custom tents

The Evolution of Custom Tents: From Practicality to Fashion

Tents have evolved to serve many more purposes than basic protections from the weather. Today, tents are potent marketing tools that can draw new customers and provide important educational opportunities for your current clients or patients. Tents evolved due to advances in design and technology. Businesses see the portable shelters as a unique and effective way to stand out at conventions and other large events. Read on to learn how tents changed over time and how new fabrication processes allow for the placement of hi-resolution graphics and branding elements. 

Rudimentary Shelters

The earliest tents would have been made from materials like animal skins, branches, and woven fibers. The main purpose of these primitive shelters would have been to provide protection from the elements. Nomadic hunters used tents as portable homes. These early tents were crude, and function was more important than aesthetics.

Military Tents

The 20th century saw advances in tent design as military campaigns and expeditions across the globe led to innovations in the type of materials that were used to fabricate tents. Military tents served a special mission by providing shelter for troops and portable storage options. Many of those tents were made from canvas or a fabric that was treated to endure harsh conditions. These tents began incorporating modern custom tents elements like modular designs and collapsible frames. 

Recreational Tents

Americans began camping in large numbers in the 20th century. This new civilian use led to the use of lightweight materials. Customers began demanding custom tent variations that were weather-resistant, easy to set up, water-resistant, and designed to suit the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Modern camping tents make use of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester that provide robust protection from rain and wind. Synthetic materials are lightweight and UV-resistant. 

The Rise of Event Tents

In recent years, large events have seen tent use soar. Tents are no longer relegated to their traditional role as shelter providers. Large, colorful canopy event tents are now found at social events, corporate functions, trade shows, fairs, festivals, and large gatherings where the pop-up tents create memorable experiences for attendees. As tent use at events widened, the pop-up shelters began growing in size and shape to meet the demands of new customers. Traditional canvas gave way to newer, sleeker materials that provided aesthetic custom tents with greater visual appeal and improved weather resistance. 

Tents for Marketing and Branding

Thanks to the use of new tent materials that can be printed with custom graphics and branding elements, businesses now see tents as a powerful marketing tool that acts as promotional booths at events and sponsored activities. Tents are much more attention-grabbing than tables, and the covers provide added protection from the elements. Many companies now bring their canopy tents to any event and incorporate aesthetic custom tent ideas like custom lighting to further liven their pop-up tents. 

The same lightweight materials used to fabricate pop-up canopy tents are now used to make flags, inflatable arches, pop-up walls, and other versatile marketing tools that can transform any space into an attractive hub where curious passersby are drawn over to learn more. 

Enjoy the Marketing Benefits of a Custom Tent

From its first primitive uses of providing shelter for nomadic tribes, tents have greatly evolved and now serve as a useful resource for companies of all types seeking attention-grabbing marketing tools to spread their message and attract new clients. Customizable tents offer unparalleled versatility in functionality and design.

If your company is looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, we can fabricate a canopy tent to meet the size and specifications you need. We can also include bright graphics that communicate your business services clearly and effectively. When striking up conversations with new clients, first impressions matter. The team at Instent can make those first connections memorable.