As much as we love creating wearable art out of plain white T-shirts, there are some challenges to keeping them clean. At The Adair Group, we provide bulk T-shirts, wholesale hoodies and more to get your next tie-dying project underway.

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Dying So That the Color Will Last

A question many people ask is if you can wash tie-dye shirts together. You don’t want to ruin all the hard work that went into creating them, but they need to be cleaned.

There is a good deal of chemistry behind tie dye, and not all dye is the same. The color fastness of the shirt depends partly on what type of dye was used. The best dye for plant fibers like cotton and linen is a fiber-reactive dye. For protein fabrics like wool and silk, you need an acid dye. The kind of dye you get at the grocery store is an all-purpose dye.

It’s imperative to use the correct type of dye when tie-dying. Using the wrong kind can result in your colors not being as vibrant or lasting as long as you’d like. It can also lead to your colors bleeding into each other, which is obviously not the look you’re going for.

Each type of dye has its own method for setting. If you want your shirt to maintain its color, be sure to carefully follow all of the directions on the package. Failure to do so will result in the color bleeding and fading quickly, no matter how you wash it.

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Tips for Washing Tie Dye

Once you’ve got your perfect tie-dye shirt, it’s essential to know how to properly care for it so it will stay looking its best. Here are a few tips to follow when washing your tie-dye shirts:

Wait 24 Hours

If you dyed the shirt yourself, it’s recommended to let it sit for 24 hours before washing it with soap or detergent. This gives the dye time to fully set.

Always Wash With Cold Water

Wash your shirts in cold water separately from other garments. Why is this important? Hot water can cause the colors to bleed, so you’ll want to avoid it at all costs. You should also avoid using any type of bleach on your shirts, as this will cause the colors to fade.

Use a Mild Detergent

The type of detergent you use to wash your tie-dye T-shirt can greatly impact the results after a wash. Choose a mild detergent that is designed for color-safe washing. Avoid using any type of fabric softener, as this can actually cause the colors to bleed.

Hang Your Shirts to Dry

Once your shirts have been washed, it’s important to hang them to dry. Putting them in the dryer can cause the colors to fade. If you must use a dryer, set it on the lowest heat setting possible.

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Can You Wash Tie Dye Shirts Together?

Tie-dye has historically been a great way to express oneself. And it’s no wonder that it has become so popular. Now that you know how to properly care for your tie-dye shirts, you might wonder if washing them together is okay.

The answer is yes, but use the recommendations above to ensure the best results. Whether washing one T-shirt or a dozen, take extra care to complete these steps.

The post Can You Wash Tie Dye Shirts Together? first appeared on The Adair Group.

The humble t-shirt is truly one of the most underrated garments hanging in most people’s closets. Black t-shirts are especially useful when you’re trying to add a slick and stylish aesthetic to your personal look. If you play your cards right, some of the most basic garments in your wardrobe can have the biggest impact on your overall look. Keep reading to discover some stylish tips on what to wear with your black t-shirt.

Start with the Right Tee

Before you start mixing and matching the clothes in your closet to create looks that are totally “you,” it’s important to make sure you have the right black t-shirts. When you’re trying to be fashion-forward, you need tees that are a deep, dark black – not ones that have faded to more of a navy blue or gray due to repeated washings. You also need tees that fit properly. They shouldn’t be overly snug, nor should they be baggy. They should fit close to your body in a way that’s flattering but not too revealing.

For guys, the bottom hem should extend roughly two inches past the belt to the mid-fly. If you’re shopping for black t-shirts for women, styles that hit at or below the hip are generally your best bet. Regardless of which gender you are, the sleeves shouldn’t be overly tight around your biceps. They should fit closely, but there should be plenty of room to slip a finger or two between the fabric and your skin.

Necklines make a difference, too. Crewneck styles are generally better for casual situations while V-necks work best when you are trying to look a bit more dressed up. Learn more about various necklines and how they can impact your overall look in our guide to t-shirt necklines.

Blackout Your Style

Trying to create an eye-catching look that’s totally sleek and stylish? Try the minimalistic “blackout” look. Embrace the simplicity of your favorite black t-shirt by pairing it with a black jacket, black jeans and black shoes. Hanging out with friends? Try wearing a black leather (or faux leather) jacket. If you’re heading to work or taking someone special out on a date, wear a black sport coat. You can, of course, also rock a black t-shirt under a black suit for a total polished and put-together look.

Ladies can embrace the blackout look by wearing a black tee with a black cardigan and jeans or a black skirt. It’s hard to mess up this particular style. Just make sure that all of your pieces are the same “shade” of black and that none are faded.

Rock Your Athleisure Look

Whether you’re going for a jog, heading to the gym, hanging out with friends, picking up groceries or lounging around at home, you can’t go wrong with the athleisure look. Wear your favorite black t-shirt with a pair of cozy sweatpants or joggers and a zip-up hoodie for a look that’s both comfortable and stylish. In warmer weather, you can also ditch the sweatpants or joggers in favor of a pair of athletic shorts.

Wear a Black Tee with Jeans

Pairing a black t-shirt with jeans may be simplistic, but it’s one of the best ways to create stylish outfits. Rather than wearing black jeans as advised above, though, try pairing your well-fitting black t-shirt with a pair of dark indigo wash jeans to create the ultimate casual look. You can even try wearing a black tee with white jeans to create a look that shows off some contrast.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a guy or a girl, black t-shirts definitely belong in your wardrobe. They’re versatile enough to wear for any occasion and can easily be dressed up or dressed down to meet your needs. Feel free to experiment with the garments in your closet to create stylish looks that are uniquely “you.” And if you need more black t-shirts, we have you covered with affordable wholesale options!

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What Is High-Visibility Clothing?

Safety green is a type of high-visibility–or hi-viz–clothing. High-visibility clothing is any clothing that is highly reflective or has a color that can easily be discerned from any background. Many employers require it as a form of personal protective equipment because it can prevent serious accidents.

Safety green is frequently worn by road maintenance crews, sanitation workers, railroad workers and airport workers. In any job where people are working in dark areas or near moving vehicles, safety green improves visibility and helps prevent injuries and death.

Protocol for Wearing Safety Green at Work

In certain industries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict requirements regarding the wearing of high-visibility clothing. People who work on highway or road construction, for example, are required to wear brightly colored clothing. The OSHA manual requires daytime flaggers to wear shirts, vests or jackets that are orange, yellow or safety green in color.

Your employer may also have specific guidelines for wearing safety green at work. You may be required to wear a certain amount of safety green, or you may be required to wear certain types of garments. Check your employee manual or talk to HR to find out the specific requirements.

Benefits of Safety Green

Wearing safety green makes it easier for other people to see you, and when you are easily seen, you are much safer. Safety green t-shirts, headwear, vests, jackets, etc. make you much more visible to drivers and equipment operators in your immediate vicinity. High-visibility clothing makes you stand out from your environment and helps ensure your safety. This is especially important when you are working in dark areas or in fog, rain, snow, etc.

During the summer months, high-visibility jackets and coveralls are simply too hot. They can also restrict movement, making them inappropriate for certain situations in which freedom of movement is important. In factory settings, the bulk can also be a danger. Safety green t -shirts, however, are cool, comfortable and don’t create a lot of bulk. When they fit properly and are worn tucked in, they can safely be worn around equipment without risk of getting entangled in moving parts. T-shirts are also affordable and easy to maintain, making them ideal for situations in which frequent wearing is required.

Who Else Can Benefit from Safety Green?

While safety green is most frequently worn in industrial settings and by road workers, construction crews, etc., it can benefit other people, too. Runners and cyclists commonly wear this vibrant color when traveling on roadways to ensure that drivers are able to see them. This is especially common among runners and riders who are on the road in the early morning or evening hours.

If you are going to a crowded area with your family, dressing your kids in safety green makes them much easier to spot if you get separated. Since the color isn’t often worn by children, it will also make it easier for others–including emergency responders–to identify your son or daughter if he or she gets lost in a crowd. Dressing your child in bright colors can even deter potential kidnappers from attempting to lure him or her away from you since they will not be able to easily blend in with the crowd.

In Conclusion

Safety green is a color that is commonly used in high-visibility clothing because it helps differentiate the wearer from their environment and makes them easier to see in low-light situations. It is also an excellent choice for runners and cyclists, and it can even help you keep your child safe in large crowds. At The Adair Group, we have wholesale t-shirts in a wide range of colors–including safety green. Please feel free to browse our selection and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

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Ah, the classic white t shirt, a fashion staple. You can dress it up or dress it down, and it can be worn with almost anything, and it will always look cool and feel comfortable. Whether you pick the standard round neck, a curve hugging V-neck or a softly relaxed fit, there is a white t shirt for everybody and (almost) every occasion.

The tried and trusted partnership of blue jeans with a white t shirt is a daily go-to, but to create a more fashion forward look, all you need to do is change up one or two elements of this basic ensemble to create fresh new styles for your 2018 wardrobe.

ADD A BELT

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to update your plain white tee is to add a belt. Here are four great belt ideas:

1. Parachute Belt

Sporty parachute belts were all over the catwalks this season. Wear it over your t shirt in a contrasting color and pair with colored skinny jeans or even an on trend mini skirt.

2. Go West

Western-inspired outfits are currently being featured by Versace, and the cowgirl trend is a perfect update for a standard jeans and t shirt combo. Add a western-style belt with a gold buckle, and you’re ready to ride.

Want to go further? Fringe details are big this season and are a trend to watch. Nasty Gal’s leopard moto jacket features the fringe detail, alongside animal print. Add a fringed sweater, jacket or some fringed boots to your outfit for an extra hit of frontier fashion.

3. Double Up

If one belt is good, then two is better! Or, remember those watches with the super-long straps you wrapped round and round your wrist? Do the same with a belt by buying one that is much too large, and wrapping it around your waist twice for a fresh new take.

4. Belt Bag

Belt bags were showcased this season by Gucci and Balenciaga, among others. Choose one with fringes or wear more than one. Hang them on your waist at the front or diagonally across your t shirt for a fast style update.

5. Chunky Belt

The catwalks are all about the 1980s this season, and nothing says the 80s as clearly as a chunky belt over a baggy top. Wear it with an oversized white t shirt, and anything else you like.

SWITCH TO A SKIRT

Park the jeans and pull out a skirt to pair with your pristine white tee for spring and summer. Here are some ways to rock it.

1. Max Chic

Wear your loose fit tee untucked with a maxi skirt and gladiator sandals for a relaxed summery vibe. Add a vintage denim jacket, a dangly necklace or two and a cool pair of sunglasses for a little shot of effortless boho cool.

2. Micro Mini

Hemlines are heading upwards again, so make sure your legs are ready to see the sun. Pair the new boxy micro minis with a relaxed fit slash-neck t shirt. Add sparkly flats or understated sneakers, along with a long cardigan for a casual nod to the look, without going to risqué.

3. Pencil Sharp

Opt for a fitted t shirt and tuck it into a smart below-the-knee pencil skirt to create a sleek silhouette. Add a tailored blazer, and you’ll be ready for business. Avoid the power suit impact of a matching skirt and jacket by adding socks and high-heeled sandals for a quirkier take. The right jewelry is imperative to pull off this look. Aim for understated and classy rather than blingy, and you’ll be on the right track.

When you’re off-duty, try pairing your t shirt with an on-trend checked pencil skirt and a runway-favorite lightweight raincoat.

4. Peplum It

Oversized peplum sleeves and skirts are everywhere at the moment, but drama like this needs a quieter supporting cast. Pair an outrageous peplum skirt in a vibrant, saturated color with your favorite fitted t shirt and a statement necklace and earrings for an hourglass silhouette with added pizzazz.

5. Stars and Stripes

Designers were in a patriotic mood at New York Fashion Week with Raf Simons and Calvin Klein, among several others who were showing collections based on the stars and stripes. Pick up the trend with a blue and red striped skirt, fashion-forward red patent slip-on wedges and a bright white t shirt.

6. Tulle

At the Milan fashion shows, tulle skirts were on show everywhere, while in London, pastel hues took center stage. Combine a softly draped tulle skirt in an ice-cream pastel or a dusky petal shade with a simple t shirt and denim jacket. Add sports socks and sneakers or buckle boots for a look that is truly catwalk-inspired.

7. Lavender and Lilac

Sugared almond servings of lavender and lilac are already in the shops, and the hot new shade is set to quickly replace millennial pink. Team a lilac suspender skirt with a plain white t shirt and on-trend pastel buckle shoes for a burst of spring feeling.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the classic combo of a white t shirt and blue jeans, there are plenty of other options for your bottom half that will look just as good.

1. Wet-Look is Back

Get ready for wet-look leather, because it is well and truly back this season, and this time it’s not just black but red, aqua, purple and other fabulous shades.

Try pairing a patent red micro-mini with a fitted white t shirt and transparent heels to be bang on-trend.

Or have some fun by going for the full-on greaser look with wet-look leather trousers, a classic white t shirt and a matching wet-look bomber jacket. Add scarlet lipstick and plenty of attitude.

2. All White

Evoke the spirit of a Caribbean summer by accessorizing your stand by t shirt with white linen cutoffs and a pair of on trend sequined flip flops. You’ll almost be able to hear the surf and feel the sand between your toes.

3. Day to Night

Skinny black pants go with a plain white t shirt like peanut butter goes with jelly. Start with a neat jacket and court shoes for work. Swap the courts for peep-toes, add a sparkly shrug, dangly earrings and lipstick, and you’re ready to discover the nightlife.

4. Rip Them Up

Skinny black ripped jeans may still make our grandmothers scratch their heads, but this is one trend that has shown it has major staying power. Match your ripped jeans with your classic white t shirt, some buckled ankle boots and shades for some understated cool.

5. Go Wide

Wide leg palazzo pants are a great summer staple. Choose a pair with some sparkly sequins to update the look. Add your fitted white t shirt, a skinny belt and some platform sandals, and you’ll be cool and comfortable on even the hottest days.

6. Fancy Pants

Bejeweled and decorated jeans, sometimes paired with evening wear, will be coming to a store near you soon if the designers have their way. The essence of the trend is the juxtaposition of pairing day and casual wear with traditional evening-wear fabrics and sparkles. Get a jump on the trend by sewing sequins onto blue jeans and matching with a plain t shirt and a sparkling tuxedo vest.

7. Back to Blue Jeans

If you really must have your blue jeans, pick up on the 1980s trend this season and tuck high waisted pale blue denim into slouchy white ankle boots and pair with a baggy white t shirt.

TOP SHOTS

Just adding a twist to your top half can transform your outfit from plain to punchy. Try these simple additions to dial up the impact.

1. Layer it With Color

Layering is a trend that is here to stay and is a great choice for a laid-back, slightly edgy look, paired with boyfriend shorts or cut-offs for hot summer days. Try layering a colored camisole or two over your t shirt for a simple way to change up your style. Alternatively, throw out your mother’s outdated underwear rules and wear a thin white tee over a brightly-colored bra for don’t-care impact served with extra sass.

2. Faithful Flannel

Beloved of high school seniors and college students everywhere, an oversized flannel shirt worn over a t shirt paired with jeans and boots is a classic go-to for good reason. It works equally well with the shirt tied around your waist or tied to the side. This practical, casual style never dates — and, after all, who doesn’t want to reminisce about their high school days?

3. Wrap it Up

Slip a long neutral cardigan over your t shirt and jeans, add nude heels and a matching shoulder bag, and pop some sun glasses casually on your head, and you’ll find you’ve nailed a favorite off-duty celebrity style. Add hair extensions for an authentic copy-cat look.

4. Kimono Coverage

Instead of a cardigan or jacket, switch it up with a kimono worn over a plain white shirt. Choose ‘60s style florals and sheer fabrics for the hippest way to go.

5. Bomber Jackets

With the return of all things 1980s, comes the bomber jacket. Try a sequined version over a plain t shirt with skinny jeans and sparkly Cinderella shoes for a look that will last you from day to night.

DRESS IT UP

Adding a t shirt can be a fun new way to wear a beloved dress, or a problem-solver when your dress wants to show just a bit too much of you.

1. Mind the Gap

If that diaphanous little wrap-dress at the back of your closet is begging for an outing but it leaves you feeling a little too exposed, add a simple white t shirt underneath, and the problem is instantly solved. Add some white cutoffs and tie the dress loosely, and you’ll look beachy and relaxed, rather than worried about your modesty.

2. Strappy Happy

Strappy sundresses are pretty and always popular for summer, and Gucci showed them this year with super-feminine sequins and sparkles, while Dolce & Gabbana, Alessandra Rich and Erdem explored a more floral motif with modern tea dresses. Showing that much skin isn’t always practical for school or work, and adding a t shirt underneath or on top can make them appropriate for more situations. Pair with sandals or wedges to up the girlie factor, or wear alongside ankle boots and a denim jacket to toughen it up.

3. Sheer Perfection

It may be fine for models to wear oh-so-pretty totally sheer floral dresses with their underwear on display. However, the rest of us mere mortals can take a tip from Emilia Wickstead and layer a modesty-preserving and lump and bump hiding shirt and shorts combo underneath.

WORK READY

1. Utility Clothes

Prada, Sportmax and Gabriele Colangelo all showed utilitarian designs at Milan fashion week.  Coveralls, jumpsuits, pants and jackets all featured multiple pockets, belts and zips. Make the trend work for you by layering a plain t shirt with slouchy utility pants or flight suit inspired jumpsuits. Add belts and strappy sandals for the perfect mix of pretty and boyish. Keep your hair simple to match the style.

2. Trouser Suits

Perfect for work and a staple of the catwalk, trouser suits are the go-to work option for spring and summer. If you’re feeling brave, patterned velvet trouser suits like Chloe’s horse-motif version in tan, represent the playful extreme of this trend. Alternatively, choose wide pants and a tailored jacket in a saturated color and team with flats and a plain t shirt. Add a fisherman’s net bag, and you’ll be in with the fashionable set.

3. Workday Plaids

Heritage checks and plaids are a strong direction this season. In fact, Fendi devoted their whole show to the pattern. Add a casual touch to the grown-up suiting by opting for a fashion-forward shorts-suit over your plain white t shirt and add some bling with your jewelry.

Alternatively, mix a plaid jacket with a plain t shirt and a floral skirt, plus socks and sneakers to combine three key trends for summer.

4. Work Safe Spring Brights

Pick a fresh spring color and invest in some well-cut ankle-grazers. Partner with your white t shirt. Trench coats are the top layer of the season, so invest in a lightweight version in a matching color for an up-to-the-minute spring wardrobe option for work. Strappy sandals and a matching clutch will create a youthful and polished impression.

The post How to Create Fashion-Forward Looks Using a White T Shirt first appeared on The Adair Group.

Everywhere you look, the ‘90s are back. From high-waisted jeans to oversized flannel, and with the ’90s sitcoms rebooting left and right, people remember what they loved about this decade. Let’s take a look at t-shirts as a unique garment that defined modern fashion, with a special focus on a decade of trendsetting and great TV.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE T-SHIRT

Obviously, the t-shirt doesn’t belong to any one decade, although the ‘90s saw some pretty hip manifestations. And while the garment with its recognizable shape was around for most of the twentieth century, it wasn’t until the second half of the century that culturally we started to accept it as something other than underwear.

The t-shirt evolved from a 19th-century style of men’s underwear called “the union suit,” which paired the t-shirt shape on top with shorts or pants on the bottom. As a one-piece flannel, the union suit was great in the winter, when workers needed the extra protection from the cold, but torturous in the summer when there was no way for workers wearing it to cool down without cutting off the bottom half. Many of them did, and thus, the t-shirt shape was born.

In the early 20th century, underwear companies started advertising t-shirts as “bachelor undershirts,” and F. Scott Fitzgerald coined the term “t-shirt” in 1920 when he had a character sporting one in his novel, This Side of Paradise. After World War II, when soldiers coming home brought back their t-shirts and started wearing them as stand-alone pieces rather than undershirts, the t-shirt earned its title as the casual top.

By the time the ‘90s rolled around, t-shirts were so widespread that designers became extremely creative in order to maintain the garment’s originality. TV shows reflected this widespread popularity, and fictional characters became casual fashion icons. Let’s look at some of the t-shirts from ‘90s TV that helped curate the look of the decade.

CLARISSA EXPLAINS IT ALL

Melissa Joan Hart’s breakthrough role as Clarissa Darling came with its fashion perks. Clarissa would address the audience directly as she navigated everyday teen problems that young viewers most likely identified with. She brought style to the screen, with the assistance of her sidekick and best friend Sam, played by Hart’s costar, Sean O’Neil.

If you thought tie dye shirts belonged in the ‘60s, just take a look at the vibrant colors on Clarissa and Sam’s t-shirts. The look is unquestionably a product of the ‘90s.

THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR

Perhaps one of the most iconic theme songs in television history opened each episode of The Fresh Prince. In this well-loved sitcom, Will Smith played a fictional version of himself, a streetwise teenager from West Philadelphia (“born and raised”) whose mother insists he move in with posh relatives in Bel-Air.

And while his attitude often clashed with that of his wealthy aunt and uncle, his style often stole the show. Known for bright colors and wild prints, one of his better-known looks was this electric green striped t-shirt. Paired with sunglasses, Will Smith looked the part of a fun-loving rapper.

The fictionalized version of himself wasn’t so far from the truth. He played a well-liked rapper who had gone bankrupt due to poor budgeting skills, and when NBC signed Smith for the part, he was broke, despite his successes as a rapper. Luckily, his sense of humor and style immediately launched his acting career.

SAVED BY THE BELL

The many movies and spin-off TV shows attest to this early ‘90s sitcom’s success. Following an ensemble cast as they experience the ups and downs of high school, Saved by the Bell could be both hilarious and serious. The show focused on the ringleader of the group of friends, Zack Morris.

However, his best friend Screech, played by Dustin Diamond, often stole the scenes. Though Screech was something of a nerd, his wardrobe didn’t lack for originality. His t-shirts often had eye-popping graphic art printed across the front, and when paired with high-top sneakers and his goofy grin, he became the Screech viewers loved.

FRIENDS

It’s hard to think of another show that achieved the cultural status that Friends did. The highly-rated sitcom lasted for ten years, and its 2004 season finale was the most watched television episode of the 2000s. Following the escapades of six twenty-somethings living in Manhattan, Friends was all at once comedic, romantic and sometimes serious.

Though Rachel, played by Jennifer Aniston, is probably best known for her haircut, she and Monica (Courtney Cox) also rocked some great t-shirts. These matching girl-power get-ups show how close the two friends were on the show. The two had been best friends in high school, and while life had put distance between them, they reunited after Rachel left her fiancé. Watching Friends gave every woman both fashion and friendship goals to aspire to.

KENAN & KEL

Nineties kids remember how hilarious this show was, and its comedy holds up surprisingly well, considering how young its title actors were. Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, both popular cast members on the earlier ‘90s show All That, played fictionalized version of themselves.

As two Chicago teens who got into plenty of mischief, Kenan and Kel also showed ‘90s kids how to dress. The neon-stripe on Kenan’s shirt is an attention-grabber, perhaps foreshadowing his long run on Saturday Night Live as a scene-stealer in every sketch. Kel and Kenan were rebellious and hilarious, and they dressed the part. If you’re shopping for kids t shirts today, take notes from these two.

BEVERLY HILLS, 90210

Since this show reached cult status, no zip code is as famous as the eponymous 90210. It was the first of five television shows that rode the original’s success. The drama followed the lives of a group of wealthy teens living in Beverly Hills, as they navigated their romantic relationships through high school, college and the adult world.

The show made Shannon Doherty and Tori Spelling, who played Minneapolis native Brenda Walsh and ditzy Donna Martin, some of the most recognizable TV stars in America. And as wealthy teens in Beverly Hills, the girls had an obligation to bring a strong fashion game, and their t-shirts were no exception.

In their t-shirts emblazoned with the show’s name, Spelling and Doherty embodied the laid back California beach chic that the rest of the country envies. In combination with the calf-high white socks and sneakers, dark lipstick and high-waisted cut-off shorts, you’ve got a look that epitomizes the ‘90s.  

FULL HOUSE

Full House was such a fan favorite that the show was brought back as a Netflix spin-off 11 years after it went off the air. The sitcom tugged at the viewers’ heartstrings as the main character, Danny Tanner, played by Bob Saget, sought the help of his brother-in-law and best friend to raise his three daughters after their mother’s death. The show propelled the Olsen twins to stardom, as they shared the role of adorable Michelle Tanner.

D.J. Tanner, Danny’s oldest daughter, was played by a young Candace Cameron Bure. D.J. was often the most practical and level-headed sister, but her outfits were innovative. Take, for instance, this all orange get-up. Who do you know that would go so daringly monochrome? Tucked into an oversized belt with rolled up sleeves, this t-shirt is utterly, unabashedly ‘90s.

SISTER, SISTER

Shakespeare loved to use twins as a comedic device, and that’s exactly what Sister, Sister did. Real-life twins Tia and Tamera Mowry played versions of themselves, Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell, who had been separated at birth and found each other again after 14 years. Book smart Tia was from Detroit, and boy-crazy Tamera was from the suburbs.

When their adoptive families moved in with each other, they started going to high school together and experiencing regular teen problems with plenty of jokes along the way. To add to the confusion, the twins often wore similar outfits, like these silky butterfly t-shirts. As it turns out, a good look gets better when you multiply it by two.

FREAKS AND GEEKS

The cult hit has been called one of the greatest shows of all time, even with its rapid cancellation after only 12 episodes had aired. The show centered on Sam and Lindsay Weir, played by John Francis Daley and Linda Cardellini, two siblings who inhabit very different social spheres. Sam and his friends represent the geeks. Lindsey and her band of friends, on the other hand, make up the freaks.

The freaks definitely brought something to the fashion levels of the show. The “it” couple, Kim Kelley and Daniel Desario, played by Busy Philipps and James Franco, exuded punk cool and a don’t-care attitude with their fashion choices. Daniel’s anti-war t-shirt and Kim’s two-tone three-quarter sleeve are simple yet edgy. It’s no wonder that Lindsay was in love with Daniel, and it is a tragedy the show was canceled so soon. However, its short life has perhaps contributed to its cult status.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer fandom really gives other fan communities a run for their money. The show has inspired countless fan fictions, websites, online forums and even unofficial fan-made films. Buffy follows its namesake, Buffy Summers, the role that propelled Sarah Michelle Gellar to stardom, as she answers her calling to become a vampire slayer.

A regular California teen, Buffy is at first reticent to accept her fate as a slayer, but eventually, comes to accept it. With the help of David Boreanaz, who plays Angel, and her circle of friends, Buffy becomes a force to be reckoned with. She and her friends battled the forces of evil, and they looked good doing it, in an uncontestable ‘90s way.

Buffy’s friend, Willow Rosenberg, played by Alyson Hannigan, plays a shy and brainy foil to Buffy’s bubbly and unacademic character. And while Willow may be best remembered for her overalls in every color of the rainbow, when she wore this fuzzy red t-shirt, she reminded everyone that Buffy wasn’t the only ‘90s fashion force to be reckoned with in Sunnydale.

Dawson’s Creek

If you want to make a statement, all you really need is some blank t shirts. Katie Holmes proved what a pop of color could do to an outfit when she stood out from the rest of the cast in a bright red t-shirt. Dawson’s Creek was the answer to America’s obsession with teen TV shows in the late ‘90s.

Holmes’s character, Joey Potter, was the girl next door to the main character Dawson Leery, played by James Van Der Beek. Set in a small town in Massachusetts, Joey’s simple, all-American inspired look was something that felt fashionable and simultaneously relatable to viewers hooked on the romantic series.

THAT ‘70S SHOW

That ‘70s Show was perfect for adults in the ‘90s who remembered what it was like to be teenagers in the ‘70s. The sitcom perfectly captured the ennui of small-town teens finding ways to entertain themselves in Point Place, Wisconsin. With its unforgettable cast of characters, each bringing something different to the comedy, the show ran eight seasons following the romantic, academic and career ups and downs of its ensemble.

And while ‘70s revivalists will argue all the outfits were killer, Stephen Hyde, played by Danny Masterson, by far surpassed the others with his vintage t-shirt game. A bad boy and a hard rock lover, Hyde owned countless rock ‘n roll t-shirts that spoke to ‘90s punks who were into the classic hits. His outfits made it more jarring when the storyline aligned him romantically with the girly-girl Jackie, played by Mila Kunis. Next to her feathered hair and flowery halter tops, Hyde stuck out like a sore thumb, but that’s how his character liked it.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Though the prints and the way you style them has varied dramatically across the decades, the t-shirt’s cut and versatility have both remained the same. So, whether you’re digging through the racks looking for that great find at a vintage thrift shop or shopping for new ones online, you’re bound to find a great t-shirt for your wardrobe if you’re keeping your ‘90s TV fashion icons in mind.

For a look that screams “throwback,” tuck your t-shirt into jeans that reach your belly button and accentuate the hourglass with an oversized belt. Or to go with a more punk variation, buy a size too large and make sure there’s a statement printed across the front. Whether you’re channeling D.J. Tanner or Daniel Desario, you’re sure to make an impression.

The post Throwback Thursday: Coolest T-Shirts on ‘90s TV first appeared on The Adair Group.

Employee safety has become the main priority of many companies in today’s workforce. A central part of any safety plan is making employees in busy workspaces as visible to their coworkers as possible by utilizing high-visibility apparel.

High-visibility work clothing has become as integral a part of personal protective equipment as a hard hat or safety glasses. Construction sights, rail transportation, airports and warehouses are just a few examples of industries that have taken advantage of high-visibility apparel to protect their employees.

High-Visibility History

The high-visibility trend first took off in Europe, especially in the road construction industry. For safety reasons, the clothing worn by road crews clearly contrasted with their work environment, making them easily visible to drivers at any angle.

Wearing bright clothing outperformed the brightly colored construction vests that were favored at the time in the United States. The problem with wearing vests was that, when viewing the employee from the side, the vest was not visible at all. The vest’s effectiveness was only present when viewing the employee directly from the front or the back.

Eventually, the European switch to high-visibility clothing caught on in the United States. This adoption came about as part of the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) approval of a voluntary standard for high-visibility apparel. The ANSI instructs employers on how to outfit their employees with high-visibility apparel in low-visibility industries.

These industries included construction workers, railroaders, emergency responders, airport ground crews and others.  ANSI approves high-visibility garments in a variety of apparel styles including: shirts, vests, jackets and coveralls.

The ANSI standard sets forth guidelines to provide full visibility of workers. It has 360-degree performance criteria, factoring in the background.

In daylight, bright colors are encouraged to provide visibility. At night, ANSI recommends clothing that is made with retroreflective material that shines backlight to its source at night.

The voluntary standard was created from concerns that employees are often exposed to low visibility hazards. Unfortunately, before ANSI, many of these workers were not wearing appropriate high-visibility apparel.

Workers who do not wear high-visibility apparel face numerous hazards, the simplest of which is being struck by vehicles or other types of moving equipment. This includes the risk of being struck by your own coworkers, who may know that you are around somewhere, but cannot always easily see your exact location. Accidents happen, but high-visibility apparel can help reduce that risk.

Shirts over Vests

In the past, it was common to see employees of busy workplaces wear vests with bright colors and reflective materials. While effective, these vests were often uncomfortable, unfashionable and unpopular with employees.

Thus, in recent years, employers have listened to the needs of their employees. Employers attempted to find a new way to outfit their employees without compromising safety.

Overwhelmingly, the answer has been to switch from high-visibility vests to a single garment solution. Most commonly, the single garment high-visibility option is a combination of bright color shirts.

Shirts for Every Season

Since employee visibility is a top priority of safety, it is important that employees are outfitted with appropriate high-visibility apparel for changing weather conditions and seasons. Let’s start with the basics.

T-shirts, commonly in the bright safety green color, are the best base option. Beyond the obvious warm-weather wear, t-shirts can often be worn comfortably indoors. Furthermore, the shirts can easily be layered over other long-sleeve shirts, including hoodies, if the weather turns colder.

If your company has a more flexible budget to spend on personal protective equipment, it is worth considering multiple high-visibility options. For example, for early spring and fall days, your employees may prefer a safety long-sleeve shirt.

In addition to keeping you visible and warm, these shirts may be a good option for jobs where you need to protect your arms from minor scratches or insects. For example, this may be a great option for employees engaged in landscaping or construction because the shirts are also lightweight.

For fouler weather, your employees may need something heavier. In this case, you could supply them with high-visibility hoodies. For rainy weather, you could select a density appropriate, high-visibility rain jacket. Because rainy weather sometimes darkens the atmosphere, these jackets also often come designed with reflective stripes to increase visibility and safety.

Other options include moisture-wicking and anti-odor technologies in high-visibility colors. Even if you need your employees to take a more business-casual look, you do not have to sacrifice their safety. You can provide them with high-visibility polos.

Conclusion

Many industries require employees to do their jobs in busy workplaces. With everyone hustling and bustling around, it can be very hard to always keep a clear eye on your coworkers.

When vehicles or other mobile operating equipment are used, low-visibility can become a serious threat to workers. The best safety practice is to provide your employees with high-visibility apparel. No matter your job site or the weather, there are great high-visibility clothing options to increase your employees’ safety!

The post Safety Green T-Shirts: High Visibility Apparel at Work first appeared on The Adair Group.

The choice of colors for the brand’s advertising has to be not just a feature of the beautiful design but also the part of the well-thought strategy of long-term promotion. Psychologists have long noticed that the colors and color combinations can cause different emotions depending on the proportions and some other factors (for example, red color in a food restaurant helps to consumpt food faster and so frees seats for new visitors).

Colors create mood and character of the brand, as well as distinguish a true brand from the trademark. There are several concepts that can be applied when choosing and using a color – each one of them has its own distinctive features:

• Monochrome. Monochrome is often a feature of upper-middle and premium brands. It’s much harder to create a high-quality monochrome design than a vibrantly coloured one.

• Multiple colours in a palette. Calm and pastel colours are as well the attributes of a premium level. For example, visual communications of a chocolate related brand, may be based on shades of brown and beige, which are associated with the product, and advantageously combined with gold lettering: a status design element.

Multi-colored and bright shades are often common in the design of childish and adolescent brands. Their function is to entertain and delight. Their main principles are the dynamics and the game. Bright colors are also effective “catchers” since they really catch the buyer’s attention. This is especially important if the product is placed on the supermarket shelf among with many other competitive goods. Brightness and combination of many colors make the whole composition more dynamical.

• Highly contrast palette. They are often about the contrast between a background and an image. Depending on the color combinations, such solution is effective for brands designed for both young people and more demanding urban audience.

• Domination of natural colors. According to researches, natural colors (shades of green, blue, pale peach, and soft brown) would be in trends in the second half of 2016. The same colors are highly recommended for the packaging of food products. Designers are now trying to avoid the acid, unnatural colors. When they create product images, they usually prefer using photorealistic illustrations and natural landscapes/greens as a background.

As marketers have found out, color preferences are based on the age group of consumers, the level of their income, and education. The higher the educational level, the greater the commitment to the “delicate” colors. The same trend is relevant to the high-income segments.

The choice of color is also affected by the regional and national identity. For example, the red color is the favorite one among Italians and Mexicans. Thus, you can increase sales significantly if you take the nature of color into account while creating promotional materials, packaging and logos. To see the examples of good color usage in logos, check out websites like www.designcontest.com/logo-design/.

Let’s see how the 10 main colors can affect a person:

1. Red. It stimulates the action. In other words, the red creates a desire to buy a product that is advertised. This color also can quickly attract attention. No wonder that the signs with the words “Caution” are painted red. But it is worth remembering that moderation is a virtue: if you use too much of this color, do not expect high conversion. Such an excessive amount of red color makes the reader aggressive and hostile towards your advertising. As a result, the client will dislike your brand as a whole.
2. Orange. Vitality and a surge of positive energy are the associations the orange color  brings. Use it to advertise children’s products, medicines, and everything related to the educational field. This color also brings inner harmony.
3. Yellow. It’s a color of the sociability, associated with openness and willingness to communicate. The yellow suits travel companies the best.
4. Green. The most soothing tone that helps to relax. It’s ideal for promoting medicines or dental clinic services.
5. Pink. This delicate color is well suited for advertising of a perfume brands. Pink is many women’s favorite color, so do not forget to use it in the case if your target audience consists of women mostly.
6. Light blue (cyan). It’s a color of peace and friendliness.
7. Blue. A saturated color that draws attention to the important features of your service. Unlike the red, the blue can’t provoke negative emotions.
8. Purple. Use it in case you want to focus the attention of visitors on the problem. Also, the purple is great to emphasize your creativity.
9. Black. Don’t use it in advertising (except as font color), since black can cause a feeling of depression and isolation.
10. White. It’s a color of full openness. It can’t bring bad and unwanted emotions – it rather creates a neutral impression.

Currently color theory is becoming more relevant in the online marketing field as it helps to influence the growth of bounce rate and other statistics indicators. When visitors decide whether to trust your brand or not, every detail is important. And the use of color theory can have a decisive impact on the visitors’ minds, forcing them to make the target actions.

When you choose the colors for your brand, remember the color theory: it’ll help you to improve the aesthetics and readability of the web pages, as well as to create the necessary psychological impact. Instead of using colors that will just look good, you can create a design that will give you real benefits.  Based on the theory of colors, you can achieve maximum user engagement and minimize the risks of losing the potential customers.

Brian Jens always thinks about his readers and that is why all of his posts are interesting and helpful. You can find a lot of useful tips reading his blog. If you want to know more about Brian’s career and or want to be one of his clients, welcome to www.designcontest.com

The post What are the Best Colors for Your Brand first appeared on The Adair Group.