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Today, polo shirts seem like a safe, conservative apparel option. And they’re so often associated with conservative, country club types that many may not realize they were a bit scandalous when French tennis champ Rene Lacoste introduced his self-designed polo in 1927. Lacoste wasn’t used to America’s summer heat, and the long-sleeve, button-up shirts and (eek!) blazers that players traditionally wore were too uncomfortable on the court. The French Tennis Federation found the thin, slim-cut shirts a little indecent, but practicality ultimately won, and polo shirts became a fashion sensation and standard dress for golfers and tennis players alike.
Check out this month’s selection of polo shirts and other items golf and tennis pros need in order to be fully outfitted for the game.
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Cool It Keep your mind on the game, not on the heat, with the moisture management technology at work in the Cool DRI® Textured Performance Polo. Hanes/Champion/Outer Banks UPIC: hanesob 800-685-7557 www.hanesbullseye.com |
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Members Only A simple cut, died-to-match buttons and a trademark Nike swoosh make the Nike Golf Dri-FIT Sport Swoosh Pique Polo, for him and her, perfect for even the most exclusive clubs. SanMar UPIC: SNMR 800-426-6399 www.sanmar.com |
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<Club Kid Start kids off early in the 100-percent cotton jersey polo (Style 4600), available in toddler and infant sizes. Durable stitching on the cuffs, collar and three-button placket are suitable for even the most active young athletes. L.A. T Sportswear, Inc. UPIC: latsport 800-414-5650 www.latsportswear.com /td> |
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Eye Spy Keep the sun out of your eyes with the soft, structured Perforated Sport Cap. An adjustable closure and contrasting visor insert round out the details. Cap America, Inc. UPIC: CAPAMRCA 800-487-2227 www.capamerica.com |
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Un-Fair Weather Friend The Fairway Windshirt keeps the game going in any kind of weather. Wind- and water-resistant mesh lining is lightweight yet impenetrable. Charles River Apparel UPIC: CRA 800-225-0550 www.charlesriverapparel.com |
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Deceptively Simple Simplicity reigns in this all-over color Callaway cap with the brand’s signature logo in contrasting stitching on the front. The pique-mesh CAL520 X-Series is available in black and white. Sportsman Cap Network UPIC: SPORTSMN 800-221-4744 www.sportsmancaps.com |
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In-Between Times Shield yourself from chills between holes or sets with the Poly Mesh Full Zip Track Jacket. A full zipper and front hand pockets provide maximum coverage. J. America UPIC: Blanks 866-470-4536 www.jamericablanks.com |
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Continuous Play When the weather is rough but the game rages on, slip into the North End Sport Laminated Performance Stretch Wind Shirt. A membrane laminated into the jacket’s shell allows for unrestricted movement. Ash City Worldwide UPIC: ash0001 866-274-2489 www.ashcity.com |
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Sling Back Pack supplies for the court into the unisex Yosemite Sling. The organic cotton bag cinches up with a rope drawstring and has two external pockets for easy access to frequently used items. Alternative Apparel UPIC: ALTE8602 888-481-4287 www.alternativeapparel.com |
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Like The Pros Do Since 2009, Avenel, New Jersey-based supplier Vantage Apparel has been the exclusive industry source for golf apparel from the Greg Norman Collection. Items in the collection include hats, bags, wovens and polos such as the Play Dry® Engineered Cationic Polo in 100-percent microfiber polyester, with a self-fabric collar, three-button placket, and shark-plate branding on the right sleeve hem. Vantage Apparel UPIC: vantage 800-221-0020 www.vantageapparel.com |
Jargon 101—Green Grass Market
Be sure to speak the lingo when selling to golf clubs and pro shops, which are considered to be “green grass markets” because the selling takes place on the course. “Golf market” is a general term that refers to everything golf—even retail.
