A plain letterman jacket is simple and generic. But one with the embroidered memories and symbols of a loved one's life can suddenly be priceless.
In a world of brand-name everyday items, adding a personal touch to a simple hat or backpack can add individuality and uniqueness to a generic wardrobe.
Many add this originality through embroidery, personal art or monogramming.
"It's an identity thing," said Ken Tidwell, president and owner of Tiger Town Embroidery & Screenprinting. "It shows who you belong to."
The idea of people personalizing their clothing has been around for decades, Tidwell said, such as embroidered cuff links on men's shirts.
While embroidery can be used for individuality, it is also a means to identify with a larger group. Tidwell used the example of a girl who wears her significant other's embroidered jersey or jacket.
"It's feeling like you're connected to something bigger than yourself," Tidwell said.
Some students said many people use monogramming and embroidery just for looks.
"It's definitely in style to do it," said Caitlin Strange, sophomore in business finance. "It just adds that personal touch to it."
Elizabeth Verdone, senior in apparel design, agreed when she said many like it for the "aesthetic value it adds to something."
Strange said another popular reason for personalizing items is organization.
"I would only do it for bags and stuff you travel with," Strange said. "Just for the sake of not getting mixed up."
Don and Joe Piazza, two brothers who own All American embroidery, said they've had an especially high demand from students for car monograms.
"I couldn't believe it, to tell you the truth," Joe said.
Don said they once had an astronaut who wanted a hat embroidered so he could take it in the space shuttle.
"It was special because it was on the space shuttle," Don said, "but it was no special item."
Don also once had an order for jackets for Tuskegee University. The original value of one jacket was $10, but after the process of embroidery and personalization each was worth $150-200.
"It makes it unique," Don said. "These are things that are kept forever."
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