It’s getting warm outside.
Ok, that’s a little bit of an understatement. We just experienced the hottest day of the year. It’s only late June, and the weather’s likely to be just as hot, or possibly worse, on and off through the end of August.
Somebody, somewhere, is going to need a new work shirt to keep them cool. That’s good for us. Fortunately, Carhartt has an entire line of summer t-shirts to help keep you cool. Any one of them would be a great recommendation.
But which one?
Well, that’s a little more complicated, and one that’s going to require you to engage with the customer and find out a little bit about what they need. Most importantly, what are they going to be doing?
If it’s hot, difficult, outdoor summer work, and if the customer has a history with Carhartt, the answer is likely the K87. Officially the Loose-Fit Short-Sleeve Heavyweight Pocket T-Shirt, the K87 debuted in 1992 and is one of Carhartt’s (and Harrison’s) top-sellers even after 33 years. It’s made with heavyweight cotton with a loose fit and a soft feel, but it’s also incredibly durable. It comes in a ton of colors, many of which we carry as core products, and includes seasonal colors as well. It’s even available in high-visibility colors Brite Lime and Brite Orange, for industries that require those products. Solid colors are 100 percent cotton, with heathers, neps, and hi-viz colors a blend of cotton and polyester. The fit is roomy, and available up to 5X regular and 4X Tall.
If it’s versatility and something a little more tech-forward that someone’s looking for, the Carhartt Force line is ideal. Carhartt describes the line of less a fabric and more a collection of clothing technologies that work together to keep you cool. Force tees are an ounce lighter than the K87, made with a cotton/polyester blend across all colors. They debuted in 2010 as Carhartt’s first sweat fighting, moisture-wicking gear, and it’s been refined throughout the years. It’s designed to dry fast and fight odor, it includes a UPF protection rating of 25, and it’s engineered with extra stretch, mobility, and ventilation. It also includes a drop-tail hem, which keeps it tucked in when you need it.
For customers who want enhanced protection for outdoor activities - whether they’re working or enjoying a day at the pool, beach, or lake - the Force Sun Defender line is the answer. Sun Defender has a UV protection rating of 50-plus, and stops 98 percent of UV rays. It features the technologies available in the Force line in the lightest weight offered in the line, at just four ounces. It also comes in a variety of styles, including t-shirts, long-sleeved tees, and hooded long-sleeves, as well as in both long-sleeve and short-sleeve casual work shirts.
Selling Carhartt T-shirts (well, just one that first day) is literally how we started, and it’s one of the things that keeps us going today. Asking a couple of questions and knowing which products are the best answers to them can help us serve our customers better. And it just might keep them coming back.
