New Study Shows Over 84% of Golfers Prefer Cool-Tech Apparel for Comfort and Performance

Study Unveils Golfers' Demand for Cooling Technologies in Apparel

In a groundbreaking study released by LifeLabs®, a company specializing in materials science, findings reveal that a striking 84% of golfers prefer apparel that incorporates cooling technology. Conducted by The Harris Poll, this research offers a glimpse into the critical relationship between heat, comfort, and performance on the greens.

The survey, targeting golfers who have played in outdoor environments within the last five years, unveils that as temperatures rise, so does the challenge of maintaining performance. Astonishingly, 68% of participants admitted that feeling too hot would likely lead them to take a break or even quit their game early. Furthermore, 73% acknowledged that warm weather negatively impacts their performance, with 22% stating this has a major effect. Clearly, the discomfort induced by heat can transform a pleasant day on the course into a frustrating experience.

Mya Franklin, Director of North America Business Operations at LifeLabs, shared insights into the study’s implications: "Golfers are clearly telling us that comfort and performance go hand-in-hand, and that heat can be the difference between finishing strong and cutting a round short."

To address the discomfort experienced by golfers, LifeLabs has developed their patented CoolLife® technology. This innovative technology is the first of its kind, introducing a thermally transparent textile that offers a permanent, instant, and continuous cooling effect, claiming to reduce surface temperature by up to 2°C.

Developed with superior materials derived from globally patented nanoporous polyethylene polymer technology from Stanford University, CoolLife yarn offers an environmentally favorable impact rating according to the material sustainability index when compared to traditional fibers. This innovative material allows brand partners to harmonize high performance and sustainable practices effectively.

Director of Textile Innovation and Sustainability at LifeLabs, Jordi Beneyto-Ferre, emphasized that CoolLife is far more than a marketing term; it represents a comprehensive fabric performance platform tailored for golfers. "Our goal is to collaborate with brand partners to transform thermoregulating science into versatile materials that ensure golfer comfort and performance remains high, even when temperatures soar,” he stated.

LifeLabs has been making strides in textile science since its establishment by Professor Yi Cui and Sophia Ou. Their focus has been on creating high-performance textile innovations that cater to sustainability without compromising on comfort. With the upcoming PGA Show set to occur from January 20-23, the timing of this study couldn’t be more relevant, as golf apparel brands explore ways to integrate cooling technology into their designs.

The survey method utilized for this study was conducted online, targeting 2,096 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, of which 459 had participated in outdoor golf activities. The results are deemed accurate within +/- 2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

As golfers gear up for the season, the implications of such findings could revolutionize apparel choices on the course. Climate-responsive apparel could very well lead to improved play, longer engagement on the greens, and an overall enhance golfing experience. For those keen on learning more about LifeLabs’ performance textiles, in-person meetings at the PGA Show are being scheduled to discuss potential collaborations and innovations in golf attire.

To stay informed on advancements in the realm of golf apparel technology, interested parties are encouraged to reach out through the LifeLabs website for the latest updates and insights.