johnnie-O Spring ’17 Apparel Review

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johnnie-O Spring 17 - 65

50 Words or Less

With colors and fabrics that all work together, the Spring ’17 collection from johnnie-O is both functional and fashionable.  The West Coast Prep style plays well on and off the golf course.

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Introduction

Created in 2004 by John O’Donnell, johnnie-O is a brand that flourishes under the moniker West Coast Prep – the intersection of east coast preppie and west coast surfer dude styles.  The surfer with his big board logo instantly transports your mind to Southern California where everyone seems active, healthy, and happy; or at least that’s what television has trained us to think.  And speaking of TV, John’s brother is Chris O’Donnell of NCIS-LA fame.  Who’s the better golfer?  John says “Ah, it depends on who has a better lip wedge that day!”

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Performance

For the rigors of golf, johnnie-O’s PREP-FORMANCE line is the ticket.  During an unseasonably warm winter period, the 95% polyester Atwater polo wicked away sweat and kept me dry, while its 5% spandex freely stretched during extreme golf moves (some intended).  The Greenwood shorts and Marin pants performed equally well with a blend of poly, nylon, and bamboo.  Not only an eco-friendly fiber, bamboo gives the fabric a velvety soft feel.  When the temperatures and humidity get cranked up in summer, I suspect the shorts may be a bit heavy.  On the flip side, the PREP-PERFORMANCE attributes will make the long sleeve Hardy button down an off the course go-to year round.

Cotton is still a major component in the Spring ’17 line, and I really have come to enjoy the 50/50 cotton/poly blend of the Benny polo.  The fabric weight is perfect for when the air is a bit crisp, yet it breathes well once you get moving.

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Style & Fit

Not typical blues, greys, and khakis, johnnie-O’s colors also seem to define the West Coast Prep style.  The brick red shorts and pacific polo shown below are a good example.  The fit of the Spring ’17 collection is true to johnnie-O – athletic, but not form fitting.  I’m 5’-10”, 165 lbs, reasonably trim, and the cut of the clothes is excellent for me.  Medium, my default size in shirts, leaves some room in the torso while still looking sharp.  Shirt length is just right for staying tucked in at the course and looking good untucked.  The pants and shorts are available in size 33 waist, and the fit is true at the waist with a gentle taper in the legs.  The trendy 5 pocket Marin pants not only provide a casual, hip look, they have great details like the blue contrast piping on one of the belt loops and embossed logo on the button.

One other detail that really impressed me was the Tweener Button featured on both the sport shirts I tested.  Johnnie-O has a patent on this hidden button that lies between the 2nd and 3rd buttons offering a middle ground between office appropriate and late night karaoke.

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Conclusion

While some brands may try to stretch into lifestyle pieces, johnnie-O makes them core to the business.  With a wide array of offerings suitable for a round of golf, meetings with studio executives, or relaxing on the beach, the Spring ’17 collection from johnnie-O has you covered from head to toe.    New this year, johnnie-O will be worn by four PGA pros, so keep your eyes open for the logo and “hit the green in style”.

Matt Meeker
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