AHEAD's new Thermal Regulation technology, which is making its debut with five styles in the company's 2014 men's apparel collection, is helping golfers maintain optimum body temperature based on the day's changing weather conditions.
Thermal Regulation is a polymer (hollow) shell yarn that utilizes phase change and controls the production of moisture before it begins, explained Bill Godden, AHEAD's director of apparel. The material, Godden continued, absorbs, stores and releases heat for optimal thermal comfort, while the shell absorbs, stores and releases excess heat.
"Most of the technology you see in the industry only allows for coolness," Godden said. "With our new Thermal Regulation collection, as the skin gets hot, the heat gets absorbed, and as the body starts to cool, the heat is then released. Think of it as moisture going from liquid to solid, then back to liquid, but being contained in a hollow core yarn."
The men's Thermal Regulation Collection is being introduced with three different polo shirts, a full zip soft shell vest and a heather half-zip mock. The polo options feature a Heathered Solid, Multi-stripe and a Mini Gradient Auto Stripe. Available colors include ruby, papaya, shamrock and oasis blue. The soft shell vest and heather half-zip mock are each available in three colors, including marine and platinum.
"Today's consumers are more aware and looking for added benefits from their sportswear," said Vicki Bernstein, President of Bernstein Retail Productions in Houston.
"The addition of the thermal regulation collection from Ahead addresses this concern. I was very impressed with the color savvy collection of heathered fabrics incorporating flexibility from spandex and comfort from a jersey fabrication that helps regulate body temperature for added comfort." She added, "The product will display well due to the technical and textural elements, and also hits the consumer soft spot of $69 retail. All good reasons to take a good look at this new introduction."
