If you follow GolfThreads here or on social media, you know that I’m a big fan of Dunning Golf. I’m a fan of Dunning’s understated style, its fabrics and its authentic green grass approach. As a marketing professional by day, I’m a fan of its simple product names and minimalistic copy. I’m also a fan of the black and white images that Dunning uses to promote its collections as they truly capture the essence and authenticity of the brand. In a way, Dunning Golf is the Apple of the golf apparel world — fashionable, high-tech products wrapped in simple, minimalistic packages.
There’s a certain comfort and confidence that comes from slipping on Dunning apparel. There is an air of, “Yes, I know this is on point and I know it will flat-out perform.” (Now, if I could just have the same confidence in my iron game, I’d be all set.) Sure, Dunning won’t wow you with amped up colors and wacky designs, but that doesn’t mean you won’t stand out on the first tee. You’ll just be turning heads for all the right reasons.
Dunning Golf Spring/Summer 2015 Collection
Dunning’s Spring/Summer 2015 Collection taps into two of the biggest trends in golf fashion these days — athletic looks and a return to effortless style. As I cruised the PGA Show floor, most apparel brands were preaching one of these two approaches. Dunning, though, has successfully managed to fuse both of these trends in its collection. The ironic thing is, this is nothing new for Dunning. While other brands have been chasing trends, Dunning has been creating modern, low-key looks that easily transition from the course to life since the beginning. Is it possible that by not pursuing trends, Dunning is now a trendsetter?
Dunning’s Spring/Summer 2015 Collection keeps that same sophisticated aesthetic that I appreciate and infuses it with updated designs and a fresh color palette for the season. Classic navy blue, grey and black colors form the foundation of Dunning’s color stories for SS15. These traditional colors then get a shot of adrenaline from a vivid green, an energetic light blue and a sunny yellow. Dunning’s latest collection also features a strong mix of solid colored polos and a variety of fashionable stripes, including engineered stripes, blocked chest stripes, all-over stripes and feeder stripes.
SEE ALSO: Heads Up: Dunning Golf Introduces Hoodies
Performance fabrics are a part of Dunning’s DNA. In 2001, founder Ralph Dunning combined his cycling and triathlon experience with his apparel expertise, and launched the first golf apparel line comprised exclusively of performance fabrics. One thing that I really like about Dunning’s Spring 2015 collection is that it offers a variety of technical fabrics to choose from based on climate and personal preference. To help you find the right fabric for your game, here’s a break down of the technical fabrics you’ll find in the latest collection.
Vented Mesh
New from Dunning for 2015 is the vented mesh fabric. It is also, the brand’s most versatile. Dunning’s Tour players were looking for a fabric that they could wear in every type of playing condition, which led to the development of this new fabric. The vented mesh is incredibly lightweight and features strong moisture wicking capabilities. For those of you playing in hot, humid conditions, then Dunning’s vented mesh polos are sure to help you beat the heat.
Stretch Jersey
It is difficult to pick a favorite fabric from Dunning. They are all top notch, and playing conditions and personal preference play a huge role in picking a favorite. That being said Dunning’s stretch jersey is at the top of my list. The stretch jersey has a bit more heft to it than the vented mesh and stretch pique. Living in a fairly temperate climate, I can get away with a heavier fabric without sacrificing comfort. Plus, I love the luxurious feel, the moisture wicking qualities and the playability that the 4-way stretch offers. Dunning’s stretch jersey also drapes exceptionally well, which means it will help to hide any unwanted humps and bumps on the upper body.
Stretch Pique
Dunning’s stretch pique fabric possesses the great looks of a classic cotton pique with the performance qualities of a technical material. The pique weave has a very fine waffle-like texture, allowing it to sit close to the skin and provides maximum breathability. It possesses a super soft hand, a mechanical stretch and superb color fastness. This is another fabric that is a must-have for hot, humid conditions.
Dunning Stretch 1/4 Zip Pullover
One of my favorite outerwear pieces, Dunning’s Stretch 1/4 Zip Pullover, gets a style upgrade for 2015. A bold stripe runs horizontally across the chest, which adds a touch of personality to the front of the piece. The comfort and performance features remain the same for 2015, though. (If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.) The soft, brushed lining provides a thin, lightweight, flexible layer of insulation and the drawstring waist allows the fit to be customized and locks out cool breezes. One feature of the 1/4 Zip that is unique, but often overlooked, is the cavity at the front of the neck that allows the neck to move freely and comfortably during the swing.
SEE ALSO: Fall Favorite: Dunning 1/4 Zip Stripe Stretch Thermal Pullover
Dunning Pants & Shorts
Dunning often refers to its pants and shorts as “the best technical bottoms in golf.” While superlatives are always a matter of opinion, it is easy to see why they have gained this reputation. The Players Fit pants and shorts have long been a favorite among Tour players and amateurs alike. These are some of the most fluid pants I have worn on the course. The ultra-lightweight, 4-way mechanical stretch technical fabric offers top-shelf playability and comfort. The fit of Dunning’s Player Fit pants and shorts provides a modern, athletic fit that is sure to appeal to a wide range of players. I do wish the brand offered a slimmer or tapered fit for those of us who have legs that resemble 2 irons, though.
One of the biggest trends in pants and shorts is the five-pocket style that offers a very casual, modern look. Dunning has added a five-pocket pant and short in four classic colorways. The five-pocket styles feature the same 4-way mechanical stretch fabric as the Players Fit and they look great with the more casual street-style shoes we are seeing these days.
Also new from Dunning are the Heritage Performance Pants and Shorts. If you prefer a cotton pant or short, then these are for you. The cotton/poly/spandex twill blend captures the classic looks of a chino with the added benefit of stretch and performance. The Heritage Performance pieces can easily be dressed up or dressed down and they play as well on the course as off the course.
SEE ALSO: Dunning Golf: Stylish Players Wanted
Why I Sized Down
Fit has become so important in golf fashion. There is no doubt that slim is in. In talking with the Dunning team at the PGA Show, I learned that they have encouraged their Tour players to size down. If you look at guys like Brendan Steele, Charles Howell III and Kevin Foley, you’ll notice that their fitted looks enhance the clean aesthetics of Dunning’s apparel. For this reason, I sized down with the Spring Collection. I was a little apprehensive about going with a small on the polos, but I’m glad I did. The best advice I can give you on sizing is if you prefer a slim, ‘euro’ fit, then size down. If you prefer a fuller fit, go with your normal size.
Where to Find Dunning
Dunning Golf places a huge importance on green grass accounts, so look for the Spring 2015 Collection in your local pro shop. If your shop doesn’t carry Dunning, first ask why not, and then head over to Dunning’s website, Trendygolf or Fairway Styles.
1 comment