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Apparel

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Links To Comfort

Summer golf lines blend color and style in outfits that can be worn on and off the course

By Catherine RislingPublished: July, 2005

It’s business as usual on the course, but that doesn’t mean golfers are sacrificing style for comfort. Traditional favorites are back this summer, but in brighter colors for women and warmer hues for men.   

Golf clothing designers are keeping up with the seasons’ trends while delivering cutting-edge technology and fashion-forward lines. And these designers are hitting the mark, offering outfits that can be worn off the links and into a restaurant, out shopping or to the movies.

This summer, women will see a predominant black-and-white color palette — accented with delicious sherbet colors.

“Bold, fresh colors in various tones of pink, blue and green as well as plaid and striped pants will be gracing the golf links this summer,” says clothing designer Linda Hipp. “Cable-knit layering sweaters will complete the look that could easily take you from the golf course fairway to dinner. Women are continually seeking a feminine look on the golf course and this definitely is a way to show their feminine side but also have the comfort and ease of movement that can be found wearing these relaxed styles.”

Traditional favorites include longer shorts, pants and skirts.

“With the preppy look back on the scene, women are looking for unique style polos that can be tied in with the most popular silhouettes of the season: Bermuda shorts, capri pants and knee-length skirts,” Hipp says.

Lija by Linda Hipp, the Canadian-based women’s golf and active apparel known for cutting-edge designs, has introduced a spring/summer line that is bold and beautiful. The short-sleeve Bella Gathered Polo in teal ($70) and the Canvas/Stripe Belted Skirt in white with a teal stripe ($120) represent Lija’s sass and style.

Liz Claiborne, who joined the golfwear market in 1993, unveiled traditional favorites like the sleeveless Argyle Polo Sweater ($59) in black and white. The spring/summer line also includes the white cotton/lycra Twill Crop Pant ($65) and the sunflower yellow twill Flat-Front Shorts ($55). Citrus and green hues add color to the line. The multicolored silk ivory Cable Cardigan ($69) and Shell ($49) update these traditional favorites.

“We are closely following the trends of the apparel market,” says Lisa DiGuglielmo, spokeswoman for LizGolf by Liz Claiborne, who also predicts a great response to longer shorts and crop pants on the course.

While women enjoy the bright colors, men also look forward to a summer of color, albeit tamer hues than the women’s lines.

Nike has incorporated Orange Poppy, Ice Blue and Citrus Zest into its shirt lines, including the popular Dry-Fit Mock shirt. Ashworth’s Men’s Drytech Performance Textured Solid Shirt ($59.50) features sage green and muted orange among its color options.

Fidra is dressing men this summer with details. The season’s line features contrasting colors in plackets and stitching, pinstripes along the chest and color blocking. Colors include moss green, vanilla yellow and tangerine.

And comfort, says Fidra designer and president John Ashworth, reigns supreme.

“New this season is a five-pocket cotton pant and cotton/spandex flat front shorts that are very comfortable,” Ashworth says.

Nike agrees, releasing the Sphere React Cool apparel this month. Thanks to ever-evolving technology, the polo ($65) reduces cling and helps moisture evaporate quickly so golfers can stay dry and cool. In addition to Legend Blue, the shirt’s signature gray inside panels are also matched with red, black, white and dark obsidian.  n