By Tom Gudekunst & the MARCO Ideas Unlimited Swag Review Team
One of the most valuable services our swag specialists offer is their inside knowledge of which blank apparel types offer the best performance at their price point.
How do we know what the best promotional apparel styles are? Because we personally test out items in every category of customizable swag we offer!
Our President and Sales Specialist of more than 20 years, Tom Gudekunst (seen here modeling an embroidered beanie), recently took 3 brands of sweatsuits available for custom decoration for comparative test drives, and shares his honest thoughts on their performance here.
Tom says:
"Today I wore three separate sweatsuits and aside from being super comfy I gained some serious insight on my sweatsuit preferences and about our products!"
Option 1 - District Brand Perfect Tri Fleece Separates
"First, I woke up in this one, the District Perfect Tri Fleece Jogger and Crewneck Sweatshirt as a set.
I really like this pair and I’ve had it for a while, so it’s been washed and worn many times. The fabric has gotten a bit thinner and looser which is great for sleeping time when I’m at home and no one will see.
I wouldn’t wear this one in public anymore but I did when it was new, now it’s the old lay around sweatsuit. It’s not overly warm which is nice, great for at home."
Option 2 - Nike Brand's Club Fleece Sweatsuit Pieces
"After shower time I decided to take the dog (Ruger, seen at right) 
for a walk which was a very posh activity that included taking him to the local coffee shop to see the baristas who rewarded him for his heroic ½ mile trot with a “puppachino”.
He was stoked, and I looked slick in my Nike Club Fleece sweatsuit with the Swoosh Crewneck and soft fleece Jogger pants.
I LOVE this set. I feel sporty and ready for whatever but also look like I just stepped out of my group working area at the world headquarters ready for a quick meeting to create synergy and mutually beneficial outcomes.
This one is my favorite for fit (both size large, fit as they should) and also for feel as it’s neither too thick and warm for the office nor too thin for a jaunt outside."
Option 3 - Stormtech Brand's Yukon Crew Sweater & Pants
"Later on I went to the gym and packed my Stormtech Yukon set of crewneck sweater and coordinated sweatpants with me to meet wifey at the bar for happy hour after.
This set is nice but honestly fits kind of funky… I usually wear a size L top however I have noticed that Stormtech runs small in the shoulders so I got the XL which fits great. The size L pants are weirdly loose in the waist but fit well otherwise.
The sweater looks really nice and classy and could be worn even without the matching pants. Where this one really shines is in it’s thick and weather resistant finish. We ended up staying a bit longer than we planned and walked home (a couple of blocks).
When we got outside it was raining pretty good… and I had no umbrella. The Stormtech gear lived up to its name though and the rain did not seep through in the 5 minutes I spent walking. I was warm and comfortable and my wife commented that she liked my sweater."
BONUS - Comfort Colors Brand Sweat Separates in Unique Colors
"And then I saw the color on this one and had to have it… the Comfort Colors Lightweight Sweatshirt and Lightweight Sweatshorts combo in shockingly vibrant Neon Violet!
It’s really good, everyone wants these... at least in my family. When I came out of my bedroom wearing these last night both kids and my wife said they wanted similar pieces. The Neon Violet color is a real treat but the sets come in several appealing & hard-to-find colors, like cool Chalky Mint and bright Butter Yellow as well as swag apparel classics like greys and blues.
The fabric is 100% cotton so these have a bit of a rustic and natural feel.
Not as soft as some of the other sweatsuits I’ve been trying but I like that… I’m a rough cotton towel kind of guy, the one that’s been in the closet for at least 5 years and is well used. You can keep your super smooth synthetics plastic, man!
I feel tremendously fabulous in my neon violet sweatshortsuit. The shorts say fun and leisure and the sweater says comfort. The line also includes sweatpants in the same coordinating colors for extra-cold days. As advertised this is a thinner sweatsuit so not one I’d use for going on an extended outdoor adventure, but certainly for at home or for comfy office wear on jammies day. Just be careful not to let your puppy put his paws on you, this thing shows all the spots."
And The Winner Is...
"Love a good sweat suit but I think at this time Nike takes the cake!"
We hope that this quick testimonial from one of our most seasoned swag specialists has given you insights on what to look for in your customizable sweat suit separate styles. If you need decoration-ready apparel pieces in your brand colors or material preferences, let our team of promotional apparel experts do the work to find them for you! Since 1959, we've been helping companies in all industries create the best decorated apparel for their specific brand guidelines, event types, and budgets. We'd love to share our creative ideas for your branded merchandise needs!
Tom Gudekunst has helped organizations customize the best promotional products for their unique industry and audience since 2005. He achieved his Certified Advertising Specialist designation in 2012. He enjoys spending time with his family, including two children, his wife, and their adorable dog Ruger.