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

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

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.