Field Notes

Here at Imperial, we recently unveiled our groundbreaking 2024 collection, featuring an array of new headwear, apparel and accessories that we’re sure will revolutionize the industry. The standout among this remarkable lineup is the experimental Lab Series collection, a range of cutting-edge hats that offer unparalleled style, comfort and functionality. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these caps are designed to provide a hat experience like no other, appealing to golfers and non-golfers alike. A Deep Dive Into the Lab Series Imperial's continued innovation in the world of apparel and golf accessories signifies a new chapter in its journey of transformation and discovery. The Lab Series, an experimental collection introduced as part of the 2024 lineup, embodies our commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining industry standards. The Lab Series is set to revolutionize the hat-wearing experience, catering to sports enthusiasts, passionate players and beyond. These golf hats for women and men integrate cutting-edge features, including the world's first performance Merino Wool sweatband This innovative element is naturally antimicrobial, moisture-wicking and thermoregulating, ensuring a consistently comfortable and smell-free experience. With a focus on sustainability and purpose-driven design, the Lab Series offers a range of unique trims, high-quality fabrics and advanced features that’ll make it a challenge to ever wear another hat again. What is Merino Wool? Merino wool is a natural fiber sourced from Merino sheep, prized for its exceptional softness, breathability and moisture-wicking properties. This fine and lightweight wool is renowned for its ability to regulate body temperature, making it an ideal choice for performance-driven apparel such asmen’s and women’s golf hats. One of merino wool's key qualities is its inherent anti-microbial nature. This means that it naturally resists the growth of bacteria and odor, keeping the fabric and, in this case, the sweatband, fresh and hygienic even during prolonged use. As a result, golfers can enjoy long-lasting comfort without the need for frequent washing or concerns about unpleasant odors. In addition to its anti-microbial properties, merino wool excels in moisture-wicking, making it an excellent choice for active pursuits such as golf. The wool fibers can absorb moisture vapor and then actively move it away from the skin, allowing for efficient evaporation and ensuring that the wearer stays dry and comfortable. For next-generation golf hats for men and women, the inclusion of a performance merino wool sweatband offers golfers the perfect combination of comfort, functionality and sustainability. By harnessing the natural properties of merino wool, Imperial's new hat collection provides golf enthusiasts with a high-performance and eco-friendly option to elevate their game. The utilization of merino wool in the sweatband not only enhances the overall wearing experience by keeping the head dry and fresh but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and natural materials in sportswear. Imperial's innovative approach in integrating merino wool into their hat collection highlights their commitment to delivering premium quality, functional and environmentally conscious products for the modern golfer. Trailblazing Golf Hats for a Transformative Season On and Off the Course The Lab Series collection introduces a host of innovative features that set it apart from traditional headwear. The collection includes several distinct products, each offering its own set of features tailored to different preferences and styles. Experience Effortless Performance with The Capstone The Capstone, for instance, is a rope hat available in a variety of greys, blues and reds. It's crafted with performance fabric, featuring moisture-wicking properties, back panel perforations for enhanced breathability and a unique 5-panel 'retro-fit' design with memory structure. The innovative NuYarn® Performance Merino Wool sweatband and buoyant visor board further elevate its functionality and comfort. Shop the Capstone Golf Hat The Aperture Gets Things Done Another standout product, the Aperture, boasts a grid-patterned performance fabric with a micro-perf pattern, providing both style and functionality. Its structured mid-crown profile and performance-moisture-wicking sweatband cater to individuals seeking a balance of performance and aesthetics. Available in black, bone, frost grey, olive and true navy, the Aperture offers versatility and practicality for various settings. Shop the Aperture Golf Hat Stand Out From the Crowd With The Easy Read For those who appreciate bold and vibrant designs, the Easy Read is a 100% recycled performance fabric featuring sublimation prints and moisture-wicking properties. Its soft structured low-sweep 5-panel profile, along with the anti-microbial and moisture-wicking sweatband, make it a stylish and functional choice for individuals looking to make a statement. Shop the Easy Read Golf Hat Putting Fashion & Sustainability First With the Hummingbird The Lab Series also introduces The Hummingbird, a bucket hat made from 100% recycled performance fabric with UPF 50+ protection. Lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking, this hat features an opening in the back for a ponytail, adding a convenient and thoughtful touch to its design. Available in black, light pink, light blue and white, The Hummingbird combines style with practicality for outdoor activities. Stay a Step Ahead With Imperial Looks That Make an Impact The Lab Series represents a leap forward in hat design, presenting an exceptional hat experience that transcends traditional boundaries and expectations. Whether on the golf course, at the beach, in the mountains or anywhere in between, the Lab Series men’s golf hats guarantee an unmatched blend of style, comfort and functionality, setting a new standard for modern headwear. Our 2024 collection truly embraces innovation, sustainability and customer-driven excellence, positioning us at the forefront of the industry. With our unwavering commitment to quality and a passion for pushing boundaries, Imperial continues to redefine the headwear and apparel landscape, offering an exciting and dynamic range of products for consumers worldwide.

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

Imperial awarded Alan Hyman ‘Salesperson of the Year’ last week at the 2024 PGA Show. I’m beyond excited to announce Alan as our salesperson of the year. He had tremendous growth in overall sales from 2022, while also expanding the customer base in his territory. We couldn’t ask for a better Imperial ambassador in the Carolinas. John Anderson, VP Sales – Golf Hyman, sales representative for the Western Carolinas territory, is entering his third year with the company and this is the first time he has been awarded this honor. His past experience as a merchandiser and buyer places him in a unique position to partner with his customers on creative ideas for new product assortments, decorations, and facility first branding. Imperial also awarded Jim Maitland, sales representative for South Florida, with the 2023 Customer Service Award for excellence in service and communication. Jim has been a steadfast representative and brand ambassador since 1978 when he joined the sales team at Imperial. Driven by a natural passion for sales and service. Jim knows each of his accounts by heart, right down to logo numbers and approvals. You can rely on Jim for supporting his accounts and daily appreciation of our inside team. Nicole King, Customer Service Manager

Imperial has once again been voted the #1 headwear in golf by The Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM). Imperial is the definitive leader across all golf facility categories – Private, Public, Resort, Off-Course – with 48% of survey respondents reporting as their best performing and selling headwear partner. The survey report was released at the 2024 PGA Show and was conducted by Golf Datatech for the first time in the association’s history. The AGM continues to establish benchmarks for operations and trends within the current golf retail space. Respondents to the survey are members of The AGM, a body that includes: golf professionals, buyers, merchandisers, club managers, owners, and other industry professionals that comprise a majority of the most successful retail operations in the United States and Canada. The AGM’s announcement of Imperial as #1 in headwear is a great honor and a testament to the work and passion of the great team we have. From pushing the boundaries of creating not only the best products in golf but also focusing on sustainability, Imperial is aiming to continue to build upon our 108 year legacy as an industry leader. Mike Wrightson, President of Imperial