I get a lot of requests for top-end polo recommendations, the shirt that really makes a statement when presented as a client or employee gift. There are quite a few choices from lots of brands and your decision is going to come down to just a few points of difference: style, fabric, brand preference and price.
Style: what look are you going after...conservative Arnold Palmer, or dashing Sergio Garcia? Many of the brands serving the corporate marketplace are expanding their offerings to appeal to a younger, more active demographic with bold colors, stripes and patterns, and athletic silhouettes. Look first to Nike Golf TW Collection, adidas and Ahead. You'll certainly find plenty of conservative styles and solid tones in the lux tier, of course, with fabrics to match...try Tehama, Cutter & Buck, Greg Norman Collection, and Callaway.
Fabric: the standard bearer in lux fabrics is double mercerized 100% cotton, but we are seeing more and more blends creeping into the SKU's due to the popularity of easy-care fabrics (and disdain for dry cleaning). Look for Pima cotton 60/40 blends, Silk/cotton, and eco fabrics like Bamboo (incredibly soft) and Cocona (naturally antimicrobial coconut fibers).
Brands: you probably already have a preference either way for top names like Fairway & Greene, Bobby Jones, Tehama, Nike Golf, Como Sport, Page & Tuttle, Tommy Bahama 18, Callaway, and Cutter & Buck. They are all fine brands with great styles and selection.
Price point...well, you get what you pay for (and that includes the prestige of wearing a particular brand) and I would put these at the pinnacle of corporate polo shirts (in no particular order): Fairway & Greene, Tehama, Bobby Jones, and Como Sport. Expect to drop between $65 and $145 for a top style from one of these brands, but at least you know you're really making a statement!
Keep in mind that these brands have made a commitment to support corporate apparel needs, namely, keeping inventory in-stock year round. Many pro-shop brands (aka, green grass lines) push out their selections in January timed to the PGA merchandise show, and stock levels in any one style are not designed to support a single large order in the middle of the year. In addition, corporate requirements demand many solid colorways and sizes to support different logo imprints and body styles. I support the brands that make a commitment to this industry so I can provide my clients with product any time they need it.
I'll focus on each brand in upcoming blogs...
Jim
