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Make Waves With Nautical-Inspired Apparel & Accessories

The traditional summer look resonates all year long.

The summer is winding down and eager travelers are taking their last vacations before the season ends and school starts up again. But travel-inspired nautical trends have staying power all year round.

The British royal family has been rocking the look for decades – originally inspired by the British Empire’s dominance of the seas. Princess Diana wore several variations on the style, and her grandson Prince Louis recently wore a sailor suit to Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. Meanwhile, the popular Breton shirt with thin horizontal stripes – called la marinière – originated among fisherman in the Brittany region of France and became an official part of the French naval uniform in the late 1800s.

Then, in the early 1900s, fashion icons like Coco Chanel brought French maritime stripes to their wardrobes after visiting the European country, sparking a long-lasting love affair among consumers for looks that evoke the romanticism of open waters and adventure.

Of course, end-users don’t have to be royals or famous fashionistas to go nautical. Here are five markets to target in the coming months.

1. Tropical Destinations

Even as the weather in much of the U.S. begins to cool off over the next few months, hotels and resorts in areas like the Caribbean, Mexico and states like Florida and California will prepare to welcome off-season fall and winter travelers. Pitch cabana and Turkish towels with traditional maritime stripes for guests.

man and woman on beach wrapped in striped towels

Cabana stripe beach towel (CS21) from Towel Specialties (asi/91605)

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2. Cruise Ships

Several cruise lines, including Norwegian, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, have announced that they’ll be opening ships back up to all passengers, regardless of vaccination status, starting next month. Help them welcome enthusiastic travelers with apparel like striped boating-inspired T-shirts and sweatshirts.

woman wearing striped hoodie

Boxy hooded sweatshirt (W21721) from S&S Activewear (asi/84358)

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3. Marine Dealerships

Those in the market for a boat, particularly in states along the Gulf Coast, as well as California and Florida, shop year-round. Encourage dealerships to sell swag to new owners, such as drinkware and outerwear they can use on board.

red, white and blue striped Nautica jacket

Nautica anorak jacket (N17174) from Pro Golf Premiums (asi/79680)

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4. Company Programs

Propose that companies outfit their employees with lighthearted apparel and accessories, like canvas tote bags with nautical stripes, anchor prints and thick rope handles. They’re a must-have for trips to the beach and picnics, but also to the grocery store and farmers market, making a nice alternative to plastic bags.

canvas striped tote

Cotton canvas boat tote (8450) from Evans Manufacturing (asi/52840)

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5. Bars & Restaurants

Bar and restaurant swag are the new band T-shirts, and those eateries with a nautical theme will appreciate apparel inspired by the high seas. Think men’s and women’s tank tops with traditional stripes and bucket hats, which have made a fashion comeback in recent years.

young woman wearing gray and white striped tank

Ladies striped racer tank (US525) from alphabroder (asi/34063)

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