Who is Raising the Apparel Performance Standards in Women’s Golf Fashion?

Those were the big questions when the Golf Fitness Magazine’s Wear Test Team hit the greens to put the latest in performance apparel to the test.

Performance apparel, as defined by the GFM Wear Test Team, is apparel that helps you on and off the course. Whether protecting you from the damaging rays of the sun, or keeping you cool and dry during hot days, and warm on the cool ones, the GFM Team believes that functional fashion should not only make you look good, but also enhance your round, with features that actually contribute to your overall performance.

We are thrilled with the amount of entries submitted for this rating. The quality, style, look and feel of the apparel currently produced is not only impressive, but another confirmation of golf as an athletic sport. Today’s apparel manufacturers are recognizing what golfers want, and raising the standards in fabric technology.

Each company that submitted entries was rated on the following: fit, temperature management, UV protection, odor protection, fabric look and feel, style, design, cross- over appeal and value.

The GFM Wear Test Team chose one ensemble submitted by each company and rated it on a scale of 1-5, with 5 the highest rating. We are pleased to present the Top Ten fi¬nalists in this rating as voted by the Team.

adidas RATING 5

Pure comfort was the overwhelming con¬sensus on the submitted adidas ensemble. adidas, like Nike, has mastered UV protec¬tion and moisture wicking properties in their ClimaCool line. This outfit not only had a stretchy, silky feel, it was “tailored” for a leaner fit and more flattering style. It sports ultimate comfort and style that allows a great sense of freedom and movement, especially on the driving range.

NIKE GOLF RATING 5

Nike Golf, the pioneer and industry leader in incorporating technical fabrics into golf apparel design, is introducing the NikeFIT Dry. Besides the fabulous look and feel of the NikeFIT Dry, the fabric features technology designed to keep the golfer dry, comfortable and protected from the damaging effects of the sun. The GFM Wear Test Team put that claim to the test when they wore the ensemble while playing in the broiling, 95-degree Florida sun. The Team noted that the fabric truly was effective in “wicking” moisture from the skin surface. Available with UV protection, the NikeFIT Dry looks great, fits very well and can be worn every day or just for play.

TRACEY LYNN GOLF RATING 5

Going out on a limb with cutting-edge style, bold colors and prints, Tracy Lynn Golf has actually mastered the art of combining a great look and style with performance-enhanc¬ing features. The tested ensemble had all the latest technical fabrics that sported wicking and UV protection, but the real attention grabber for the team was the exquisite style and design of this line. These golf clothes truly are wash-and-wear, wrinkle resistant and travel-friendly, a feature that usually doesn’t accompany trend-setting style.

This performance-enhancing ensemble looked great on and off the course, and was ex¬tremely comfortable and functional. The team loved how they felt in this very stylish, but extremely functional ensemble.

UNDER ARMOUR RATING 4

Sparking the performance apparel revolution over a decade ago with their HeatGear system, Under Armour combines cutting-edge technology with fashionable fit and style, not to mention comfort.

Attention to detail is what our wear test team immediately recognized with this ensemble. From small loops to hold tees in the relaxed-fit Capri, to the zippered pockets for gloves, and the open pockets for extra balls, the entire team loved this ensemble. It was easy to recognize that the HeatGear fabric changed as our body temperature changed, an asset for starting off on cold, fall mornings and playing into a warm afternoon.
The amazing technology behind Under Armour’s anti-odor treatment that lasts the life of the garment, UV protection and moisture-wicking properties combine to make this highly-ranked ensemble performance apparel a powerhouse.

PUMA RATING 4

The ensemble submitted for PUMA is designed for the truly athletic golfer. With sleek style, de¬sign and fit, this apparel company is devoted to enhancing the look of ‘fit fashion.” With its small, tailored sizes and high-tech fabric, PUMA has become a leader in fabric that is movable, and breathable through advanced ventilation and moisture management. The team first noted the Cyclofresh fabric in the Puma Zip Body Map Top. This long-lasting fabric becomes activated as soon as it comes into contact with moisture, enabling even the most stubborn odor to wash out, a disadvantage for many high-tech fabrics. The testing team’s only concern with this line was the tendency for the sizes to run small, and as we all know, all golfers are not built the same.

TEHAMA RATING 4

Classic, country-club style was our first impression of this ensemble submitted by Tehama. Tehama has mastered the classic look, and coupled it with today’s technological advances in fabric to make a superior product time and again. The luxurious, soft hand-feel and light¬weight fabric of this ensemble is complemented by their signature moisture-wicking fabric blend known as their Hang’em Dry line. The team felt that any age group could wear this en¬semble, and its collection is offered in such a wide variety of colors and styles that after playing a round, it was decided that the skort was a “must have” in every color.

GREEN TEE APPAREL RATING 3

What do you get when you mix a modern twist on classic style, with revolutionary nanotech¬nology fabric? Success! The makers of Green Tee Apparel hit the mark when it comes to sim¬ple style. The fabric fun “California” look and feel of the golf dresses we tested were not only lightweight and cool, but went well with lightweight golf jackets, perfect on those cool, fall nights or the 19th hole. In addition, the fabrics repel liquids, resist wrinkles, and dry quickly.

Bornfit RATING 3

This new company was all the buzz with the testing team because, with the team consist¬ing of women golfers of all ages, shapes and sizes, the submitted ensemble fit everyone very well. The extremely relaxed fit enables moms-to-be, middle-age moms and Baby Boomers alike to wear this apparel on the course or in the carpool line. On the course the team noted their ability to move without restriction or any binding while wearing this ensemble. They loved the hidden drawstring waist that could be let out or in, as well as the Born Cool, Born Stretchy fabric technology featuring great moisture management and a “stretch with recovery” look. It also had a great feel.

Tail RATING 3

The new TAIL Tech Performance line was introduced to the team by GFM Managing Edi¬tor Karen-Palacios Jansen, when she was asked to do a photo shoot for this company, tra¬ditionally known for its superior line of tennis apparel. The team was pleasantly surprised by the superior comfort of the submitted samples. The tested ensemble was lightweight, but did not have the exquisite feel of some of the other items in this test rating. But the style and fit were very nice, and the tech shorts had a fashionable asymmetrical look and stitching to give the illusion of a slightly tapered leg.

ASHWORTH RATING 2

Ashworth is another name that clearly defines tradi¬tional class and style. With the wonderful colors as¬sembled for the fall line, it is no wonder that this will be a big hit in pro-shops. This ensemble is a part of their fall 2008 water-themed collection called Hawaii, and offers a performance edge with a selection of knits that are moisture wicking, quick dry¬ing and breathable. Made with a blend of two, high-twisted yarns, this apparel line provides great durability.

Although the test team loved the color, style and look, the rat¬ing for this apparel is based on the feel, fabric and performance-enhancing technology that we felt was not one of their strengths with this ensemble.