This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Bender, the founder of Lion + Owl and author of Apparel Has No Gender. He is going to be joining us to explore the growing trend of texture-rich finishes in apparel. From tactile design elements to purposeful sensory details, decorators are embracing diverse materials and techniques that make garments not just look good, but feel meaningful. We’ll dive into how texture can elevate a design, create a more inclusive and engaging experience for the wearer, and even serve functional purposes for specific audiences. Whether you’re experimenting with specialty inks, embroidery, layering, or embellishments, this conversation will inspire you to think beyond the visual and create apparel that speaks to all the senses.




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News
If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”
BELLA+CANVAS, Stakes Manufacturing Join Forces to Support Supply Chain Evolution
EventsKonnections: A Simple Gathering Evolves into a Must-Attend Digital Printing Conference


Dad Joke
Aaron: The difference between a numerator and a denominator is a thin line. Terry: I bet only a fraction of people will understand this.



Texture-Rich Finishes
Aaron: Welcome Jeff! As we dive in, I’m going to tell my quick(ish) story about how we met and I’d love to hear your side of it. 
So what took you from that to launching Lion + Owl and stepping into the world of apparel?
Terry: What were some of the earliest pain points you noticed in traditional kids’ clothing that you wanted to solve through design?
Aaron: From your perspective, why is texture such a crucial part of clothing design, especially for neurodiverse individuals?
Terry: Have you had to balance aesthetics with functionality when it comes to texture? How do you approach that creatively?



Aaron: What advice would you give to apparel decorators or brands looking to add more sensory consideration into their designs?
Terry: Do you see opportunities for decorators to collaborate more intentionally with people designing for inclusion, like your team at Lion + Owl?
Aaron: In other industry podcasts, like the Apparelist you’ve spoken about true gender-neutral sizing. How does that tie into your mission of comfort and inclusivity?
Terry: What kind of feedback have you received from families and kids who wear Lion + Owl apparel? Any stories that stick with you?
Aaron: What’s next for you and Lion + Owl? Any upcoming products or ideas you’re excited to explore? And most importantly, how can people connect and support what you are doing?
SHARED LINKS:
Jeff’s Book: https://lionandowl.us/products/apparel-has-no-gender
Main Lion and Owl Site: https://lionandowl.usBacking for Embroidery to reduce texture: https://www.gunold.com/item/cover-the-back-embroidery-backing-white-20-x-27-yd-roll/
The Secret Sauce
We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar.


https://youtu.be/DaRmkKeJCg4








OTHER EVENTS

Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.
Rising Tide Talks! – Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time.
Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.
Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago June 7-8.
Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD
The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time
Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell
Understanding Emblems  Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.



Trade Shows

DAX Nashville Farm Bureau Expo Center, Lebanon, TN – May 9-10, 2025
DAX Chicago Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL – May 30-31, 2025

Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals – May 30, 2025 at 2 PM
How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit – May 31, 2025 at 12:30 PM


Graphics Pro Expo Indianapolis, IN – June 19-21, 2025

Marketing Better in 2025: Grow Profits with Clarity and Connection – June 21, 2025 at 11 AM


DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN – August 1-2, 2025

Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals – August 1, 2025 at 2 PM
How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit – August 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM


Graphics Pro Expo Long Beach, CA – August 21-23, 2025
Graphics Pro Meadowlands, NJ – September 12-13, 2025
Impressions Expo Dallas, TX – October 2-4, 2025
Printing United Orlando, FL – October 22-24, 2025
Graphics Pro Charlotte, NC – November 6-8, 2025All dates and events are subject to change

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