Field Notes

Feb 15, 2023
Kickstart Your Next Adventure With Cool Fishing Hats
The world is full of endless possibilities, with exciting adventures around every corner. You just need to know where to look. But once you do, you can unlock a whole new world of outdoor wonder. So let’s don our Indiana Jones-inspired outdoor hats and get moving.
Here at Imperial, we love to explore, challenge ourselves and push boundaries. One of the best ways to do that? Just get out there and have fun! But before you hit the wilderness around you, it’s important to dress the part.
That’s why we’ve crafted an enigmatic collection – The Get Lost Collection – to help you become one with nature with fanciful designs and logos that emulate the wildlife that’s around us.
Hats From The Get Lost Collection That Connect You With Nature
Designs from the Get Lost Collection vary in style, but they all embody a piece of nature that’s inspiring and creative. For the fishermen out there, you’ll be happy to know that this line comes equipped with a wide variety of fish icons to show off your pride and let your fellow colleagues and friends know just what you’re capable of reeling in.
Have Fun Fishing With a Bass-Themed Cap
When you think of fishing, what fish comes to mind? For many people, bass fishing is one of the first things that pops into their head. That’s why we’ve created a line of outdoor hats where you can represent this legendary fish. Our bass fishing hats come in a variety of fun styles, colors and designs and they’re perfect for a day on the water – like this bucketmouth bass performance cap.
Bass fishing can be a challenge, but our hats make it a little bit easier to enjoy your time out on the open water thanks to their lightweight design, durable fabric and simplicity, making it easy to blend in to the nature around you while standing out from your fellow fishermen.
Try Out a Trout Icon on Your Next Trip
Imperial offers a number of trout-inspired designs as well, from embroidered pieces to stained-glass accents and more. This rainbow trout ripstop cap is a winner, for obvious reasons. It’s simple, eye-catching and easy-to-wear. That’s important when fly fishing – you need a cap that's stable and durable with all of those fast movements.
You don’t have to worry about a faded, overdone design when you choose Imperial – we go above and beyond to create a cap that is durable enough to withstand a few extra splashes while still looking cool.
Imperial has a number of rainbow trout hats all made with slightly different materials and designs to fit your style while still paying homage to the hard-to-catch fish. Embrace the nature around you and get lost in the day ahead – all while sporting a creative cap that shows off your fishing prowess.
Look Stylish With Marlin Designs
Are you ready to have some fun in the sun? This marlin-inspired rope hat combines a fun, textured pattern with the funky marlin to really stand out. Our clever fishing rope hats make fishing fun, especially for those just venturing into the fishing game.
Plus, how many marlin hats have you seen that are unrelated to baseball? Not many, that’s for sure.
Here at Imperial, we want to create an inclusive, exciting environment. That’s why we create men’s and women’s fishing hats in a variety of styles and designs to make sure there’s a cap for everyone. The next time you’re out in the open sea, fighting against the waves to take home your prized catch, you can do it with a cap that looks and feels like it’s ready for business.
Redfish Hats Make a Statement
If you’re in the redfish game then you definitely need a redfish hat like the meshback cap we offer. Our durable hats are perfect for any and all climate or weather conditions, providing lightweight and breathable sun protection while out in the deep ocean.
Don’t sweat the small stuff – like, for instance, sweat and sunburns. And if you’re a fan of the classic fishing and wildlife colors, we’ve got you covered. Choose one of our classic caps that offer the hues of nature – especially if you’re trying to blend in with your surroundings as you hunt for the perfect fishing spot.
Explore the Unknown With Customized Fishing Sun Hats
You also have the option to design your own hat – and if you’re out on the water under the hot sun, a fishing trucker hat, bucket hat or sun protection cap is the perfect solution. Choose from a variety of hat styles, shapes and colors and slap on one of the eye-catching designs from our Get Lost Collection.
Create the best fishing hats in your friend circle and look cool rocking it.
Have fun with images of bass, trout, ducks, marlins, mallards and more. The best part is that our designs all have their own unique versions – you can choose from a stained glass rainbow trout, the brook trout, and more just to name a few.
We have an extensive collection of fishing hats for men and women that be designed in a variety of ways – adding a splash of color here, a textured pattern there and even playing with embroidery to create a warm-weather hat design that stands out while you’re out navigating the water to find the right fish to take home.
The best part? Creating these custom wildlife-inspired hats is easy. Browse from our extensive catalog of hat styles that fit your needs – whether you know it’s going to be hot, sunny and muggy or cool and shady. From there, choose a color, pick a clever design – a patch, an embroidered icon or more – and then we handle the rest.
Use Stickers to Decorate Your Outdoor Gear
If you want to take it a step further, our Get Lost Collection also comes with a variety of fun and creative fish stickers to help you deck out your favorite water bottle, camera, helmet and more. Show your love for all things outdoor adventure with these awesome stickers.
Made from vinyl that’s thick and durable, these weatherproof, die-cut stickers are protected from scratches, water and sunlight so you can be confident in the eye-catching designs. Wow your friends and family with these crafty accessories – like this vintage-looking bass sticker.
Getting lost in the wonder of the foliage and wildlife around you just got easier. Take these stickers and their matching hat designs with you wherever you go – on land, at sea and beyond.
Get Lost in Imperial’s Fishing-inspired Collection
Imperial’s Get Lost Collection offers a wide variety of styles, colors and designs – from rainbow trout to redfish, marlins, mallards and beyond. And there’s no shortage of ways to pay homage to these creatures with our creative fishing bucket hats and fishing designs.
There’s nothing quite like a day out on the water, and our sun protection hats are sure to keep you cool and sunburn-free. And you can be confident in the styles, too.
Adventure is just a few steps away, so go grab your favorite nature hat and get exploring.
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Feb 07, 2023
Rock Your Imperial Golf Hat at the 2023 WM
Rock Your Imperial Golf Hat at the 2023 WM
Phoenix Open
If you’ve got the winter blues and are craving a little fun in the sun, get ready to pack your bagsand book your tickets to Phoenix, Arizona, for the WM Phoenix Open this February.Imperial will be on the ground with golf hats and apparel to keep you safe from the sun in style,with a variety of hat types and ways to even make a custom hat. Stop by the booth to pick upsome brand-new WM Phoenix Open hats or golf t-shirts to look your best.
What Is the WM Phoenix Open?
For those who don’t already know, the WM Phoenix Open is one of the most highly anticipatedevents on the PGA Tour – it’s commonly known as “The Greatest Show On Grass.”This tournament, occurring in February this year, is one of the first events on the PGA Tour. It’sone of the most-attended events on the tour, with 700,000 viewers in attendance each year.That also makes it one of the loudest.
In fact, with golf fans surrounding the tournament on all sides, the event boasts what’s known inthe golf world as “the loudest hole in golf” at the par 3 #16.But if you’re planning on attending the tournament, you’re going to need to make sure you havethe right gear in tow. We’re here to help you select the perfect golf tournament hat for your trip tothe Southwest so you can stay cool and comfortable, all while looking stylish.
Imperial Hats Onsite at the WM Phoenix Open in 2023
Since Imperial will be in the merchandising tents in Phoenix, you’ll have the best selection ofgolf hats at your fingertips. Choose your favorite golf hat style, from the Original Fit PerformanceCap to the Original Rope Cap. There are even hats in kids' sizes and styles if you’re bringingalong your little ones.
If you like bold prints and patterns, you’ll find some of our most popular hat styles in floral andtropical prints, perfect for sunny days. All Imperial golf caps are made with breathable,moisture-wicking fabrics, which will keep you feeling comfortable no matter the weather.
Best Golf Hat Styles to Wear to the WM Phoenix Open
If you’d rather have a golf hat in your hat caddie before you arrive, Imperial has plenty of fun,Arizona-themed designs. We carry a wide variety of designs and styles created to suit differentneeds, whether you’re on or off the golf course or headed into snow or to the sunshine. Whenyou’re in Arizona, the best choices will be cotton/twill caps, sun hats, bucket hats, and golf visors– all of which you can design and buy beforehand.
A full-coverage sun hat is the first style that comes to mind for sun protection because it shieldsyour face and neck. Put one of Imperial’s fun icons on it to give it a little personality, or reallymake it your own by using the custom hat maker feature.
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For something similar with not quite as much coverage, golf bucket hats are especially in stylenow with lots of color and icon options.
The Paradigm Microprint Performance Bucket Hat is a great option for sun protection, and iteven comes in a desert print that lines the breathable fabric with a desert-scape design in wistfulcolors. A customization is always an option too, and you can easily add your own flair with acustomized logo.
Additionally, the high crown style Tour Visor® that Imperial is known for also makes a goodoption for fans of men’s golf visors and those who want something a little more classic. Thatsaid, it’s hard to go wrong with a good, old-fashioned golf cap, and with Imperial’s attention tothe detail in overall fit and material, it’s a comfortable option that you’ll keep reaching for long afteryou leave the golf tournament.
Once you’ve narrowed down the golf hat you want to wear in Phoenix, it’s time to consider theright icons for your look. Here at Imperial, we have a large assortment of logos and icons in avariety of styles, from patches to embroidery and beyond.
We’ve put together our picks based on the location and feel of the event, but we also give youthe low down on creating your own custom embroidered hats.
Get Creative With the Custom Hat Maker
Depending on the style and color you’re going for at the WM Phoenix Open, you may need todesign your own hat. It’s easy to choose your hat style and color and either select fromImperial’s range of icons or even upload your own design to make a hat like no other.
One of the best parts is that there’s no minimum quantity for custom hats, so you can designyour own hat and just order one or buy five for all your buddies headed to Arizona this year.From custom rope hats to visors and more, there is no shortage of style options to choose from.
But that can make the prospect of finding the right design even harder. That’s where Imperialcomes in.
When it comes to picking the right icon for the hat you want to wear to this famous golftournament, we’ve put together our picks based on the location and its vibes.
Show Some Embroidered Arizona Pride
If this isn’t your first visit to ‘The Grand Canyon state,’ and you’re already a big fan of its naturalbeauty and desert landscape, put it on your golf hat and let everybody else know, too. In theTailgate Collection, you can find a whole range of icons relating to state shapes and state flags,including Arizona. Pair it with a breathable, mesh-performance cap for added comfort and style.
If you’re more of a nature lover, though, you can find all sorts of flowers and plants in the StateFlower Collection. Arizona’s icon is especially cool because the state flower is a saguaro cactus.
Imagine rolling up to the WM Phoenix Open with custom performance caps featuring thebeautiful cacti all around you.
Our ability to embroider icons and logos also adds an edge to your hat style that’s unmatched.Choose how you want to represent the state – whether it’s a minimalist outline or a cute, catchyplant.
Pour Yourself a Nice, Cold Drink Under the Arizona Sun
There’s no doubt that in the hot Arizona sun you’re going to want a cool beverage, but did youalso know you can sport your favorite drinks on your hat? Find a variety of cocktails and barfavorites in the Refreshments Collection.
For this particular PGA Tour stop, we especially like the beer pong icons, available as aperformance cap, golf rope hat and a bucket hat (unless you design your own hat!). This icon isa fan favorite, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter on the 16th hole.
Bring out the Red, White and Blue
If you love sporting the stars and stripes whenever you get the chance, you probably don’t needmuch convincing to check out the Americana Collection. There are several different options forpatriotic designs in our most popular hat styles.
Maybe a navy custom bucket hat covered in stars is calling your name, or you want something alittle more classic like a high crown Tour Visor®. These are golf hats you can wear over and overagain, especially when the Fourth of July rolls around.
Get Playful With Patches
Imperial offers patch-style customizations as well, offering even more opportunities to let yourpersonality shine while enjoying the warmth on the green.
Our collection of patches are extensive, from animals to edibles, silly puns and cheekywordings. You can really have fun with these patches, and you can slap them on a number ofstylish hat designs with our tool, from bucket hats to visors, performance caps and beyond.
Kickstart Your Fun in the Sun With WM Open Hats From Imperial
We couldn’t be more excited to head to the WM Phoenix Open, one of the most exciting PGATour stops. We’re gearing up to laugh, shout and have a great time while looking our very bestin our decked out apparel.
When you’re browsing the merchandise tents, make sure to stop by Imperial to check out ourmost popular hat styles and icons for this PGA Tour event. Stay cool out there!
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Jan 26, 2023
Imperial Launches New Headwear and Apparel Programs at 2023 PGA Show
Imperial Headwear, voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for six consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels in Jan-July of 2022” by Golf Datatech. debuted not only new headwear this week at the 2023 PGA Show, but also a new golf belt collection and fleece apparel program.
Imperial enhanced their 2023 product catalog with several new styles and colors of headwear, along with additional fits in some of their best-selling caps. New products debuted for Imperial sales representatives this week at their annual sales meeting which took place at the 2023 PGA Show.
Imperial’s custom logo belt collection follows their acquisition of the J.T. Spencer brand in 2022, which also includes a long term extension of the belt license with Peter Millar. Proudly made in the USA, all belts will be manufactured domestically in Richmond, Virginia, with shipping beginning in late April. The new Imperial belt launched with two high end options.
The Imperial Web Belt is 1.25” wide and features course logos embroidered on premium cotton webbing. The belt is finished with full-grain, rich leather, and a solid brass buckle plated in satin gunmetal or in a matte black finish.
For high-end tournament gifts, the Imperial ‘Cut-to-Size’ belt is 1.25” wide and features sublimation print patterns with course logos on premium poly webbing. This belt is also finished with full-grain, rich leather, with easy to read cut-to-size marks on the reverse side. Each belt ships with a solid zinc buckle plated in a satin gunmetal which is easily attached to the webbing after the cut is made.
Building upon Imperial’s custom logo Direct to Garment Print T-Shirt program, they announced their new super-soft midweight fleece collection. Customers can now add a pullover crew neck (The Bonfire) and pullover hooded fleece (The Alpine) to their shops. These 3-end cotton/poly blend fleece garments feature double-needle topstitching on all seams, with 30 singles100% ringspun cotton face yarn and at least 10% recycled poly fibers on the inner nap. Both the crewneck and hoody begin shipping in early April of this year.
A fresh new headwear style was also announced in the mid-season release. The Hinsen Meshback (L338M) is a performance ponytail cap featuring soft mesh side and back panels with an opening that features matching crisscrossing elastic to comfortably allow any ponytail to fit through. This new meshback style builds upon the popularity of The Hinsen (L338), which is now also available in a Junior Fit (Y338).
Two best-selling cap styles are now available in an XL fit (XL210Z The Zero
Lightweight Cotton Cap XL and 1986XL The Catch and Release XL). Through Imperial’s industry-leading Sustainability Project, all new headwear announced in the mid-season release are made with either high-grade GRS/Oeko-Tex® certified recycled polyester or cotton fabric.
And finally, a new earth tone colorway called Buckthorn Brown has been added to several performance and cotton styles across the Imperial 2023 Headwear Collection, including the best-selling performance cap in the market, the X210P Original Adjustable Performance Cap.
We’re relentless in our efforts to continue making the greatest headwear in golf. I’m beyond excited to now include belts and an expanded line of premium apparel in our unmatched product offering.
David Shaffer, Senior Vice President of Sales at Imperial
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Jan 19, 2023
Pickleball 101: Grab Your Pickleball Hats and Let’s Play
Get your pickleball hats ready, it’s time to hit the court!
A fun game that keeps people young and old on their feet, pickleball is an exciting hybrid sport combining tennis, ping-pong, and badminton into one fast-paced, exciting experience.
Pickleball is a sport that might sound new to some, and it has certainly grown in popularity in recent years. But did you know that pickleball was actually invented in 1965? People have been swinging their paddles and strategizing gameplay for decades.
Thinking about hitting the court? You have to get prepared. That means getting your performance attire in order. Luckily, the market is full of exciting apparel and accessories, like pickleball sun hats, visors, sunglasses, t-shirts, and more.
Pickleball Hats and T-shirts to Rock Your Next Round
Pickleball is a sport that can be played both indoors and outdoors, and with that comes a variety of apparel and accessory options to rock your next game. From pickleball t-shirts to pickleball visors, hats, and more, there’s no shortage of ways to show off your love for the sport.
Here at Imperial, we offer some of the best pickleball hats to take your style up a notch.
Exciting Pickleball Hats and Visors
Expecting a sunny day? That’s perfect weather for pickleball, but you have to make sure to protect your eyes and scalp.
Imperial offers some of the best sun hats for pickleball, providing you with maximum protection. Or, you can go with the funky tour visor, perfect for keeping the sun out of your eyes so you can rock that next serve.
Our funny pickleball hats offer ample protection, and their moisture-wicking material ensures sweat doesn’t slow you down. Not only that, but you can choose from dozens of custom pickleball logos and designs to stand out from the crowd.
Imperial also offers a number of ladies pickleball hats made specifically to hold your hair back thanks to their unique open-backed design for ponytails. This design, paired with a fun and quirky logo, is sure to help you not only win your next match but win over the competition with your cool style.
Looking for more trendy pickleball hat styles? Our collaboration with SlackerTide is sure to wow.
Eye-Catching Pickleball T-Shirts
If you’ve already got your headwear in order, it’s time to get down to basics with a performance-enhancing top.
Our attention-grabbing, funny pickleball t-shirts are sure to steal the show. These comfortable, breathable tops move when you do, so you don’t have to be distracted by uncomfortable material. Short sleeve designs also add to the lightweight nature of the top, increasing the ability to make that perfect serve.
Custom Pickleball Hats
Want to show off your own style? Create a custom pickleball hat with our helpful customization tool.
Here at Imperial, we want you to express yourself, which is why we have the option to design your own hat for whatever sport or occasion. And when it comes to pickleball, we have quite a few image designs that’ll prove you truly are “a bill dill.”
In just a few clicks, you can navigate across dozens of hat styles in a range of colors. From there, all you have to do is choose a size and customize it with one of our logos, or upload your own. You’ll have a hat that’s uniquely you in no time.
Now that you’ve got your attire ready, let’s dive into the game.
Time to Kickstart Your Pickleball Journey
Pickleball is an exciting sport that’s quick to pick up for all. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and social, providing players the opportunity to learn, grow and build relationships. It’s no wonder the game has become so popular in the last few years.
Whether you’re new to the game, perfecting your skills, or a seasoned pro – there’s always something to learn and fun to be had out on the court. And just like players can express themselves during the match, they can do so on and off the court with eye-catching, performance-boosting pickleball hats and accessories.
So let’s start expressing ourselves and learn the rules of the court.
What’s Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fascinating sport played on a badminton-sized court with a modified net. It’s a mash-up of more common sports like ping-pong, tennis, and badminton played with paddles and plastic balls.
The game, like others, can be played as singles or doubles, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
The History of Pickleball
Players have been perfecting their pickleball game since 1965, when the sport was invented on Bainbridge Island – a quick hop, skip and jump from Seattle, Washington. This paddle-wielding sport was invented by three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – to satisfy the boredom of their kids. And it worked.
Over the next few years, the men behind the game perfected their equipment and terrain, establishing the first permanent pickleball court in 1967 in the backyard of a friend’s house. And by 1976, the first-ever pickleball tournament was held in Tukwila, Washington.
A common question asked by many is how the sport got its name. And that’s a fun story to tell, as many believe it was named after a classic dill pickle. But in actuality, the sport was named after Joel Pritchard’s family dog named – you guessed it – Pickles.
This family-created sport quickly grew in popularity, as we now see it today. By 1990, pickleball was being played in all 50 states and things continued to take off from there.
In 2003, a new corporation for pickleball was established as USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). Seven years later, the international push was made with the establishment of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP).Today, there are hundreds of thousands of pickleball players across the world, and these numbers keep on growing. But why has this sport boomed the way it has?
Why is Pickleball so Popular?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why the sport of pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last few years, but there are definitely pros to this sport that make it more approachable and fun.
For starters, it’s a relatively accessible sport to pick up. The rules are easy to follow, and the movements are low impact, making it a game that can be played by kids, senior citizens, and everyone in between.
It’s also a fun way to get in a good workout. Depending on age and skill level, players can push themselves and improve their game while also getting in a good cardiovascular workout. And playing on a court with friends is much more fun than hitting the gym. This makes pickleball an amazing way to burn fat and socialize all at once.
Not to mention, the name is just so catchy. Who wouldn’t want to be called a ‘pickler’ – the name commonly used to refer to those who play the game.
Before you go out and grab your next pickleball bucket hat, however, it’s important to learn the rules of the game.
How Do You Play Pickleball?
One of the biggest appeals of pickleball is how easy it is to play. The rules are similar to other racquet sports, and there aren’t too many to overwhelm.
But first, let’s talk about the court itself. A pickleball court might look familiar, and that’s because it’s the same size as a doubles badminton court, measuring 22x44 feet. The net is 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches in the middle. The seven-foot non-volley zone in the middle is called the kitchen.
Pickleball Rules
The rules of pickleball can be broken down into 5 basics:
The ball must always stay in bounds, which means the ball must remain within the lines that outline the court.
You must serve at the back line of the court.
When you serve, the ball can’t land in the no-volley zone in the middle, also known as the kitchen.
There’s a ‘two-bounce’ rule, which means that the ball must bounce once on serve and once on return before it can be hit midair or after a bounce for the remainder of the session.
The game ends when one person or team reaches 11; however, the winner must always be ahead by 2 points to win. Points can also be extended to 15 or 21.
Pickleball Scoring
Scoring in pickleball is a bit more complex than the rules, though once you’ve got them down, you’re in the clear.
Doubles scoring is broken into 3 numbers (0-0-2). The first number represents the serving team’s score, the second represents the receiving team’s score, and the third represents which server is currently serving on the serving team – the server on the right side, when they get the serve back, is the server 1, for reference.
An interesting aspect of pickleball scoring is – points can only be scored by the serving team.
Singles scoring works the same, only instead of 3 score numbers, it’s 2 (0-0).
Scoring is tricky for most pickleball beginners, but before you know it, you’ll be an expert. It just takes practice.
So let’s all grab our racquets, our balls, and our favorite personalized hat and get playing.
Shop The Imperial Pickleball Collection
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