Field Notes

Imperial is well-known for our high-quality hats that help you look good and feel good while you’re out on the course, the slopes or the beach. And we’ve never sacrificed quality in the pursuit of new and exciting products. That’s why we’re so excited by our new collection of Imperial fleece hoodies and sweatshirts. But before we let the cat out of the bag, let’s start at the beginning. What’s so iconic about these cold-weather essentials? The Remarkable Evolution of Sweatshirts Sweatshirts have long been a wardrobe staple, donned by sports stars, celebrities, students and everyday folks across the decades. But have you ever wondered about their origins? Back in 1926, Benjamin Russell Jr., a footballer for the Alabama Crimson Tide, conceived the idea for an all-cotton practice jersey. This innovative jersey aimed to provide superior comfort and durability compared to the itchy wool jerseys commonly worn at the time. Collaborating with his father, who owned a knitting company, they birthed the first sweatshirt: a loose-fitting, collarless pullover adorned with a V-notch at the neck. Athletes embraced it and it swiftly became a must-have in sportswear fashion. The sweatshirt has since transformed, giving rise to various styles like hooded sweatshirts (hoodies), zip-up sweatshirts, crew neck sweatshirts and more. Moreover, the sweatshirt has become a canvas for personal expression and affiliation, with universities, sports teams, brands and social movements imprinting their names and logos onto them. Notably, the sweatshirt became an emblem of youthful rebellion and hip-hop culture in the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to its appearances in iconic movies like Rocky and endorsement by artists such as Run-DMC. Even today, the sweatshirt remains a versatile and trendy garment accessible to individuals of all ages. Unlocking the Power of Fleece in Outerwear Let’s chat about fleece, a popular material in sweatshirt production. Crafted from polyester fibers, fleece boasts a soft and fluffy texture akin to sheep’s wool. It offers a range of benefits, including: Durability: Fleece holds up well, enduring numerous washes and wears without losing its shape or texture. Rapid Drying: It wicks moisture away from the skin and dries swiftly, making it perfect for outdoor activities and drizzly days. Affordability: Fleece is cost-effective to produce and purchase, ensuring accessibility for all. Sensory Pleasure: This fabric is incredibly soft and gentle to the touch, lacking the slippery feel Hypoallergenic: Fleece doesn’t trigger allergies, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Lightweight Insulation: Despite its lightness, fleece provides warmth and insulation without adding bulk or weight. Given its versatility and sturdiness, it’s no surprise that fleece is a go-to choice for crafting snug and comfy outerwear. And that’s precisely why we’re diving headfirst into the fleece frenzy. Say Hello to The New Fleece Hoodie Collection From Imperial

Meta description: Are you ready to update your pickleball style in 2024? Explore fun and fresh new hat, apparel and accessory styles from Imperial. As the anticipation for the new pickleball season intensifies, there's no better time to elevate your on-court style and gear up with the latest trends in pickleball clothing. Imperial, renowned for its commitment to quality and style, has recently unveiled an exciting new array of pickleball apparel and accessories to ensure you step onto the court with unparalleled confidence and flair in the upcoming 2024 season. Whether it's a casual game with friends or a competitive match, our cool and classic pickleball collection caters to all facets of the pickleball lifestyle. Embracing the Pickleball Lifestyle Pickleball isn't just a sport; it's a lifestyle. As seasoned budding players gear up for the 2024 season, it's essential to merge performance with style. Our commitment to mastering the marriage of fashion and function shines through in our latest pickleball collections, aimed at providing players with the perfect blend of comfort, durability and, above all else, style. Get Swingwing With Pickleball Gear that Excites Steal the Show in a Dazzling Pickle Man Mascot T-Shirt Designed for comfort and adorned with a playful pickleball mascot, this buttery soft men's crew neck short-sleeve pickleball shirt is a testament to our dedication to creating stylish and comfortable apparel for the pickleball community. Whether wearing it for a quick match or taking it to brunch, this t-shirt ensures you look and feel your best. Flex Your Skills With a Pickleball Performance Visor A fusion of performance and fashion, the Pickle Queen Performance Visor combines moisture-wicking fabric and an adjustable closure, ensuring you can shield yourself from the sun in style. Its sleek design is perfect for on and off-court wear, adding a touch of elegance to your appearance and providing essential sun protection during intense matches. Warm Up With a Big Dill Premium Crewneck Sweatshirt For off-court style, the Big Dill Premium Crewneck Sweatshirt offers ultimate comfort and a unique design, reflecting Imperial's commitment to creating trendy and distinctive apparel. This sweatshirt is not just for post-match hangouts; it's a versatile and stylish addition to your everyday wardrobe, offering coziness and fashion-forward aesthetics. Switch Up The Vibes With a Llama-Inspired Cap The Volley Llama Performance Rope Cap is a versatile and stylish addition to your pickleball wardrobe, giving you the perfect blend of performance fabric and an adjustable rope closure for a snug and comfortable fit. It's not just a cap for the court; it's a fun and functional accessory that adds a touch of personality to your everyday outfits. Design Your Own Pickleball Hat With Clever, New Styles At Imperial, the focus is on expressing yourself and with our DIY tool, you can create your own custom pickleball hat with unique customizations and logo designs. Our customized hat tool gives you the freedom to choose every detail that goes into your ultimate look. From selecting the style and fit to the color and logo, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're a fan of golf hats, bucket hats, rope hats or trucker hats, our tool makes it easier than ever to curate your own pickleball-inspired personalized hat that reflects your individual style and personality. Just take this one-of-a-kind creation, pairing a fun and soothing wave-patterned microprint bucket hat with a clever pickleball-playing octopus. A design like this is truly unique, showcasing your own fun and fanciful personality. Whether you want to captivate the competition with a playful design or distract them from your skills, we’ve got you covered. Rocking Your Pickleball Look on the Court and Beyond Our ever-evolving pickleball collection isn't just about dressing for the game; it's about making a statement both on and off the court. Picture donning the Imperial pickleball Mascot T-Shirt and matching visor, exuding a sleek and confident aura as you master each point on the court. As the game ends, the transition to the post-match hangout is equally seamless as you comfortably sport your pickleball sweatshirt, effortlessly blending performance with style in every aspect of your pickleball journey. These pieces aren't just for the court. They’re a fun addition to your everyday wardrobe, ensuring you stand out and feel your best in every setting. A Major League Pickleball Partnership Opens the Door to Exciting Wardrobe Inspiration In a groundbreaking collaboration, Imperial has joined forces with Major League Pickleball to introduce a range of products featuring professional pickleball team logos. Now, players can display their support for their favorite teams while exuding style and confidence on the court. This partnership marks the harmonious merging of professional sportsmanship and fashion, introducing a fresh dynamic to the pickleball community. Imperial's partnership with Major League Pickleball has brought forth a wide variety of team styles and logos to pair with the revered Imperial Original Performance Cap. Crafted with performance polyester fabric, this lightweight and breathable cap features a soft structured profile and a micro-velcro elastic loop closure. Whether you're on the court or off, this cap provides all-day comfort and moisture-wicking properties while showcasing your support for your favorite pickleball teams – like the Orlando Squeeze. Make 2024 Your Year With Imperial's New Lineup of Pickleball Designs In addition to the option of creating your own custom hat, Imperial has also introduced a new lineup of pickleball designs, featuring a variety of styles and color options. Whether you're drawn to the classics or seeking something more modern and trendy, Imperial's diverse range of designs ensures that every pickleball enthusiast can find the perfect match for their unique style preferences. As the 2024 pickleball season approaches, Imperial’s latest collections, combined with the unparalleled freedom to design your own custom hat, offer an array of choices to embrace the season with confidence and distinction. Whether on or off the court, Imperial stands ready to provide the perfect blend of style, performance and personal expression to complement every aspect of your pickleball journey.

Today, Imperial announced Carl Montanye hire as the company’s new National Sales Director – Golf. Carl is a welcome and exciting addition to our team. His strategic and analytical approach to sales management, combined with his green grass experience is an invaluable asset. David Shaffer, SVP of Sales Carl is a dynamic professional with over 20 years of sales management success for many major sports brands. He joins us after fifteen years with adidas golf, where for seven years he was the Eastern US Regional Manager. A versatile and innovative strategist, Carl believes in strong, connected teams driven by foundational training, streamlined communications, competitive internal goal setting, and a good sense of humor. His unique placement and experience in sports and golf brands continues to build on an expanding Imperial network of business channels. Carl resides in Naples, FL, with his wife of 23 years, Aimee, his son, William, and daughter, Marcelle.

Small fit hats are a stylish accessory that come in a range of styles and designs, making them extremely versatile and fun. Whether you want to protect your hair and head from the sun, wind, or rain or you want to add some flair and personality to your outfit, there’s a small fit hat for you. Let’s explore the different styles of small fit hats for men and women and how to choose the best one for your needs and preferences. From bucket hats to high crown hats, visors and everything in between, Imperial has an option for everyone. Read on to find out more about the wonderful world of small fit hats! What is a Small Fit Hat? A small fit hat is exactly what it sounds like – an accessory made specifically for those with smaller heads. Fashion is all about expressing your unique personality and style. When it comes to accessorizing, small fit hats have taken the fashion world by storm, adding a touch of elegance and charm to any outfit. These stylish hats are specifically designed for ladies or men with petite heads, ensuring a perfect fit that complements their features effortlessly. Exploring Small Fit Ladies Hat Styles and Designs There are many types of small fit hats for ladies, each with its own features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular ones: Bucket hats: Bucket hats are soft, brimmed hats that have a downward-sloping brim that covers the entire head. They're usually made of cotton, denim or canvas and come in various colors and patterns. Bucket hats are casual and versatile and can be worn with any outfit. Small sun hats for ladies like bucket hats are also easy to pack and carry, as they can be folded or rolled up without losing their shape. Performance hats: Performance hats are hats that are specially designed for sports and fitness activities. They're usually made of lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking materials that keep the head cool and dry. Performance hats often have features such as adjustable straps, mesh panels or reflective details. Visors: Visors like our Tour Visor® are hats that have a brim at the front but no crown or top. They're usually made of plastic, foam, or fabric and have an elastic band or a hook-and-loop closure at the back. Visors are simple and elegant and can be worn with any hairstyle. They're also convenient and practical – they allow the head to breathe and the hair to stay in place. Rope caps: Rope caps are hats that have a rope or a cord running across the front of the brim. They're usually made of cotton, wool or polyester and have a snapback or a buckle closure at the back. Rope caps are trendy and fashionable and can be customized with logos, patches or embroidery. They're also fun and playful, as they add a touch of texture and contrast to the hat. These are some of the different styles of small fit hats for ladies that you can choose from. Each one has its own charm and appeal, so you can find the one that suits your personality and preference. Whether you want to be casual or formal, sporty or chic, there is a small fit hat for you! Tips for Wearing Small Fit Womens Hats Small fit hats offer a unique style, fit and flair, so make the most of this accessory the next time you’re ready to hit the town. Here are some tips for wearing a small fit hat and making it uniquely you. 1. Choose the Right Fit: When shopping for small fit hats, make sure to measure your head accurately to ensure a comfortable fit. Look for adjustable options or hats with elastic bands that allow for customization. 2. Balance Proportions: Consider your facial features and hair length when selecting a small fit hat. If you have shorter hair, a hat with a smaller brim or one that sits higher on the head can create a flattering balance. If you have longer hair, try tucking it into a low bun or letting it flow loosely for a chic and effortless look. 3. Pair with Confidence: Small hats for ladies and men can be worn with a variety of outfits to elevate your style. Pair a stylish high crown hat with a vintage-inspired dress for a nostalgic feel, or wear a performance hat with jeans, a polo and a luxurious golf belt for a trendy and casual look. Small Fit Ladies Hats From Imperial for Every Season Small fit hats are not just limited to a specific season. With the right choice of materials and designs, they can be incorporated into your wardrobe all year round. Opt for lightweight fabrics like straw or cotton for spring and summer and choose wool or felt hats for fall and winter, adding warmth and style to your ensemble. The Kona Small Fit Performance Cap is a stylish and comfortable cap that’s perfect for those with smaller head sizes. The cap is made from high-quality materials and features a moisture-wicking sweatband that helps keep you cool and dry during even the most intense workouts. Look and feel your best in this bright, colorful and vibrant cap. Shop the Kona Small Fit Performance Cap The Matilda Lightweight Small Fit Performance Cap is another great option for those with smaller head sizes. This cap is designed to be lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, running or golfing.Keep it simple and structured with this option, putting the emphasis on your physical performance – playing pickleball, on the golf course or beyond. Shop the Matilda Lightweight Small Fit Performance Cap The Small Fit Performance Phoenix Visor is a stylish and comfortable visor that’s perfect for those that want a fitted hat that feels just right. Sun protection hats for women like this visor are made from high-quality materials and feature a moisture-wicking sweatband that helps keep you cool and dry during even the most intense workouts. Keep it cool, casual and comfortable with a clean cap like this one. Shop the Small Fit Performance Phoenix Visor Craft Your Own Women’s Golf Hat Are you tired of wearing the same old hats as everyone else? Do you want to stand out from the crowd and show off your unique style and personality? We’ve got the cap for you. With our custom small fit hats, you can create a hat that is truly one-of-a-kind. Choose from a wide range of colors, styles and designs to create a hat that matches your unique personality and sense of style. Whether you’re looking for a hat for your next golf outing or just want to add some flair to your everyday wardrobe, Imperial has you covered. So why wait? Start designing your custom small fit hat today and show the world what makes you unique. Find the Fit That’s Right for You Fitted hats for small heads are a delightful fashion accessory that bring a touch of elegance and playfulness to any outfit. Their perfect fit ensures comfort and enhances your overall style, making them a must-have in every fashion-forward woman's wardrobe. From classic visors to bucket hats and sun hats, there's a style to suit every occasion and personal taste. So go ahead, embrace your unique style and let these small fit hats be the crowning glory of your fashion journey.