Pukka Headwear

Argyle Goes To A New Level

posted: 07/29/2009 by James Thompson
Argyle goes to a new level
By Janice Ferguson
GPA Writer


Fashion trends come and go. Some go and come back again earning them the title of a retro or resurrected fad. Then there is an iconic design like argyle that endures the test of time and pops up in one form of fashion or another season after season.

Described as a pattern of varicolored diamonds in a diagonal checkerboard arrangement, the argyle design contains layers of overlapping motifs that add a sense of three-dimensional texture. The name comes from Clan Campbell of Argyll, Scotland, and is originally from the pattern of their tartan.

Argyle is believed to have come to the United States from Scotland some 60 years ago in 1949. Typically seen in socks, sweaters and ties, argyle of modern times can be found on luggage, bike shorts, sneakers, dog vests, iPod cases, Hello Kitty backpacks, and is used in a multitude of ways on all sorts of apparel.


No stranger to golf fashion past - who can forget the late Payne Stewart's tournament attire of brightly colored argyle socks with equally flashy knickers to match, often coordinated with the colors of the host city's NFL team - and present, argyle continues to hit its stride.

Tehama's spring 2010 catalog shows a beautiful pink and gray tonal on white argyle sweater vest for women on its cover, and Tom Watson was wearing a sharp looking gray and black long sleeve argyle sweater from Polo Ralph Lauren in the opening round of the Open Champsionship.

Building on the rich history and timeless style of argyle, Pukka Headwear (http://www.pukkaheadwear.com), is taking the pattern all the way to the top with its new line of hats and visors. The line is aptly called the Argyle Collection. From wide-ranging argyle fabrics to distinctive embroidered diamond motifs; from inside the brim to argyle-patterned bands on visors, Pukka is celebrating 60 years of argyle with updated, modern looking designs.


"Buyers are always looking for new products and ideas," said James Thompson, director of marketing for Pukka. "Headwear offers yet another avenue for buyers or golf pros to custom design an accessory that complements their apparel lines. Pukka recognized an opportunity based on what fashion apparel manufacturers were already making available."

Pukka has always been known for its variety of custom embellishments, design flexibility and combinations of both fabrics and color. Screen printing, secured patches and label appliqués are gaining popularity in the golf industry, and Pukka features each on the various styles in its Argyle Collection.

"The golf industry is beginning to take a more serious look at fashion because of trends in the mainstream retail environment," Thompson said. "Fashion-inspired headwear in general is not only taking hold in the fashion pockets (east and west coast), but is also selling successfully in the Midwest and deep-south as well."