San Francisco-based golf apparel startup, State Apparel, is taking its Golden Gate Collection to Kickstarter in an effort to fuel production for a Fall 2015 launch. The Kickstarter campaign starts today, June 1st, and contributors will be rewarded with pieces from the collection at 20-30% discounts off the retail prices.
“Kickstarter has changed the way millions of people around the world connect with entrepreneurs and their ideas, and it’s a platform that truly brings creative projects to life. It’s the perfect channel for sharing State Apparel’s story and unique products, and we can work directly with the enthusiastic Kickstarter community to launch our first collection,” said State Apparel Founder, Jason Yip.
Loyal GolfThreads readers will remember that I chatted with State Apparel’s, Jason Yip, and took the label’s Competition Pant and Shirt for a spin last fall. I came away impressed with the style, fit and performance.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with State Apparel, the brand is creating a buzz with a highly functional range of golf apparel that incorporates intuitive wiping layers into its pants and shirts. This eliminates the need for a towel, allowing players to stay in their routine and to speed play.
Best of all, Yip has elegantly and strategically worked these wiping layers into the design of his apparel. They have been designed into the cuff, side pockets and rear pockets on the pants and into the side panels of the shirts.
The material used by Yip in his designs is a bit heavier than you will find from other golf apparel brands, making if perfect for damp, cool golf destinations like Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, St. Andrews and Royal County Down. I’m guessing there were a few players at last week’s Irish Open that wished they were wearing State Apparel.
The pants are water, wind and stain resistant and are made from a woven blend of polyester & spandex, which lends to a traditional, yet modern look with just the right amount of stretch. The light fleece wiping layer throughout the interior provides warmth and comfort, and the fabric’s construction ensures breathability.
The shirts feature a blend of polyester and spandex for a combination of breathability, moisture management, and movement. To ensure textile harmony, the wiping layer in the side panel is made from the same fabric in a brushed finish.
Golden Gate Collection
I first got a look at State Apparel’s Golden Gate Collection at the PGA Merchandise Show in January. What grabbed my attention were the eye-catching prints and the striking palette of rich autumn colors with pops of California yellow.
“The Golden Gate Collection features deep pacific blues and merlot hues inspired by a post-round sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge. Our styling draws on a Northern California sensibility for smart and subtle details,” said Yip.
Obviously, prints are in this year, and Yip put a unique spin on this trend by collaborating with local artists to create custom patterns for State Apparel’s polos. These prints are used on showcase pieces, like the Tournament and Scoring Shirts, and they bring a high-fashion element to the Golden Gate Collection. Rounding out the range of polos are the classic Competition and the Sunday Shirts with the iconic contrasting button-down collar, placket and pocket.
Any great fall collection needs stylish and sensible layering pieces, and State Apparel answers with the Biarritz, a classic 1/4-zip style pullover with a sporty mélange fabric. Designed to keep players warm and dry in even the heaviest San Francisco fog, the Biarritz pairs nicely with the brand’s Competition Pants and Shorts.
Completing the collection is a t-shirt and a range of technical baseball-style caps in merlot, white and pacific blue.
To help State Apparel kick start its Fall Collection, go to http://kck.st/1FO2EPf.
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