VUGA Clothing and Apparel - High end, but low(er) cost...

[GolfSpyC]

VUGA

 

Let's be honest. Soft goods don't exactly move the needle. There are myriad reasons why that's the case, but suffice it to say, consumers just don't get those same giddy feelings when they're perusing the fall collection of brand "X" as they do awaiting the latest driver, whose embargoed photos leaked several months earlier.

 

But as much as this is about a new company and a differentiating technology, it's also serves as a proxy conversation for the continued movement away from mainline and toward the decidedly niche. We're seeing it in every corner of the industry (Snell, PXG, Toulon, Lambcrafted, XPHLEXXX, etc) and Chris Engel's venture, apparel and accessory company VUGA, it the most recent example.

 

VUGA? IS THAT REALLY A WORD?

 

Yes. It's a Zulu term used frequently by Nelson Mandela which loosely means "opportunity and new beginnings." In that context, it's more than a brand-name for Engel, a native South African, who spent the last decade working in product development for TaylorMade-Adidas.

 

 

THE SKINNY:

 

VUGA (www.vugabrand.com) is a line of golf apparel and accessories created by an avid golfer for avid golfers. As a result, all of the pieces are meant to be worn and used on the course. The fact they can be enjoyed at the office or in a casual setting is a nice bonus. 

 

 

 

 

 

The style is decidedly classic, yet sophisticated. Don't expect any wild colors or designs. 

 

The overall quality is top shelf. From materials and design to functionality and finishing touches, VUGA is on par with other quality vendors (see: Peter Millar) and technologies (see: Gortex, Dri-Fit)

 

 

The logo is meant to catch your eye, but not to detract from the product itself. Some companies are logo driven (think Under Armour) whereas others are product driven (think Footjoy).  It may seem like a distinction without a difference, but for Engel, everything he does is intentional.

 

SO WHAT'S DIFFERENT?

 

VUGA Tech for one. It's not so much about what the performance fabrics do (wick moisture, dry quickly) -  it's what they don't do. As in smell. Most anti-bacterial fabrics use some type of coating to repel odor causing bacteria. This coating eventually wears off and the garment takes on a permanent smell. Conversely, VUGA Tech uses a proprietary process which is inert in the yarn and lasts a lot longer. That's a huge difference. Suffice it to say, you will wear this shirt out before you "smell it out." 

 

 

Engel understands as a small start-up, he can't afford any lags in order fulfillment or dropped balls with customer service. To that end, the initial product line is limited (expect to see pants/shorts and belts in the spring), but the online ordering process is simple and if it's on the site, it's available. 

 

What they lack in volume and economies of scale is more than offset by a leaner operation where major costs associated with advertising and player sponsorship are non-existent. In general, retail prices are 30%-40% less than competing brands of similar quality. 

 

Bottom Line:

 

I get it can be difficult to get excited about clothing, but like I said before, this isn't entirely about that. The bigger picture is Engel is traveling a path similar to other industry veterans, venturing out from the often-confined office space of large OEMs.  A leaner operation and control over the entire creative process should yield a variety of benefits for the consumer, not the least of which as a product line driven by primarily by quality rather than profit. The formula of “premium quality at reduced prices” is a nice calling card, but only insofar as the ability of the vendor to make good on both elements.

 

Thus far, he's nailed it. The initial line effuses quality and when you look at what you're getting per dollar spent, the value is significant.

 

 

 

[SuperDave]

I'm sorry, I don't understand. I just looked this stuff up and polos are $65. I know that's less than Nike, Adidas and others, but I can get nice polos that last year's for $25 or less.

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[Peterpc2828]

I agree, way too expensive for golf clothing, I wait till it goes clearance and then maybe I'll think about it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Kenny B]

I don't think the prices are out of line with other major clothing brands initial releases.  I am not really a "performance fabric" kind of guy but I like the style of the polos and jackets.  

 

The website has no indication of sizing like most sites have, and I would never purchase anything online without knowing that the size is close to what I need.  I'm not paying return shipping to find out the correct size.  Today's clothing lines are ridiculous in their size variations.  Some brands XXL is other brands XL or maybe even L.  

[fozcycle]

I have not looked at the prices, but, from what I see in the pics posted here, the design is very clean looking and very likable.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

[djahubes]

I like what I see on the website. With 15% off first order am going to give it a shot

 

 

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[GolfSpyC]

I'm sorry, I don't understand. I just looked this stuff up and polos are $65. I know that's less than Nike, Adidas and others, but I can get nice polos that last year's for $25 or less.

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

 

 

In terms of quality, this is a step up from Nike/Adidas. They wear better and in my experience, last longer. More in line with something like Peter Millar which is priced well above the $65 mark of VUGA. 

 

Don't know if the typical bargain rack shopper is likely to be impressed by what VUGA offers. 

[GolfSpyC]

I don't think the prices are out of line with other major clothing brands initial releases.  I am not really a "performance fabric" kind of guy but I like the style of the polos and jackets.  

 

The website has no indication of sizing like most sites have, and I would never purchase anything online without knowing that the size is close to what I need.  I'm not paying return shipping to find out the correct size.  Today's clothing lines are ridiculous in their size variations.  Some brands XXL is other brands XL or maybe even L.  

 

 

That's great feedback - For me, the jackets/pullovers run a bit smaller than other brands, which I prefer if I'm wearing them on the course. So if you're between and like it to fit looser, go up a size. If your good with something a bit slimmer, stay with what you'd normally wear. Polos run pretty much true to size in my experience. 

[Jonnythec]

Vuga is a terrible name..just saying.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone while sitting at the 19th hole.

[GolfSpyC]

Vuga is a terrible name..just saying.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone while sitting at the 19th hole.

How so?

 

I actually think it's kind of a cool story, but then again, I like history, world affairs and the backstory to companies, etc.

[McaseyM]

Nice clean lines, That blue zip mock is sweet, as are all the jackets. I know BarbaJo loves himself a nice mock. Where's Zinger for a full MGS review??

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[GolfSpyC]

Nice clean lines, That blue zip mock is sweet, as are all the jackets. I know BarbaJo loves himself a nice mock. Where's Zinger for a full MGS review??

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

 

I've had a chance to work through most of the line - It's solid all the way around. Current fav piece might be the quilted jacket.

[bumpandrun]

How so?

 

I actually think it's kind of a cool story, but then again, I like history, world affairs and the backstory to companies, etc.

 

I have no problem with the name and think it's pretty cool that he is using a term that means something to him and also represents what he is doing (a new beginning for himself).

[bumpandrun]

I really like the blue jacket shown, might have to look into that one.

[MDGolfHacker]

The product line looks great! As long as the quality is there, I would buy it.

 

MDGolfHacker

[bumpandrun]

Are the jackets more of a slim fit?  I have wide shoulders and I have a round shaped belly but I'm not what would be considered fat by most. I normally wear an XL but slim fitting clothes are tight around my midsection. 

[jayjay0808]

I like the clean lines. Nothing flashy but just classy!