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Golfers are always on the lookout for the latest gadget, the driest polo, the coolest shoes. Now they have one more trend to look forward to: going green. As consumers find more alternatives than ever that are easy on the environment, whether it’s reusable bags at the grocery store or a greater selection of hybrid vehicles, golfers, too, can wear clothing that’s a bit friendlier to Mother Earth. Trigelle introduced bamboo in its sweater line when the company debuted its women’s golf clothing four years ago. The Brea-based company was one of the first in the industry to use bamboo-blended fabrics. The sweater fabric is durable and as soft as cashmere, but without the steep price, says Liza Boquiren, Trigelle’s director of sales and marketing. This spring, Trigelle added a jersey polo made with a bamboo/cotton blend. “Bamboo is a sustainable resource,” says Boquiren. “It’s a type of grass that regenerates quickly, so it’s easy on the environment.” It’s also good for the golfer. The fabric offers natural UV, anti-bacterial and moisture-management protection. Canadian-based Lija incorporated bamboo in its women’s golf line a few years ago and brought it back this year after perfecting the fabric to prevent pilling after several washes. Additionally, some of the polos in the spring 2008 line feature an eco-friendly fabric called chitosante, which is created when chitosan – ground-up crab shells – is combined with textile fibers in the dying and/or finishing process. Although chitosante is breathable, fast-drying, static-free and a natural antimicrobial, owner and designer Linda Hipp says it can be difficult to create a version that maintains its soft feel after several washes. “We are committed to doing our part on this planet, but the quality of the product is the ultimate priority,” says Hipp. “We hope to say one day that 25 percent of our line is eco-friendly, but we have to find the right fabric first.” Companies like Ashworth and Tehama say they have found fabrics that work. Ashworth Organics, introduced in Ashworth’s fall 2008 collection, is made from 100 percent certified organic cotton. There are no chemicals or pesticides used to grow the cotton and therefore no contamination to the soil or ground water. The fabric is integrated into knit and woven shirts, and the company plans to add some bottoms in the near future. “We decided to launch an organic and sustainable product line because it is a responsible path to take,” says designer John Ashworth. “Organic products continue to improve, and we want to do our part for the planet. We hope to grow this part of our collection each season.” Cutter & Buck, Tehama and IZOD G are all using Cocona in their fabrics, a patented carbon-based material that incorporates activated carbon derived from coconut shells into polymers, such as polyester fibers, which are then spun into yarns. The embedded carbon particles help fabric manage moisture and eliminate odor. Green technology is the focus of moving forward, say Tehama reps. “Consumers are very concerned about their health and the environment,” says Nancy Haley, CEO and co-founder of Tehama. In addition to Cocona, the company’s men’s and women’s Green lines feature vitamin C-enriched shirts, bamboo-blended fabrics, recycled polyester, organic polyester/cotton and organic cotton fabrics. The company plans to double its eco-friendly collection by the end of summer. Next spring, Cutter & Buck will introduce Minerale fabric, another natural material used to purify and soften water, thanks to its ability to absorb impurities. By incorporating these minerals, the fabric gets exceptional evaporative cooling, odor resistance and added UV protection. Minerale fabric also wicks away and evaporates moisture quickly. Just like Cocona, the natural technology in Minerale is inside the fibers, so it will not wash off or wear out. Some golf apparel companies are protecting the environment not by the fabric they’re using, but by the way the fabric is produced. The Greg Norman Collection recently introduced recycled performance apparel under the brand name G-Tech. The company’s focus is to lead the market with eco-friendly products without sacrificing technical fabrics that consumers are demanding, says Jeremy Brandrick, senior design director. “Most apparel brands are using fabrics such as organic cotton, but we felt strongly about developing an eco-friendly performance capsule that actually reduces the manufacturing impact on the environment,” says Brandrick. G-Tech technology conserves natural resources like petroleum and reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need to produce new polyester. For every pound of microfiber yarn used in constructing Greg Norman Collection’s recycled products, for example, a half gallon of gasoline is conserved. Styles available include knits, fleece outerwear and luxury herringbone pants from the Signature Series. Eco-friendly isn’t just limited to polos and sweaters. Golf shoe manufacturers are becoming more sensitive as well. This spring, Puma released its new, 1950s-inspired Swing GTX golf shoe. The non-metal sole has been lauded for both its traction and grass-friendly design, while still offering a comfortable, lightweight feel. The shoe retails for $249.99. United Kingdom-based Hi-Tec also introduced the men’s Hi-Tec Enviro golf shoe. The shoe is created with organic vegetable-tanned chrome-free leather, outsoles made of rice husks and latex rubber, and a sockliner of 100 percent recycled material. The shoe, which will be incorporated into the women’s line this fall, is priced at a competitive $129. While eco-friendly fabrics may come at a cost to manufacturers, most do not affix a higher price tag to their products. “We are fortunate because our partners are becoming increasingly efficient with technology,” says Anne Ingham, vice president of design for Tehama and IZOD G. “They are now able to process recycled goods as well as blended fabrics at competitive prices.” SG |
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