By Terry Ross
The burgeoning golf clothing industry is going to get even more competitive as FootJoy, which has held a dominate position in the sales of golf shoes and gloves for many years, is getting ready to make a full assault on the full-line apparel market with the introduction of a complete range of men’s golf apparel comprised of performance fabrics to complement its existing line of advanced outerwear that has also been a leader in the market.
The new line will begin with a core range of essential performance offerings that will be in-stock from season to season. This assortment will be supplemented by multiple color story collections for the fall and spring that feature contemporary colors and patterns in a variety of styles and performance fabrics. The design focus will be on one sport – golf, which is FootJoy’s sole passion.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to move into an adjacent business and believe the timing is right,” said Jim Connor, President of FootJoy. “We’ve talked to golfers and our trade partners, who enthusiastically support the plans and offerings. This represents an important step forward in FootJoy’s mission to enhance enjoyment of the game for golfers everywhere.”
FootJoy first entered the golf outerwear category in 1997 and last year introduced the layering system that was developed to meet the specific needs of golfers who demand comfortable performance apparel that regulates body temperature and adapts to changing weather conditions. Comprised of garments designed for wet, windy, cold and warm conditions, the system allows players to “Layer Up”, consistent with FootJoy’s mantra: Make Every Day Playable.
A variety of fabrics and colors highlight FooJoy’s new foray into a full line of attire that is designed for comfort and protection on the course and for style off the course as well.
For the cooler fall conditions, the FJ Performance Sweater is a stylish pullover made of luxurious Merino wool over a waterproof liner that makes this garment almost impervious from wind and cold, in addition to being water resistant. Designed for easy on/off, this golf sweater allows easy range of motion during the golf swing and sports a nice full cut in nine available colors.
For a little warmer conditions, or as an option under the Performance Sweater, the ProDry Shirt features an easy care fabric that avoids wrinkling and shrinkage along with double stitched seams for added durability and reinforced construction with its lock-stitched hem. The ProDry stretch fabric has a luxurious and cool feel, while the anti-microbial finish inhibits odor buildup when ambient moisture is present. The extra long back and full fit in this line are typical of the popular FootJoy styling.
Going back to its roots, FootJoy is also celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the its StaSof golf glove line with a new and improved version of what has been the company’s flagship product since 1981 and is ranked as the industry leader in that category.
Just as the golf swing has evolved into an athletic power move in which the hands lead the club shaft into an aggressive, downward, ball-compressing moment of impact, the new StaSof has evolved to complement that swing by improved feel and grip performance.
Launching the ninth generation of exclusive Pittards® Leather Technology with Taction 2™ Advanced Performance Leather®, the new StaSof has a softer feel and improved grip performance in all-climate play. Moreover, the new Taction2 ™ APL leather has twice the gripping power in humid, hot conditions.
The leather cuff of the new StaSof has been extended 1/4" to fit further up the wrist for improved fit and comfort. In addition, a new, proprietary ComforTab™ closure comfortably adjusts for a secure fit and feel. PowerNet™ mesh inserts have been added across the knuckles to enhance flexibility and breathability.
For more information: www.footjoy.com
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