50 Words or Less
Hopkins Custom Apparel offers custom golf polos, jackets, and hoodies for uses like corporate outings or private label shops. Excellent quality and endless design options.
Introduction
I consider Matt Saternus and myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to products in the golf industry. We don’t claim to know all the details of every golf shaft or the spin characteristics of every golf ball, but we’re familiar with most companies and their products. But we both scratched our heads when Steve Hopkins, president of UFO Tour Golf, asked if we’d be interested in an apparel review. Turns out Steve not only makes amazing custom golf bags [see my full review HERE], but he also produces custom apparel items under the brand Hopkins Custom Apparel. You may be wearing one right now – I’ll explain that in a moment.
Style
This is a tricky category to evaluate because of the custom nature of the apparel. Take the three pieces highlighted in this review as examples. The polo features a self-collar with sewn in stays giving it a crisp, high-end look. Yet the addition of PIG icons creates a more whimsical style.
By adding the same sublimated print of the polo on the inside of the collar, the quarter zip is transformed from a simple golf layer to a style-forward masterpiece. The designers at Hopkins Custom Apparel did a wonderful job accommodating the Plugged In Golf color palette and the embroidery execution is top notch.
Right on trend, the hoodie is a great casual piece. Being able to have a custom print in the interior of the hoodie makes it truly special. The 92% polyester/8% spandex blend fabric is that perfect weight for adding a little warmth without looking bulky.
Fit
I’d categorize the fit of all three pieces as athletic. I went with my normal medium, and the fit was nearly ideal. I’m 5’10” and 165 lbs. (maybe more since I haven’t been on a scale since Thanksgiving) and found the polo to have a sleek silhouette without being tight fitting. Sleeves covered my biceps, and the torso length is clearly intended to be tucked in.
The quarter zip and hoodie are perfect for layering. I appreciated that the sleeve lengths were long enough to cover my wrists even in the midst of a full turn. The Hopkins Custom Apparel size guide goes from XS to 5XL in mens, and S to 3XL in ladies – plenty of options.
Performance
The hoodie’s 92% polyester/8% spandex blend is found in all three pieces. The spandex offered wonderful flex – I never encountered a hint of resistance regardless of the gyrations of my golf swing.
My only dislike was the draw cords on the hoodie – they just seemed to stick out awkwardly. I really liked that under my chin, the fabric was tall (similar to a mock turtleneck) and that the hood offered ample coverage. In fact I recommend wearing a golf hat if you ever plan to cinch the hood to avoid covering your eyes.
Conclusion
As you may have guessed, custom apparel from Hopkins isn’t for you and your partner to stand out at the next member-guest. The minimum order is for 50 pieces of a particular style. But for a corporate outing, Hopkins Custom Apparel seems like a perfect choice in my book. The ability to incorporate logos via sublimation or embroidery offers tremendous options. And remember when I said “you might be wearing one right now” in the intro? Well, Hopkins Custom Apparel can also incorporate custom labels and hang tags – like those on the apparel you may have purchased at that fancy private golf club.