As one of the UK's leading distributors of more than 40 top brands, PenCarrie is well placed to see exactly what is happening in the industry. PenCarrie's customer services manager Andrea Charteris explains, ‘Because of the volumes that we sell, we are able to identify quickly any emerging trend early in a season. We know the brands, styles, colours and even sizes that are selling well. Also, we are among the first to know what new products are being launched by manufacturers so we have a good overall view of the future.’

New designs for 2006 highlight a number of trends in terms of fabric and colours. Body hugging T-shirt styles are already popular all year round, and now even more manufacturers are launching styles for men and women that have stretch in the fabric.

The so-called 'technical' fabrics continue to be important in the performance clothing sector, and a number of the new styles that PenCarrie is stocking for 2006 reflect this requirement.

Colours and patterns are other major stories for 2006. For men, stripes are set to make their mark in the year ahead; and for the ladies, pink - in all shades from baby pink to fuchsia - remains a favourite and will feature more widely. In addition, there are many new colours being introduced to extend the colour choice for already successful styles, which will boost their popularity even further.

Andrea pinpoints another trend that is gaining momentum, commenting, ‘The dual benefits of innovation in design and of being in touch with high street fashion continue to inject new impetus into our industry.’

Tour Collection is a good example of new thinking and its success in 2005 has led to the launch of a number of new designs for 2006. Wombat is another new-kid-on-the-block brand to have created its own niche. In 2005, the introduction of more of its funky clothing in ladies styles has given garment decorators yet more scope to develop new business within the action-loving, fashion-conscious '20-30 something' sector.

Kariban, new to the UK promotional clothing scene in 2005, has also established a loyal following in record time, its chic continental styling generating a new interest in particular in knitwear. Hip brands like Hanes will continue to keep pace with the latest the high street can offer.

For the future, fashion remains a key influence in developing the promotional clothing sector, together with the maintenance of the highest quality standards.

You can find out all about PenCarrie's full product range for 2006, including more than 260 new products, in its new brochure which can be requested by calling 0800 252248, or by logging on to www.pencarrie.com

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