(LEICESTER, England) – Wolsey – one of the world’s oldest existing clothing brands and a pioneer of premium men’s apparel for sporting endeavors – announces the re-launch of its historic Sportsman line and appointment of Golf Brand Ambassador Johan Lindeberg.
Officially premiering at the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show (Booth 3253), Sportsman’s sophisticated modern garments use traditional British menswear colors in a clean and subtle manner. These combine with minimal and strong textual patterns to create a “less-is-more” aesthetic.
As Golf Brand Ambassador, Lindeberg – founder of the J.Lindeberg brand – will help support direction of the Sportsman line. He will be joined by industry veteran Wayne Webster, who has been named Golf Sales Director. Most recently Vice President of Sales at J.Lindeberg, Webster also held management positions at GlenGate Apparel and Nautica Golf.
“We’re continuing to evolve by creating a distinctive line that leverages our unrivalled heritage and incorporates leading-edge fabrics,” says Louis Wolcott, Global Golf Brand Director. “This heralds yet another exciting era for Wolsey.”
Showcasing a fit that is more middle ground than slim, the collection has a strong focus on breathable, waterproof and multi-layered outerwear, along with performance merino polo’s, base layers, knitwear and pants. Many pieces rely on Invista THERMOCOOL technology that dual regulates body temperature to ensure the sportswear is “fit for purpose.”
Throughout its history, Wolsey has been worn by historic explorers like Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Roald Amundsen and Sir Ernest Shackleton – and sporting greats such as World Golf Hall of Fame members Peter Allis and Tony Jacklin. Wolsey plans to recreate a team of inspiring pioneers that champion the company’s spirit of adventure and embody the brand aesthetic. Among the newest additions are European Tour players Robert Rock, Tom Lewis and James Heath.
For more information: www.Wolsey.com.
To schedule a PGA Merchandise Show appointment: wwebster@wolsey.com, 646.537.5608
About Wolsey
Founded in 1755 in Leicester, England, Wolsey is one of the world’s oldest existing clothing companies. Its rich and storied heritage includes unrivalled success producing premium men’s apparel for a wide range of sporting endeavors.
During the 19th century, Wolsey quickly established itself as Britain’s premium manufacturer of finest quality hosiery and a champion of knitwear innovation, opening one of the first steam powered factories in 1859.
Wolsey’s global reputation as an outfitter for pioneering men was sealed in 1911 when its breathable thermal underwear was selected and publicly endorsed by Captain Robert Falcon Scott for his historic race to the South Pole. Eight years later Wolsey also supplied undergarments for Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team’s expedition to Murmansk. For the British and Allied troops, Wolsey produced more than 18 million pieces of knitwear during World War I.
In the 1920s – an era of flamboyance – outdoor activities such as golf, tennis and swimming were extremely popular and Wolsey became a leading maker of garments for these pursuits. Notably, the company devoted a special production line for the manufacture of golf apparel, which was successfully marketed under the “Sportsman” name using a “Fox” motif as the brand logo.
From mid-century through the 1970s, Wolsey was particularly recognized for its golf range. Endorsers included renowned champions Tony Jacklin, Peter Allis, David Feherty, Fuzzy Zoeller and Roger Davis. Wolsey collections were also selected by numerous sporting organizations and teams, including Aston Villa, the FA CUP Final, the West Indies, England and New Zealand.
With its historic track record, in 1935 Wolsey was appointed a Royal Warrant as Hosiery Manufacturers to his Majesty King George V, an honor still held with today’s monarchy.
Contact:
Tom Williams
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3322
twilliams@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
@buffalocomm
