Stretch matic elastic is a type of elastic material that has the ability to stretch and retract easily. It is commonly used in various applications where flexibility and elasticity are required. The main characteristic of stretch matic elastic is its ability to provide a comfortable fit while still maintaining its shape and elasticity. One of the key advantages of stretch matic elastic is its adaptability to different body shapes and sizes. This makes it ideal for use in garments such as waistbands, bra straps, and underwear, where a snug and comfortable fit is essential. The elastic material allows for freedom of movement without compromising on support and shape retention.
None of the schools and districts are totally sure how they first started using the M-word as part of their mascot identifiers, but some have an idea. In the case of Butternut, a world champion wrestler, Charlie Fischer, grew up there and was given the nickname "midget" because of his small size. The mascot started being used in dedication to the hometown hero, prompting the school to disagree with LPA's classification of it as offensive.
None of the schools and districts are totally sure how they first started using the M-word as part of their mascot identifiers, but some have an idea. Arnold and other group leaders delivered a 4,400-signature petition to the school this week asking to phase out the nickname within two years and to stop selling Midget merchandise to people from outside the community 25 miles east of St.
The elastic material allows for freedom of movement without compromising on support and shape retention. In addition to its use in clothing, stretch matic elastic is also commonly used in various other products and industries. For example, it is used in the manufacturing of medical devices, such as compression stockings and support braces, where flexibility and comfort are important for the wearer.
Cartoon Culture: Have Brand Mascots Reached the Point of Low Return?
Sports teams, colleges, the military, Hollywood, states, government agencies, and the Olympics have used mascots as part of their public and brand identity, but nowhere has this visual device been more pervasive than in the mass marketing of consumer products.
The Michelin Tire Company introduced their mascot, named Bibendum initially, in 1894. It eventually became known as simply the Michelin Man and is still in use today. I grew up with black & white TV, sponsored by Speedy Alka-Selzer, the frosty Kool-Aid pitcher, the “G-R-R-EAT” Tony the Tiger. That might be why I’m from the “beware of the mascot” school of design and have rarely employed this device in my career. I’ve created plenty of symbols and logos but distinguish these simple marks from cartoon characters. As a consumer, I will buy Burt’s Bees, Mrs. Meyers, and Ben & Jerry’s, but after I know what’s in the product. Too often, I see the mascot as an attempt to soften the edge of an overt sales pitch, commercial ambitions, legal protections, disclaimers, questionable services, and harmful ingredients.
As a “boomer,” my perception of brand mascots will differ from other generations, so I invited a few brand-conscious consumers to offer their perspectives on the topic.
For Jonah, the forty-ish, Co-founder of Aether Apparel, his feelings are less critical. “I don’t have any positive or negative feelings about brand mascots if they are done well and are entertaining.” However, he does draw the line with luxury products. “For the most part, I feel mascots cheapen premium brands and are more suited for mass-market companies, i.e., the Geico Gecko is a perfect example. Who really remembers or cares about the insurance pitch, but this little lizard makes it a fun conversation”.
In her mid-twenties, Savannah, an interior designer, sees Ronald McDonald, the Pillsbury Dough Boy, and the Morton salt girl as memorable mascots from her younger years, but contemporary brands that command the same resonance escape her. “Brand mascots were perfect for the days before streaming, back when everyone watched live TV with commercials,” she states.
“If every McDonald’s ad was just a picture of a hamburger, what would distinguish it from Burger King or Wendy’s? Not much,” she adds. That suggests that brand mascots help in distinction among commodity products. However, Savannah also recognizes competitors in the internet age who have found other ways to market themselves without using a brand mascot. “Take Shake Shack, for example, also a burger and fries chain, with no brand mascot in sight,” she says.
Nick, 26, a computer engineer for a leading tech giant, is not swayed by a friendly mascot. “I don’t think that a brand mascot adds too much to contemporary brands; it could help deliver a targeted narrative, but it may not necessarily add to consumer trust. Tony the Tiger may bring me to the cereal aisle, but I will buy the organic frosted flakes sweetened with cane sugar in the end.”
And what happens when an actual person stands in for an animated one?
Nina, a theater artist in their early 20s, and Sean, a painter ten years older, share a similar point of view. “When a funny mascot promotes a product, I’m more aware of being sold something. When it’s an actor or celebrity that I like, it feels more like a conversation”, says Nina.
“When a known influencer is promoting a product, they are also tying their reputation to it, which elevates the expectation of quality,” adds Sean.
However, the risk is that both “brands” can get tarnished based on consumer response. For example, Nina cites the promotion of Lady Gaga’s last album, Chromatica. “Gaga partnered with Nabisco to make custom Oreo cookies. They weren’t very good, but I gave them a try because I love and admire Gaga.”
When I asked if this experience in any way diminished their feelings about the superstar, Nina replied, “Not at all; it’s a win for both brands.” Lucky that, in this case, a fan’s devotion buffers any risk in the co-branding.
However, when a celebrity gets accused of criminal behavior, it creates a public relations crisis for a brand— think Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, or Maria Sharapova. That is one reason an adorable mascot may prove a safer strategy for specific brands. It’s unlikely we’ll see Geico’s Gecko or Mail Chimp in court anytime soon.
Using brand mascots is undoubtedly not just an American phenomenon. It’s a widespread practice in every country on every continent. Yes, including Antarctica. For the bloated industry of agencies and freelancers who specialize in mascot design, this is good news. It’s also creative commoditization on steroids with highly discounted services, DIY bundled packages, and sponsored competitions ready to help any startup get started. Just add a nice dollop of cuteness wrapped in an anthropomorphized critter, and you’re good to go.
Is the brand mascot a tried-and-true strategy or one that is truly tired?
Hyperconnectivity is shrinking the world daily. Now each consumer’s “brandscape” is atomized into tiny impressions and a vast array of offerings in every imaginable category. Marketers need every possible tool to meet this demand and or risk marginalization. Is a mascot central to this mission? Some studies show that a brand mascot can increase sales. But in the US, only 4% of ads use this device. I contend that this model is additive but not central and will continue to lose relevance with the further splintering of media channels. Consumers yearn for information-rich and purpose-driven brand messages without the sugar coating.
Based on my limited survey, it appears there is an ambivalence toward mascot marketing. I got a sense from Jonah, Savannah, Nick, Nina, and Sean that they were not just speaking for themselves but were reflecting a broader generational sentiment. They are a fun-loving, intelligent, ambitious, and media-savvy group. They also represent a growing community of young consumers who won’t just drink the brand marketing Kool-Aid.
Ken Carbone is an artist, designer, and Co-Founder of the Carbone Smolan Agency, a design company he built with Leslie Smolan over 40 years ago. He is the author of Dialog: What Makes a Great Design Partnership, a visiting lecturer at numerous design schools, and TED X speaker. A recipient of the 2012 AIGA medal, he is currently a Senior Advisor to the Chicago-based strategic branding firm 50,000feet.
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The manufacturing process of stretch matic elastic involves the weaving or knitting of fibers, such as spandex or elastane, in a way that allows for elasticity and stretch. The fibers are typically combined with other materials, such as cotton or polyester, to enhance durability and performance. Overall, stretch matic elastic is a versatile material that offers both comfort and flexibility. Its ability to stretch and retract easily makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from clothing to medical devices. Whether it is used in garments or other products, stretch matic elastic provides a comfortable and supportive fit..
Reviews for "Stretch Matic Elastic: A Wardrobe Staple for Travelers"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Strrtch matic elastic". It claimed to be super stretchy, but I found that it barely stretched at all. I had a hard time fitting it around my waist and it felt really tight. The quality also wasn't great, as it started to fray after only a few uses. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this elastic.
- Sarah - 1 star - The "Strrtch matic elastic" was a complete waste of money. It did not stretch at all and was extremely difficult to work with. I tried using it for a sewing project, but it was too rigid and didn't provide the flexibility that I needed. On top of that, it had a weird smell that lingered even after washing it. I would not buy this product again.
- Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the "Strrtch matic elastic", but it didn't live up to its claims. It was advertised as durable and long-lasting, but it started to lose its elasticity after a few uses. It also didn't hold up well in the laundry and began to lose its shape. I had to constantly readjust it, which was frustrating. I wouldn't recommend this elastic for anyone who needs something reliable and resilient.
- Lisa - 1 star - This elastic was a huge disappointment. It was difficult to sew with as it kept slipping and sliding. I had to constantly stop and readjust it, which slowed down my progress. Even worse, it started to fray and unravel after just a couple of uses. I was really hoping for a durable and high-quality elastic, but this was far from it. Save your money and avoid this product.