A Detailed Evolution

Posted in Latest Fashion by on May 16th, 2011

The smallest details make the most significant differences. If a golfer makes the slightest adjustment to his or her swing, it could have a major impact on the outcome of the game. The same is true with apparel and accessories. Stitching can change the life of the shirt, whether it stands the test of time or falls apart. Cheaper is not necessarily better because if a shirt is half the cost, it usually lasts half as long, forcing the consumer to buy twice the amount of shirts. It ends up being more cost effective to purchase high quality apparel made well from great fabrics. Another instance, tags on the back and sides of shirts. They are extremely itchy and annoying so one is forced to remove them, but not before memorizing the washing instructions. Companies such as Catwalk and Antigua use screen-printing turning their logos into artwork, a better option than tagging. Some may say this is a princess and the pea way of thinking; au contraire, people favor one brand over another based on one feature. It is not too much to expect to have it all: comfort, fashion, and function.

LIJA

LIJA Fashion

The inspiration for LIJA’s 2011 for Spring has an awakening theme, where individuals are rethinking their goals, have a desire to exceed those goals and are building momentum towards a stronger well being both mentally and physically. Label 3 Collection was inspired by the power of change. Change keeps us youthful and open to new challenges & experiences. It motivates and empowers all of us toward positive personal growth. LIJA based out of Vancouver, Canada is pioneering a change in the way we look at fashion in golf. It is about playing with silhouettes, challenging convention, and reshaping the future of fashion on the fairways. One of the ways this is expressed through this line is with the Tulip Skirt, which is a couple inches longer in the back to be able to read the greens without putting on a show. The Cap Sleeve Top has innovative cuts with a short collar.  The white piping, feminine trim, and crisp collar on the navy blue LIJA Pique Tick Tock Polo is eye catching and classy. Paired with the Nuvo Sundial Vest for a vibrant burst of sunshine is perfect for spring in New England.  The white elegant Parallel Excursion Skort is functional and fashionable with a unique detail trim. All of their skirts are comfortable, athletic, and flirty. Canadians sure know how to create quality clothes, eh? For more of the line visit www.lijastyle.com

Quagmire

 Quagmire Fashion    Quagmire Fashion
Canadians Geoff Tait and Bobby Pasternak rebelled against the typical golf shirt and slacks and about three years ago created Toronto-based Quagmire Golf to make edgy and hip golf apparel. For years Tait was known for the guy who wore skateboarder and surfer apparel on the course such Billabong or Quiksilver.  Quagmire’s new state-of-the-art technology will blow your mind! These crazy fabrics and screen prints will either change color in the heat or sunlight depending on which styles you choose! A common misconception is that your armpits will change, not the case! The whole shirt and only the shirt will change. If you want to get technical, the Colorfusion shirts that change with heat will begin changing at 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit for friends in the USA). The screen prints change from UV rays so they work best on the bright sunny days. This product is meant to last and you can wash and dry these shirts just as you would all of your others. Quagmire’s Gud N’ Dri moisture wicking fabric is their staple technology. The majority of the polos are made with the fabrics, which are guaranteed to keep you dry on those hot summer days on the course and the patio. Some of the characteristics include anti-static, breathable, wicking, odor resistant, anti-bacterial, soft and durable, piling resistant, and fast drying moisture management. Check out their entire collection at www.quagmiregolf.com

Sligo

 Sligo Fashion
Over the last few years, Sligo Wear has evolved from what was once a small boutique apparel brand into a well-known brand that you can pick up at major retailers.  When it comes to bold and fresh golf apparel, few companies are putting out the same caliber of apparel as Sligo Wear have been over the last few years. Trendy clothing in bright colors with great patterns to add some color to your golf game. Their collections are full color stories (http://www.sligowear.com/catalogue/sligo_sp2011_colorstories.pdf) for Spring 2011 line such as Catalina, Citrus, Muskoka, Orange, Vegas Pink, McKenna, Haze, and their Signature Lime Green. Sligo in the past has been known for their patterns being laid over the material. It is something that many of their fans have grown to love and this technique is still part of the line in many favorites. However in this latest line you will also find many designs in which they used thread coloring to make the patterns done more traditionally for those that prefer that style. PGA Tour superstar Brian Gay mentioned that it is his favorite shirt from the new collection was the Wallack shirt. It receives more compliments around the course than any other piece of apparel. Sligo shirts are an athletic fit without being too tapered down the side. Sleeve size seems to run about normal compared to other athletic fit cuts and the length is perfect. If you are not used to an athletic European cut, it is recommended to up one size. The Sligo bottoms feature a technical polyester and spandex blend to give a little stretch in all the right areas without dealing with the issues that can arise from cotton golf shorts. Sligo has changed their cut to accommodate more people. The shorts are now longer than they were before and hang below the knee, a better style choice. The shorts are colorful and work well with mixing and matching to multiple tops in each collection and the spring 2011 color stories feature countless examples of this. This is by far the most complete line the company has come out with and a true testament to the evolution that Sligo has been achieving. For more information on any of these pieces, check out their website at www.sligowear.com.

 

Catwalk

 Catwalk Fashion
Catwalk Performance Artwear is the brainchild of artist and golfer Lauren Demerling and business partner Sima Anvari. Debuting in 2006, their vision was to create a women’s line that not only celebrated the female form, also as comfortable as it was practical. Once it is brought into the golf shops or retail stores, the consumers who have been thirsty for something new, edgy and figure flattering quickly embrace it. Catwalk is inspired by women who understand what we are doing to change the face of golf wear; women who are constantly looking for something unique and fun. We want to create artwork for the body using bright, upbeat colors with fun prints that are carefully placed to carve out a silhouette that makes every woman feel amazing. Catwalk stands apart from other manufacturers in that we really make every effort to provide unique designs. We do not offer a standard polo shirt that has been the uniform of golf for so any years. Most of our designs have numerous panels and seams, which help in carving out the silhouette. Our designs have a lot of angles and curves and there is a lot of precision sewing involved. Each piece is truly an art. Quite often, factories request we simplify our designs, but we hold our ground as we feel it is important to maintain the individuality of our style. This coming Fall Catwalk will introduce some exciting lifestyle pieces to their line which include a reversible coat, riding jacket, tops with soft fluid lines, as well as a beautiful, long-column skirt with bias cut detailing at the back. We also offer a short skirt, as well as pants, that will go easily from office to evening. The yoga/tennis line was a direct response to requests from buyers who wanted Catwalk flair for the tennis court and gym as well. We are offering four very different styles of tops, all custom-designed artwork for the body.  We have a yoga and Capri pant in addition to a tennis skirt. I wanted each piece to have a distinct personality. Catwalk has been embraced by women of all ages and sizes who are looking for unique and practical clothing that will carry them to the 19th Hole in style. Because the center of the Fairway is your Catwalk! For the whole collection visit www.catwalkartwear.com

Abacus

             Abacus Fashion   Abacus Belt Buckle
Abacus spares no detail setting them apart from other golf apparel. The abacus collection is divided into four groups, rain, wind, warm and on tour. Each group offers a unique level of performance and weather protection features. The soft fleece on the collar, the adjustable cuffs, and the comfort and functionality makes their jackets valuable. Every garment works in the right way to ensure that you stay dry, warm and comfortable. If you want a functional high quality jacket, you can count on abacus. Their stretch fabric is like nothing ever seen before and the attention paid to details is remarkable. Their jackets have sealed seams and waterproof guarantees ranging from two to four years. They are also windproof while remaining extremely lightweight and flexible.  While Golf is at the heart of Abacus’ inspiration, their style is simple, elegant, leisure apparel with collections that combine functionality, design, and quality.  Their Spring 2011 line was inspired by the pure Scandinavian backdrop of the crisp, clean wind of the sky and sea. Starry white glistening over shining indigo tones or as a marine palette explodes in white stripes on a sky blue backdrop. On the course off the course wardrobe favorite is the Kate long sleeve Rugger with the velvet collar detailing and metal buttons. The fabric is incredibly soft and with one touch you know the quality of the garment will remain in tact for a long time. Visit www.abacus-outdoor.com

 


 

Each of these designers expresses their artistic passion for style and

creation. Their apparel isn’t mass produced, they are smaller companies

who have listened to their consumers to find out what exactly they want.

Connect with Elle at ellebrec@gmail.com.

Laura Ebrecht

About Laura Ebrecht

Laura Ebrecht is a golf fashion writer for New England Golf Monthly.

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