 | Recently, we chatted with Sarah Marai, Sr. Men’s Product Manager for Golf at adidas. Read along as she shares her insight into golf fashion, trends, and how the adidas brand sets itself apart in the industry |
FairwayStyles: Describe what your role is with adidas Golf.
Sarah Marai: I am the men’s apparel product manager. I work with design, development and global teams to create the best men’s performance apparel in golf.
FS: How would you describe the brand of adidas Golf apparel?
SM: We strive to create the best performance gear for golfers everywhere. Because we are part of such a large organization dedicated to providing the best for the athlete, we have access to the latest technologies and materials. We are unique in that sense, where we can infuse these technologies and materials but in a way that makes the most sense for the golfer.
FS: What do you feel sets adidas Golf apart from other brands out there?
SM: As I mentioned, the fact we are part of the adidas brand, we can bring the latest and greatest technology to the golfer, but we are completely dedicated to the golf consumer. Being located in Carlsbad, one of the epicenters of golf, really allows us to focus on our consumer while tapping into the power of the best sports brand in the world. Here at adidas golf we are consumer obsessed. Every decision we make is driven by consumer insights and being dedicated to creating great product.
FS: What trends are you seeing in the industry right now? Are there any specific materials, fabrics, or performance features?
SM: Sustainability is an important topic to us as well as the consumer. We will have some great products on the apparel side in the near future that are made from plastic that was intercepted from the beaches and ocean communities that we then turned into threads. Sun protection used to be a more female conversation, but we are also seeing now more than ever that men are beginning to demand sun protection as well as they are out on the course. With that in mind we want to make sure all of our products meet high standards of UV protection.
FS: Are you seeing any specific fabric trends or blends of fabrics more so now versus in years past?
SM: We love hybrids - products that can take you throughout your whole round. In the morning will block some drizzle but light enough weight to wear all day. Our Ultimate365 short is a great example of a lightweight performance fabric that gives you all the tech you need but super comfortable and wearable all day.
FS: During the design process, what's the percentage you consider when players are on the course versus off the course?
SM: Currently we have a great part of our line called adicross. This is built for versatility on and off course. It’s modern and non-traditional silhouettes, great fabrics and built to be able to be worn from playing 18 to dinner or drinks.
FS: Where do you see apparel design going over the next five years?
SM: We are definitely seeing golfers being treated as more athletic. Sleeker silhouettes, shorter shorts. Also really exciting seeing some of the golfers breaking the traditional mold on course which we see through our adicross collection.