The new Vessel Apparel SS26 line of golf-appropriate clothing is out and we can say two things about it that are absolutely true.
First, it’s nice. Really nice. I’m not sure if it’s “worth the price” nice (what is?) but it’s pretty freaking nice.
The second statement is actually more of a question. Why, exactly, does a premier golf bag manufacturer want to branch out into golf apparel? It’s not like there’s a shortage of apparel options out there and it’s not like Vessel is uncovering new fabric technology or breaking new ground in style.
It’s nice golf apparel that, according to Vessel, works on and off the course because, of course, it does. Doesn’t it all?
Let’s take a look at the new line of Vessel Apparel SS26 (that’s how they phrase it) and you can make up your own mind on it.
Vessel Apparel SS26: Why do it?
“Apparel is a natural extension of our brand philosophy,” says Vessel founder and CEO Ron Shaw. “We approached this collection the same way we approach everything at Vessel, with intention behind every detail and a focus on creating products that perform without compromising refinement.”
That, friends, pretty much sums up the Vessel ethos. Whether or not you believe its products are worth the money, it’s kind of hard to argue that those products aren’t any good. Vessel golf bags are as well-built as anything out there and its accessories and travel gear are outstanding in style and quality.
Apparel, however, is a new endeavor. The only rationale I can think of for Vessel to add an apparel line to its offering is also the simplest one:
Why not?
Even with” “intention behind every detail and a focus on creating products that perform without compromising refinement,” the barrier to entry in the apparel world today is fairly low. And when you have a built-in clientele as Vessel does, you know you’re going to move a certain amount of product to your loyalists. For Vessel, adding apparel is not a big risk. The goal isn’t to have every golfer on every golf course wearing Vessel apparel. Vessel does have a very specific audience that will gladly pay the freight for the SS26 line, likely without even blinking.
What’s offered?
The Vessel Apparel SS26 line is pretty basic. It features three different polos, a “technical tee”, plus pants and shorts.
The shirts themselves are interesting in that the branding is so subtle and understated that you might miss it altogether. The shirts don’t even whisper “Vessel,” let alone scream it at you with a big logo like other apparel brands might.
You might have to hunt to find it but the only branding is a small sonic-welded Vessel logo on the back right shoulder. The only people who’ll see it are the ones behind you.
The Performance Tech polo ($115) is available in white, black, navy and charcoal grey. It’s made from 87-percent recycled polyester with a light, airy feel and four-way stretch. It features laser-cut ventilation on the back and underarm.
The Performance Pique polo (also $115) comes in black, midnight navy and stone grey. It’s made from a textured fabric that’s lighter than traditional pique and made from 100-percent recycled polyester.
The Performance Blade Collar polo ($95) also comes in black, midnight navy and stone grey. It’s a breathable, lightweight knit with a blade collar. It’s also made from 100-percent recycled polyester.
The Performance Tech Tee ($59) is one of those new, stylish T-shirts that can’t really be classified as a T-shirt. It’s made from 93-percent recycled polyester and seven-percent Spandex.
Note of warning: Don’t tumble dry any of them.
The Performance 5-Pocket pants ($139) and shorts ($109) are made from a precision blend of recycled polyester and an advanced stretch fiber. Interestingly, these don’t come in the traditional waist and inseam sizes. Instead, Vessel is offering them in S-M-L-XL-XXL sizing. For reference, large is a 34-inch waist, XL is 35 and XXL is 37.
We presume they’ll stretch a lot.
The Apparel SS26 lineup is available now on the Vessel website.
One last thing
Vessel is also jumping into footwear with a new Vessel x Payntr VP shoe collaboration. The VP features a CLARINO Trivela microfiber upper which sounds pretty cool. It’s actually marketing shorthand for a high-end synthetic leather material engineered specifically for performance footwear.
CLARINO is actually a brand of synthetic leather, developed in Japan and designed to look and feel like real leather, only more durable. The microfiber part is just that: extremely fine synthetic fibers woven together to mimic real leather. It’s lightweight, soft and slightly stretchy.
If you want more tech buzzwords, how about an ARIAPRENE® tongue system and a CARBITEX® GearFlex propulsion plate?
ARIAPRENE is a high-performance and lightweight foam fabric. It’s used in the shoe tongue and surrounding system for a snug, athletic fit that spreads lace pressure across the top of your foot. The CARBITEX® GearFlex propulsion plate is a carbon fiber plate built into the sole of the shoe. It’s flexible when you walk but stiffens when you push down on it during your golf swing. The idea is to help transfer ground force into your swing while providing better stability.
That’s a mouthful but it wouldn’t be a Vessel collab without some interesting tech.
The spikeless Vessel x PAYNTR VP golf shoes are available on the Vessel website. They come in a single white/green colorway and sell for $229.
For more information, visit www.vesselgolf.com.
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