CWB takes a look at some of the latest product developments launching at this year’s Schoolwear Show.

 

Banner

For Back to School 2020, Banner has added three new colour options in both the boys’ and girls’ Signature jackets. The new colours bottle, maroon and royal, together with the existing colourways of black, navy and steel grey, provide an even wider choice for schools to coordinate or mix and match with other garments across Banner’s uniform range.

Another new addition to Banner’s stock supported schoolwear range is the new Eco Tartan pleated skirt, a high-quality sustainable product made from 100% Eco fabric. The combination of 65% recycled polyester and 35% Viscose gives the skirt its eco-credentials. One hundred per cent of the recycled polyester yarn is made from synthetic renewable fibre with recycled PET from plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfill.

The skirt includes stitched down knife pleats, a side zip and an internal waist adjuster. It is available in three colour combinations – mixed multi, grey tonal and navy tonal – and a variety of lengths, with waist sizes ranging from 22” to 40”. The skirt also coordinates with all colours in the Signature jacket and the rest of Banner’s jacket, blazer and knitwear ranges.

 

 

Successfully launched for Back to School 2019, APTUS Essentials, Banner’s entry-level sportswear range for the primary and secondary market, is also expanding with the new primary house colourway of emerald/white in the junior Training Tee.

The crew neck-style short sleeve junior Training Tee is now available in six primary house colour options – emerald/white, red/white, royal/white, bottle/white, gold/white and white/navy – and can be worn with the training shorts or slim fit leg training pant and layered up with a full zip training top.

 

 

Maped Helix

With over 130 years’ experience in the stationery world, Maped Helix’s latest premium range of writing pens offers a new collection that comes in 100% plastic-free packaging to cater for today’s eco-conscious consumer.

Still the classic writing accessory, the new Helix Oxford fountain pen range expands on the well-known Oxford navy blue pen as the brand introduces its range of new coloured barrels; blue, pink, graphite, stainless steel and rose gold. Additionally, for the first time, Helix’s Oxford ballpoint and rollerball pens will be available in blue ink.

The new writing range also includes ballpoint and gel pens in a variety of brightly coloured inks. Useful innovations include comfortable curved grips and precise needlepoint nibs.

 

 

Trutex

At this year’s Schoolwear Show, Trutex is set to launch a range of cultural uniform following increased demand by schools and retailers.

“Our range of schoolwear has always been about inclusivity, in size and availability,” says Matthew Easter, managing director of Trutex. “We’ve seen increasing demand for cultural garments such as long length skirts and full arm polo shirts, so we are happy to increase our offering to ensure that we are able to accommodate these differing requirements.”

 

 

David Luke

David Luke will be presenting its new Juco Sportswear collection in its entirety at this year’s Schoolwear Show, including multiple colourways and options for retailers to present to their schools.

The supplier’s suiting options also continue to develop for 2020. This includes the introduction of Eco Trousers and Eco Skirts to pair with the current Eco Jackets and Eco Blazers.

Finally, David Luke is unveiling a number of product developments at the show that it will be seeking feedback on before taking them into production. This includes innovations and updates to current designs which, based on retailer feedback at the pre-production stage, will allow David Luke to develop improved products.

Examples of samples that will be at the show include new suiting options, developments within the junior range to include pinafore dresses and also additional skirts and shirt styles within the senior range.

 

 

Madeira

For 100 years, Madeira has led the market in the production of high-quality embroidery threads. With distribution centres around the globe and a company-wide dedication to providing superior customer service, Madeira has worked alongside schoolwear manufacturers and suppliers for years to ensure customer satisfaction through product quality, availability, service, colour selection and consistency.

In such a fast-moving industry, continual research and development keep Madeira at the forefront. This includes producing technologically innovative products such as the HC (High Conductive) embroidery thread for smart textiles. Also, the new Weblon backing. Weblon is a backing for stabilising performance fabrics and is essential for anyone embroidering school sports kits. It is also soft against the skin and due to its light composition does not ‘bulk up’ embroideries.

As a responsible and environmentally ethical company, Madeira also maintains ISO 9001 standards. Madeira threads fall within Oeko-Tex Class I or II – suitable for babies/safe for direct contact with skin.

 

 

William Turner

Established in 1969, third-generation, family-owned business William Turner specialises in producing premium quality school ties and accessories. Through its trusted schoolwear retailers it has provided generations of school children with hand-made quality British manufactured ties.

Stocking the widest range of stock ties in the UK, it has also expanded its product offering over the years to meet the changing needs of schools and school children with an exceptional variety of bags, badges, craftwear, winterwear and accessories.

William Turner has always taken its responsibilities as a business very seriously; dedicated to working for the good of communities and the environment. However, now, more than ever, it is focusing on sustainability and the future of our children’s planet.

Building on its proud heritage and pedigree, the company continues to evolve to take on the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Visit William Turner’s stand at The Schoolwear Show to see how it is ‘going green’ for future generations. Highlights include new Eco bags, EcoPure biodegradable water bottles and of course, Eco ties.

 

 

Rowlinson

At this year’s Schoolwear Show Rowlinson will be showcasing its all-new eco range of school blazers and jackets. Specifically designed for the schoolwear market, Performa® Eco Blazers offer value and practicality with classic blazer styling.

A traditional three patch pocket blazer manufactured from recycled polyester, Performa® Eco Blazers are available for boys and girls. They also come in a choice of five colours – black, navy, royal, maroon and bottle. Meanwhile, combining eco credentials with great fit, Performa® Eco Jackets are the tailored choice for environmentally conscious parents and schools.

Also made from recycled polyester, Performa® Eco Jackets are long-lasting and practical. Jackets are available for boys and girls in two colours – black and navy.

Designed to withstand the rigours of school life, both Performa® Talent Blazers and Performa® Eco Jackets are machine washable at an environmentally-friendly 30 degrees. Both styles can also be quickly embroidered with the school’s badge for a personalised look thanks to Rowlinson’s five-day embroidery service.

 

 

Froddo

Making its Schoolwear Show debut this year is leading children’s footwear brand Froddo. Froddo is a premium brand designed and manufactured by Ivancica in Croatia.

The company, which has over 70 years’ experience in shoemaking, prioritises care for the local community and environment. Furthermore, all materials are Chrome VI free (no harmful chemicals) and are sourced from within the EU. Froddo also works closely with specialist podiatrists to create footwear that helps ensure healthy foot development.

 

 

Amid the brand’s Back to School bestsellers for girls is a leather-lined and cushion padded black patent shoe. Available in sizes 25-39, it includes toe protection and arch support. There are also T bar black patent leather school shoes in sizes 25-35. These feature classic style leather lining, cushion padding as well as arch support.

Key styles for boys include a black leather shoe with double Velcro straps and toe protection in sizes 25-35. As well as the standard features, it also includes a removal insole. Another key style is a unisex brogue available in sizes 31-39. Again, the shoe features leather lining and cushion padding with arch support for added comfort.

 

Click here for more information on The Schoolwear Show and to register as a visitor.