline. There are many types of round-necked shirts that seem similar to the crew neck (such as scoop neck shirts), but what sets crew necks apart is as much the design of their necklines their history.

A crew neck shirt typically fits tightly around the base of the wearer’s neck, and the material of the fitted piece is ribbed and sewn onto shirts or sweaters separately. This neckline style was popularized by oarsmen and boatmen, and its earliest forms were made exclusively for nautical purposes.

The name “crew neck” comes from the crew that manages and operates a ship. The style was later adopted by stevedores and miners, as it provided a convenient covering in hot environments.

Borrowed Beginnings

The crew neck’s history is closely tied to the development of t-shirts. The t-shirt or “tee shirt” came to the United States during World War I when U.S. soldiers noticed their European counterparts donned light, breathable, cotton undershirts rather than the U.S. soldiers’ wool garments. However, some say the U.S. Navy began issuing t-shirts for sailors in 1913 because they wanted an undershirt that would cover chest hair.

Although wearing this style of shirt or sweater today results in an effortless, casual appearance, cheap blank t-shirts were originally intended as undergarments, primarily used to soak up sweat. There were many other, similar types of undershirts before crew neck tees, but most varieties were sleeveless or singlets. T-shirts gained their name because they look like the letter “T” when laid flat.

Athletic Origins

The article of clothing that evolved into the modern t-shirt was developed in 1932 when officials from the University of Southern California’s football team, the Trojans, asked Jockey International, Inc. to develop them for the players. In addition to absorbing sweat, the officials (often credited to coach Howard Jones) wanted a type of undergarment athletes could wear that would prevent their shoulders from chafing against their football uniform’s shoulder pads. The resulting invention was the crew neck t-shirt.

Allegedly, the shirts grew so popular that other students began stealing them from the athletes. The university’s athletic department reacted by printing “Property of USC” on each shirt, but this neither deterred the thieves nor tempered the shirt’s newfound fame. Rather, the athletic department’s actions increased the appeal of crew neck shirts, and, near the end of the decade, Fruit of the Loom began manufacturing them for the public.

Crew Necks and Armed Service

In the Navy, crew necks were referred to as “gob” shirts. At the time, “gob” was a popular slang term for sailors in the U.S. Navy. Sears began advertising shirts designed like the navy’s gob undershirts for 24 cents in 1938. However, the company advertised them as legitimate outer garments rather than comfortable under clothing.

Crew necks were typically offered in white, but the Marines quickly realized that wearing bright white shirts made them more visible to enemies. To solve their camouflage problem, sailors dyed their shirts brown with coffee grounds. Shortly after, the Marines, and later the Army, were issued standard green military t-shirts.

Crew Necks in Modern Fashion

Outside of the armed forces and athletics, celebrities such as Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Elvis helped to popularize the use of t-shirts as outerwear. Movie and television stars showcased t-shirts in films and close fit shirts were heralded as sexy, masculine must-buys.

It wasn’t until the 1950s, when both sexes wore “sporty” clothing, that more colorful or decorative t-shirt varieties emerged. In the 1960s, tie-dyed shirts were a hit, and “graphic tees” were vastly popular during the 1970s.

Around this time, the shape of t-shirts underwent a few transformations of its own. While the “T” shape remained constant, the standard crew neck neckline began to change, resulting in other t-shirt varieties, such as the scoop neck, V-neck shirts or “vees,” and mid-length to long sleeved t-shirts.

However, the crew necks’ colorful history didn’t end there. In 2017, crew neck shirts are once again moving to the forefront of fashion. They have become one of many classic casual wear styles at the frontlines of the boutique “fitness and everyday” clothing movement commonly known as “Athleisure,” which migrated from the UK to the United States in mid-2015.

Despite their casual, unassuming nature, crew necks are a favorite of the masses. They offer versatility for both fashion and functionality, as they provide excellent insulation in the winter, breathability in warmer months, and layering, as well as business casual options all year round. This cornerstone of the American clothing culture has been shaping people’s relationships with casual wear for nearly a century and will likely continue to do so in years to come.

The post The History of the Crew Neck first appeared on The Adair Group.

We grab them on a cold evening to feel our warmest. We don them on the sports field or after the gym to stay warm. More recently, they’ve taken on a political tilt, representing rebellion and power. They’re hooded sweatshirts, and they have a more storied history than most of us are aware. We value them for comfort and admire them for practicality, but how did they come to the status they occupy in our society?

The hoodie’s story begins in 1920 when Russell Athletics created the first sweatshirt. Designed as an alternative to itchy wool sweaters worn on the football field, these crewnecks marked the starting point from which their hooded counterparts were to evolve. A decade after Russell’s debuted, Champion Products developed a thick sweatshirt with a protective hood, born after the company discovered a way to effectively sew thicker fabrics.

These hooded pullovers were sold to two distinct markets. The first was to laborers in need of protection from the elements. Cold-storage workers preferred the warmth they provided to that of long johns, the previous default cold weather solution. Tree surgeons appreciated them for their extra warmth as well as their ability to shield them from the elements when they worked in inclement weather.

The second population that latched onto this unique new garment included high school and collegiate athletes. Originally the first market for Russell’s crewneck version, football and track athletes appreciated the hoodie’s ability to keep them warm and dry during bad weather on the field during games. These athletes helped the hoodie’s rise in popularity, first by sharing them with their girlfriends as a sign of devotion, and then encouraging friends to wear them around campus.

By the seventies, hoodies had become popular in several different segments of society. In New York, they were a preferred piece of clothing for burgeoning graffiti artists, seeking to create art while obscuring their identities. Hoodies kept them warm and hidden while painting at night, but also invited the watchful and judgmental eye of local police and wary authority figures.

Also under the watchful eye of these figures? “Stick-em-up” kids—muggers who would wear hoodies to hide their faces as they scanned attentive crowds (often gathered to watch break dancers, themselves hoodie devotees for the warmth they provided before hitting the floor) for gold chains, purses, wallets, and other desirable items.

This was the start of hoodies as emblematic of trouble and illegal activity, an image that had even taken hold three time zones away, in California. Santa Monica’s Z-Boys, a surf and skate team that changed the face of both sports, donned hoodies as a way to take their skating to places it wasn’t typically permitted, like parking garages and drained backyard pools.

Between the Z-Boys and NYC’s b-boys, hoodies were gaining a reputation for rebellion. However, in the suburbs and less cosmopolitan areas, hoodies came to mean something completely different with the release of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky. The titular boxer and his ever-present gray hoodie came to stand for a tough work ethic and a “never give up” attitude. In this way, the laborers for whom hoodies were first designed were honored as their ilk came to rediscover the garment.

The eighties and nineties brought divergent rises in the image of the hoodie. Rap groups like Cypress Hill and the Wu-Tang Clan adopted hoodies as part of a gritty and rebellious image, perpetuating their connection with distasteful behavior. At the same time, designers like Norma Kamali (the first to show hooded sweatshirts on the runway), Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren brought hoodies to a more affluent and upscale place, giving them a place in the average suburban home. This schism in markets meant that most everyone owned or wanted a hoodie, but the reasons differed starkly, depending on who you were.

In 2012, the hoodie returned to the national spotlight after the brutal murder of unarmed Florida teen Trayvon Martin by neighborhood vigilante George Zimmerman. In both his 911 call and subsequent testimony, Zimmerman cited Martin’s hoodie and the suspicion it aroused as a viable cause for his actions. In defiance of Zimmerman’s assessment, the hoodie took on a new role: that of activist garment, as men and women of color across the country sought to reclaim the hoodie.

For such a simple item of clothing, the hoodie has had a complicated and varied history. From working class shield from the elements, to symbol of rebellion, to affluence, and finally to an emblem of activism, the hoodie can be any or all of these things to its wearer. If you’re interested in incorporating a hoodie into your wardrobe, whatever the reason, we urge you to get in touch with our representatives. We’re happy to help however we can!

The post A History of the Pullover Hoodie first appeared on The Adair Group.

Summer’s last breath is slowly fading into autumn’s cool whisper. Leaves are rusting and falling, their job as shade completed for the season. Days are shortening, nights are growing longer. Chopped wood for fires during the coldest months is starting to stack up on the side of houses across the U.S. It’s time to prepare for the cool and the cold ahead, and your wardrobe is one area where spring and summer colors are no longer hot.

Stay Down to Earth

Fall colors for clothing tend to be earthier in nature. Browns, yellows, oranges, navy—these are just some of the colors that reflect cooler days and nights.

Pantone.com stresses neutral colors. They say, “(Weave) earthy neutrals with a range of bold color statements and patterns to reflect a landscape of hope, fun, fantasy and all things natural. The colors are evocative of a love for nature and a timeless appreciation for warmth and security, which are conveyed through naturally inspired colors that remind us of things that are real and protective.”

WeConnectFashion.com says that this fall’s colors can be defined in one word: “Terrain,” as in “a complete palette of saturated earth tones.” They believe that brown will be front and center, once again, as the main color paired with prunes and warm tones like cognac and coppertone. They also note that caramel and toffee are “key to the Terrain palette,” while marigold and red rust will deliver a spicy note to your ensemble.

Smooth Terrain

As the name implies, Terrain yields a complete palette of saturated earth tones. This season, brown makes a major comeback, which is reflected not only with roast but also in hues like prune and warmer tones like cognac and coppertone. Both camel and toffee are key to the Terrain palette, positioned as influential outerwear colors. Marigold yellow and red rust add a spice component.

Elle magazine, reporting on fashionable colors for fall 2016, notes that Pantone (considered by many in the fashion world to be the color experts for clothing), is accentuating blues this fall.

Wwd.com notes that “… for the second consecutive season, Pantone has one color forecast for both women and men,” further blurring the line between male and female fashions that has been eroding the last few years.

But enough about what the runways say is hip and trendy this fall. What about the 99% of us who just want to wear comfortable clothing that fits the fall season?

Keep Warm

Aura Friedman, colorist at Sally Hershberger’s Downtown Salon, says this fall is about warmer, richer tones. Glamour.com believes that “(your) obsession with Starbucks’ epic Pumpkin Spice Latte just went to the next level. Nearly every collection featured the muted orange color—and it looked flattering on tons of different skin tones.” Who knew that the popular spice would eventually “spice” up fall 2016 clothing styles?

For the average Joe and Jane, colors for fall 2016 styles are, according to Pantone, reflective of “strength, confidence and complexity led by the Blue family and followed by earth tones and exuberant pops of vibrant colors, all of them working well to struggle against the contemporary turbulent life and to bring about a tad more tranquility and optimism around.”

What does this mean for us, the average consumer? It means dressing comfortably in shades of browns, blues, oranges, greens, and other earthy shades. It means choosing styles and colors that make you feel seasonal and happy. It means choosing shades that reflect calmness and contentment and you.

In case you need a shortened cheat sheet detailing the top colors for fall 2016, Sonoma Magazine has an easy-to-view, concise guide that gives both the Pantone color and the common color (for those of us who don’t have offices on Park Avenue).

For many, fall is the start of the “cozy” time of year, when our world becomes smaller and our adventures happen closer to our homes and our fireplaces. The crisp chill combined with shortened daylight hours is a natural progression, one that heralds the arrival of earthier shades in our clothes and spicier ingredients in our drinks. It’s a time to reflect the changing seasons in our food, our drinks, and our clothing. Don’t fall for just any colors in your wardrobe this autumn. Choose wisely, and enjoy the season!

The post Popular Colors for the Fall Season first appeared on The Adair Group.

Modern psychedelic tie-dye became a fad in the 1960s after rock stars such as Janis Joplin and John Sebastian started featuring the technique in their clothing. Different versions of tie-dye existed well before the 1960s and have been practiced widely in Japan, Africa, and India.
The Indian technique involves tying extremely small points on the cloth with thread in a particular pattern, and then dip-dyeing them. This resulted in tiny dotted patterns on the cloth. Bandhani was practiced by the Muslim Khatri Community in Kutch, India. The Indian tie-dyeing form was extremely intricate, due to the different patterns involved, such as Leheriya, Mothra, Ekdali, and Shikari.
The Japanese version is very similar to the modern day tie-dye art, but, instead of bright hues, the Japanese used only indigo pigmentation in their garments, which are usually made out of hemp or silk. Shibori, the Japanese version of tie-dye, were among the goods donated by the Emperor Shomu to one of the Seven Great Temples in Nara.
The ancient Chinese also used tie-dye and wood strips, squares, chopsticks, and, of course, string to divide the color from the non-color sections. Tie-dyeing reached its peak in the Tang Dynasty when it became fashionable for the upper class to wear clothing with these designs.
The hippie movement brought in tie-dye as a form of expression and to break free from the social norms of the 1950s and early 60s. The tie-dye in America represented the free-spirited nature of the youth, of psychedelic rock, and of the sexual revolution.

The process of tie-dyeing involves using various folding, pleating, crumpling, and twisting techniques, and then binding these sections with rubber bands. Dye is applied to these sections. This part is called the “resist,” because the dye is prevented from coloring the bound part of the fabric.
Tie-dyeing usually involves using bright, primary colors to create bold patterns. More sophisticated and advanced tie-dyeing techniques involve various steps and using different other types of resists, apart from just binding with rubber bands.

TIPS & TRICKS

	Washing the fabric before tie-dyeing is important, as it removes the sizing (a protective chemical that keeps the shirt looking fresh and wrinkle-free in the store). It also removes softeners, oils, and other elements that could affect the absorbency rate of your fibers.		Use plastic to cover your work area so you don’t have dye stains on your furniture.		Tie-dye while your fabric is still damp from the washing.
	Zip ties and rubber bands are great binding items.		Use a wire rack when dyeing, as it prevents the colors from muddying while the dye sets.		Use plastic to cover the dyed fabric so it stays damp while the dye sets. The fabric should set for at least 6 to 8 hours so the colors come out bright!
	Immediately clean all the containers used in your tie-dyeing session with hot water and soap.		The first few washes of your tie-dyed garments need to be washed separately in cold water, as they might bleed.		Adding small amounts of sodium alginate or Super Clear liquid thickener will make the dye mixture less viscous. It slows down the rate at which the dye spreads. This is helpful if you want to create sharper edges.
	Natural fibers are always the better option when it comes to tie-dyeing. Fabrics such as cotton, rayon, hemp, linen, and ramie are great options. If you can’t find natural fiber shirts, then look for fabric that has 90% cotton with 10% polyester or lycra. Avoid blends that come in 50/50, or your colors will come out very pale.

HOW TO TIE DYE A SHIRT

Once you have the basics covered, it’s time to tie-dye like a pro! There are several techniques that you can use to create different patterns and shapes. It really depends on what kind of look and result you want.

The Bulls-Eye Effect

For this technique, tie a rubber band around a pinch of cloth right at the center of the t-shirt. Pull the pinch into a cone shape. The more fabric, the bigger the bulls-eye. Tie in another rubber band 2 inches away from the band. Continue this step to add in as many rubber bands as you want. The more the bands, the more the rings you create. Use a squeeze bottle to apply your desired dye color to the different sections you have created. Leave the dye to set for at least 8 hours, rinse the shirt with warm water, and let it dry.

The Shibori Effect

The Shibori effect creates unique squiggly lines on your t-shirt. Shibori is the ancient Japanese art of tie dyeing. What you need is a PVC tube or any kind of non-absorbent tube. Roll your t-shirt onto the tube. Scrunch both ends of the t-shirt—you can do this very tightly (for thinner lines) or loosely (for bigger lines). Secure both ends with a rubber band. Then take a squeeze bottle and apply your colors. Let the colors set for at least 6 to 8 hours. Wash the fabric separately in cold water and leave it to dry.

The Spiral Effect

The Spiral tie-dye method is the most recognized and popular of all tie-dye methods. To do this, you need to pinch your fabric at the point where you want your spiral to start. From here, carefully twist your shirt until the very end. Using rubber bands, create 6 to 8 wedges on the cloth (sort of like a pizza). Apply your desired dye color to each wedge using a squeeze bottle. Once you are happy with your product, leave it to set. After 8 hours, wash the fabric in cold water and leave to dry.

The Sunburst Effect

The Sunburst effect needs some fabric pinching done at random places on the t-shirt. Secure with rubber bands and apply the dye to pinched sections of the fabric. You can either leave the remainder of the t-shirt in its original color, or you can apply a different colored dye to the rest of the t-shirt. Usually, the sunburst effect works best when the sunburst is in a bright color and the overall t-shirt is in a darker hue. As always, leave to set, wash, then dry.

The Ombre Effect

This effect is great if you want to add some color to your plain tees but still keep the design subtle. For this effect, you also need a paint brush. Starting either at the bottom or the top of the shirt, create a layer of color by squeezing your dye along the fabric’s edge. Then, using a damp brush, brush the color either upwards or downwards from your dye edge. This will create the gradient look. Repeat this process using different colors along the t-shirt, but make sure you change your water whenever you start a new color. Ombre effects work great not only for t-shirts, but shoes and canvas bags, as well.

The Heart Effect

This technique needs a little bit more effort than other tie-dyeing methods. First, fold your t-shirt in half, and then, using washable marker, trace the outline of half a heart on each side of the fold. Tightly pleat the shirt along the marker line and secure the pleated fabric with a rubber band. After this, use rubber bands to bind the rest of the fabric. These parts will form the outer colors of your heart. Apply the dye using a squeeze bottle. The Heart effect is a great way for creating DIY wedding favors on t-shirts or bags.

The Watercolor Effect

The Watercolor effect may not exactly be tie-dyeing, but it does involve dyeing a plain fabric. As with all techniques, make sure your t-shirt is damp for the dyeing. Squeeze dye into a plastic container and, using a wet brush, dip the ends into the dye and brush the dye on the t-shirt. This will create the brush stroke designs on your shirt. Continue this step with other colors to create your desired look.

The Spider Effect

For this effect, prepare your t-shirt as you would do in the Spiral effect by twisting the shirt and then creating the wedges. After this, using a squeeze bottle, color each wedge with your desired color. Squeeze bottles are a great tool for tie-dyeing, as it allows you to control the amount of liquid to seep into the cloth. Flip the spiral and color each wedge with its corresponding color. After this, using black dye, completely cover one side of the t-shirt in black. Cover the t-shirt in plastic and let the color set for 8 hours. Rinse, then hang to dry.

The Folding Effect

This technique involves a systematic way of folding to get a geometric type result. You need to create at least 8 panels of folds. Start by folding the t-shirt in half, and then fold that half into a quarter, and then fold again to achieve 8 panels. Apply your desired color to the edge of the squares. The final result will give a tiled look to your t-shirt design.

The Crumple Effect

This technique is the easiest of all to do. If finding a quick solution to upgrade your t-shirt is what you want, then use the crumple method. Crumple your fabric to create your desired effect. Once you have achieved the crumple you like, squeeze dye directly onto the crumpled parts. Once you have covered one side, do it on the other side. The tighter the crumple, the more pronounced the effect. Let the colors set in properly before rinsing and drying.

The Egyptian Collar Effect

Lay your dry t-shirt on a flat surface and, using painter’s tape, mark off a point about mid-chest. You want the t-shirt to be dry, because you want to create clean dots & dashes, as opposed to blots and splashes. The painter’s tape marks off the limit for your collar. Squeeze your desired colors into dots and dashes, and make sure to have enough space between them for your colors to spread. Once you are done with your dyeing, and you are happy with the outcome, take a spray bottle and spray clean water on the colored areas until the areas get damp. You want to do this after you do the dying so that the colors seep deeply into the fabric. Spray only on the colored parts. Allow the colors to set for 8 hours, then rinse and wash.

The post How to Tie-Dye a Shirt first appeared on The Adair Group.