Review for Durante Designs
Written by Kate Hughes, LPGA Pro Bunkers Paradise
Many women are very particular when it comes to how they look on the course. I am no exception. As a matter of fact, when I was competing for the University of Minnesota Women’s Golden Gopher Golf Team, we always used to say, “It isn’t how you play but really how your look that is important!” Now we did express this in jest, but I do think a couple on our team really believed that looks were more important…no names!!!
At Bunkers Paradise, one of the many things we do is review products, equipment and clothing. And yes, I do love to review clothing…so fun to see the new creativeness each company brings to market. But what is even more fun is checking out the ‘New kids on the block’…those designers that don’t have a name…YET…but are showing their spunk and letting their creative juices flow.
I have had the opportunity to take a good long look at a new designer to the golf world…Durante Designs. I have spoken in length with Kim Durante (Founder, President and Designer) about her 2013 new line of clothing for the woman golfer. She is taking a contemporary angle to golf design that is very cutting edge. Let’s take a look.
THE LOOK
Every piece of clothing that I was able to explore and wear was very fashionable. I felt like I looked the part of the ‘new woman golfer’. The white polo shirt fit awesome–tapered and comfortable from the house, to the car and through 18 holes of golf. I paired it with the pleated skort. I loved the look and had multiple men and women at the course ask me where to get the outfit. Let’s just say that for the first time I truly felt like a model!! Once in a lifetime is always good—scratch off the bucket list!!
The pleated skort was comfy and l looked awesome from head to toe.
The next piece of clothing I tried was the black Capri pant. I loved this piece. It had the perfect look for the course with tapered legs and gave it just that unique yet cool look…like I was ready to shoot under par!
I paired the black Capri pant with an awesome contemporary designed sleeveless blue shirt that had a splash of white geo-design. Again, the look was so different than the ‘normal’ golfer look and I received many double takes and a few ‘whistles’…not bad for a gal my age!!! Loved the color combo and the unique design really popped!
Finally, I gave the blue short shorts a go and paired that with a really ‘cool’ sweater that was multicolored and kind of see through. Now the boys were all over this outfit and I was a star!!! I loved the look of the shorts and sweater as a different approach to golf wear. I must add here that the short shorts will be hard to find in green grass shops due to the length (most clubs have a rule that shorts need to be just above the knee), but there will be clubs and potentially the tour that will jump on these quickly. As for the sweater, it will knock the socks off the boys as they watch you come up the 18th hole and land yourself in the 19th hole…you will not have to pay for your post round snacks!!
LOOKS SCORE: VERY HIGH
THE FEEL:
Every item I touched and felt was superb! The comfort was perfect and it moved so well with my every step and my swing. I am very particular when it comes to wearing clothing on the course…very particular. It has to FEEL GOOD! The polo shirt moved without catching throughout the swing and the material was like wearing my own skin.
The plaid skort is actually something I have never worn before, but I have to say it felt comfortable from the moment I put it on. I loved the built in undershorts to protect the ‘view’ if I am picking my ball out of the cup or bending down to line up a putt. Thank you for that Durante Design!!! The skort was a great feel even on the windy day I played in it. I was concerned it may ‘fly up’ and get in the way of my swing, but the design did not allow that to happen…good thing…didn’t want to scare other golfers or even the wildlife away!!!
The black Capri pant was one of the most comfortable pair of pants I have even had on my body. The close yet roomy fit felt so good next to my skin that I felt as though they were just an extension of me. The material is quite fashionable and easy to clean without worrying about it wrinkling. Love love love these Capri pants.
The Flexi zip up sweater was something I was nervous about wearing. I am very sensitive to different kinds of materials on my arms and was fearful that it would itch or be slightly uncomfortable. I was so wrong. This sweater fits like an extra layer of skin and didn’t bother me in the least. I played 9 holes in it and it was great through the round.
The baby blue shorts have a great durable yet soft material. These are shorts that can be worn anywhere. Gentle to the touch with a strong feel that you just know you can wear for years to come. I was unable to wear these to play due to the regulations of our course, but was able to get some pictures taken and some loud cackles!
FEEL SCORE: VERY HIGH
PERFORMANCE
I really don’t need to go item to item here since every article of clothing designed by Kim Durante was fabulous and each performed perfectly. The polo shirt, sleeveless shirt and sweater moved like a second skin without any hindrance to the swing (which is of utmost importance in the golfer’s game).
The Capri pant also performed beautifully with pockets in the front for your tees and let me add that the really cool buttons make you look and perform like a pro golfer!! The tapered legs are a nice featured design so if the wind is blowing, the material isn’t blowing around and disturbing your concentration over a putt…very important!
The plaid skort performed exceptional due to my first thoughts prior to even giving it a try. I loved this skort. I felt comfortable that I as well ‘covered’ no matter the wind, the bend or the jump up for celebration over a birdie!!
Finally, the baby blue short was a very nice breath of fresh air. We just need to get the green grass shops to realize that this look is a great addition to the golf world. Even though I was unable to get out on the course, I was a bit stealth and eased over unnoticed to the practice chipping area and found the shorts moved as I moved with every swing of the club. I liked the pockets in front…not the same style as the others and very well designed to place a couple of tees and a ball marker without them showing themselves as a ‘chunk’ in your pocket.
PERFORMANCE SCORE: VERY HIGH
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are looking to be on the edge of design and not look like all your playing partners, this is where you need to shop. Durante Designs is launching their first of many golf lines in 2013. Be a trend setting and get on board and show that you can look beyond awesome while playing golf and not find out you are wearing exactly what 5 other golfers are wearing the same day…or any day for that matter.
I am impressed with Ms. Durante and the direction she is going with golf clothing design. Her creativity is impeccable and she will be making some serious splashes in the golfing community. I am really excited to follow and wear Durante Clothing and show the golfing world you can look like you are going out on the town while teeing it up!!!
Great clothing that looks feels and performs well in any weather.
‘keep smiling and always believe’
For more information please visit their website here.
