Some might think socks don’t make good gifts, but those in the know can tell you how popular socks have gotten over the last few years. And socks might just be perfect for your next branded gift or promotional giveaway! Here are some things to consider when choosing a pair of logo socks!
Choose the Right Type of Sock: Walk a Mile in Their Shoes!
Whether athletic socks, dress socks, or pajama style, make sure you know what your audience might appreciate.
Height
- The most common sock height is crew cut. They provide ample coverage and allow plenty of space for fun designs and
well-placed logos. - Low-cut socks give you a lot less room for branding, but are typically cheaper and are great for lounging around the house
and some runners actually prefer them. - Knee high socks will be most expensive. They’re more popular in the fall and winter season thanks to their popularity
amongst some athletes and sports teams.
Material
- The most common materials will be cotton, nylon, polyester, and spandex and work great for a casual sock!
- Marketing to athletes, or simply wanting to give a little extra? Consider socks that are antimicrobial, moisture wicking, breathable, or have arch support.
- Treat recipients to pure comfort with fuzzy socks! They’re especially nice for winter months.
Design
- Brainstorm several options for your sock design. What are you trying to convey with them? Are they bursting with a
full coverage image, covered in funky icons, or are they more low-key, with a simple pattern or color and a perfectly
placed logo? - Think of what your target audience will be doing in these socks, and what types of outfits they would go with. You could
even run a poll on social media or an email campaign to see what your audience prefers!
Who Could Use Branded Socks in their Marketing?
- Colleges & Universities: Students love repping their alma mater, especially when they can easily incorporate it into a fun
outfit. Crew socks with cuffed jeans, shorts, or layered on leggings are a style that will never disappear! - Corporate Uniform Programs: Giving employees the option for something different than the typical black or white sock can
motivate them and create a sense of unity. - Nonprofits & Fundraisers: Encourage your warmhearted community to keep their feet warm too! Whether you use the
socks as a thank you for donations, as a giveaway item at an event (charity runs, anyone?), or as a fundraising opportunity,
you can’t go wrong with socks. - Fast Food Restaurants: Food themed socks have been in style for years now. Design your own pair with an iconic menu
item or cute food icons on a bright background and slap your logo on it for fun, effective marketing. - Recreational Sports: Local sports teams and recreational centers have a huge advantage when handing out socks – they’re
practically always worn by members! Invest in socks that are breathable, supportive, and moisture wicking to ensure your
members want to wear them over and over. - Insurance Companies, Real Estate & Housing: Add some flair to the traditional business look with some branded socks.
A simple stripe or circle along the cuff with your logo on it can spruce up your outfit and make clients smile. - Entertainment: Promote new releases and make the most of fandom demands by designing socks for events. They’re great
for raffles, swag bags, or they can be a fun twist on the usual “T-shirt cannon.”
Case Studies: A Couple of Examples to Help You Get Started
Sock Fancy & Shark Week
In 2018, Sock Fancy and Discovery launch a Shark Week sock collection that could be purchased individually or as a set. The six featured designs were, of course, shark-inspired, and they helped promote both Discovery Channel’s annual summertime week-long focus on sharks and Sock Fancy’s monthly sock subscription service. Kari Sapp, Sock Fancy’s director of customer experience and content, noticed their audience responded well to previous unofficial Shark Week promotions, so when Discovery was looking for a sock partner, Sock Fancy was clearly the leading contender. The event ended up a great success, and has become an annual event for Sock Fancy and Discovery.
Kellogg’s
To celebrate the holiday’s, Kellogg’s launched a line of festive socks highlighting four of their animated ambassadors in October 2018. To get a pair, customers had to buy any three participating Kellogg’s products by the end of February 2019 and submit their receipts as proof of purchase. This five-month loyalty program ended up being a hit, and three of the four socks are still available for redemption as apart of Kellogg’s Family Rewards Program!
Need Help? At Perry, we are happy to help with your promotional needs! Whether you need to market, recruit, thank, or motivate, our promotional department will be here for you. Visit promosbyperry.com or reach out to promos@perryop.com to get started!
