It’s edgy, it’s classy and it has way more attitude than any other apparel you’re thinking about pitching. It’s leather, and it can catapult your client’s brand into a whole new category. “The key to leather sales is that you’re basically going for impact,” says Dan national sales manager for supplier NewZ Brands.

“Leather is premium. It shows that whoever’s giving it is giving the best there is.”Whether it’s a bomber jacket or a belt, Sheehan says less is best when it comes to customizing leather apparel and accessories. When you choose leather, you don’t want it to look like every other promotional garment. You’ll see a lot of tone-on-tone embroidery and debossing,” he says. Just don’t get too complex with graphics. “Embroidery on leather is much different from wovens and other fabrics,” Sheehan explains. “If the stitching is too tight, it cuts the leather. If your client has an intricate design, a patch might be a better choice than embroidery.”

Despite the necessity for simplicity, Sheehan encourages distributors not to be wary of leather apparel. “Many distributors are fearful of pushing higher-end items to their clients. But nine times out of 10, customers end up spending less than they anticipated. Distributors need to stick their necks out and suggest leather,” Sheehan says. Talk to your clients about how they can use leather in awards programs, as an incentive or in a company store. “Leather is an impact item. Many employers will get it for employees reaching milestones or achieving an award,” says Sheehan. “It’s definitely something that’s given as a reward for something done well.