Equipment

For 2012, heritage sportswear brand Fila Golf presents a range of tops, bottoms and outerwear all inspired by the iconic looks of ‘50s prep school sport, blending golf styling with modern technical properties and premium fabrics.

Principal designer Nancy Robitaille gives us vintage design touches like mesh rolled shoulders for men and keyhole and sweetheart necklines for women which boast the brand’s signature athletic-enhancing designs. Highlighted by premium fabrics, bold colors and authentic styling, the latest offerings feature color blocking, sleek stripes and subtle texturing for a refreshing twist on golf fashion. New outerwear introductions for men and women include wind/rain, fleece and soft-shell jackets, which round out the collection.

"This is the first time we’ve ever done jackets," Robitaille explained when we caught up with her at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. "People were wondering 'what’s your next step, what are you gonna do'. We have a great selection of colors and we’ve added to that colour collection in 2012. But we wanted to do something a little different and really kind of finish the whole collection."

Great for year-round wear, the Men’s Tacoma and Women’s Vail Soft Shell Performance Jacket is three-layer performance soft shell bonded with 100-percent polyester microfleece and padded quilted lining to create a unique microclimate that helps keep the body warmer for longer. The structured and fitted styling is paired with keen details -- such as adjustable sleeve closure, laser cut welded right side chest pocket with zipper, interior security pocket with audio port access and draw string toggles -- make it an excellent choice for cool golfing days.

"We thought it would be really fun to add a soft shell to the collection and it was a really big debate," explained Robitaille. "We took traditional soft shell fabric, which is your matte fabric and combined it with a textured fabric for the ladies. We did welded pockets with zippered garages but what we did differently - where a normal soft shell is backed by a bonded fleece, we added an extra layer because up in Canada, you gotta keep warm. It’s got a much heavier layer than a normal soft shell jacket yet it has the same properties that a regular soft shell would have."

"The men’s version features a velvet pocket and the detailing is very subtle but it's got the same interior."

The Men’s London and Women’s Victoria Waterproof Wind Jacket is crafted from 100-percent polyester mechanical stretch and features superior waterproofing coupled with a mesh lining for maximum breathability. The garment has a waterproof tape on seams located in areas most prone to water and wind exposure to enhance the garment’s overall waterproofness.Careful detailing such as a detachable hood, microfleece pocket and neck lining and adjustable sleeve closures keeps golfers dry and comfortable so they can play their best even in the worst conditions.

"It’s got a textured exterior and the interior is actually a finished mesh," said Robitaille. "When you pull the collar up around your face to help shield against rain and cold, the texture is really soft against your skin. the pockets are lined as well, making them really soft. Hoods are oversized to accomodate a golf cap or hat and all are detachable."

"The ladies version of the jacket is very feminine. Same fabric and features but with a contour line which incorporates the pockets, giving it a slimming design."

A fun and modern interpretation of the classic fleece jacket, the Men’s Jasper and Women’s Aspen Textured Bonded Fleece combines 100-percent textured polyester with 100-percent polyester microfleece for a soft and warm style. The naturally moisture wicking fleece front has welt pockets and self-adjustable sleeve closure to keep the cool air out.

"This is actually based on a fleece you would see at a high end ski resort," said Robitaille. "We’re a lifestyle brand so we want to be able to do the cross over into skiing and make sure that everbody can still wear it. What’s great about this is it's amazingly soft."

For more styles, colors and pricing, check out shopfilagolf.com