Founded in 1916 in Denver, Colorado, Imperial Headwear remains one of the golf industry’s go-to sources for quality, relevance and styles that bridges the gap between tech and lifestyle. The latest collection continues to focus on performance-driven designs, advanced fabric technologies, cooling innovations and adaptive comfort that meets the needs of golfers in both sport and life.
In an interview with Dan Parenti (pictured right), Senior Vice President of Product Development, we learn how Imperial is designing its headwear for all phases of life while creating a sense of urgency to drive new sales, as well as what we can expect to see from the brand as it enters its 12th decade.
1 What is the most important trend in headwear right now, and how is Imperial Headwear addressing it?
Dan Parenti: The most important trend is intentional versatility – headwear that performs on the first tee, but feels just as natural off the course. Golfers aren’t buying a hat solely for play anymore; they’re buying something that fits into their everyday life. What we consistently see is stronger sell-through on styles that feel authentic on course without looking overly technical or golf specific away from it.
On the design side, the category blends technical functionality with retro influence and bolder proportions. You see it in the growth of athleisure-driven caps like dad hats and minimalist performance styles, and the continued return of nostalgic silhouettes such as high crown five-panel styles, lightweight dad caps, rope caps and classic high crown visors.
At Imperial, we approach this with purposeful restraint, clean silhouettes, modern fits and materials that work hard without shouting it out. We focus on high-quality core styles that act as the canvas, then layer in distinctive decoration and customization so PGA Professionals can merchandise something that reflects their club’s identity. When the product looks right, feels right and tells a story, it works at retail.
2 What is the most significant fabric innovation in Imperial’s lineup?
Parenti: The real innovation is the evolution of performance fabrics that don’t feel like performance fabrics. Moisture management and UV protection are expected now. What differentiates the product is how the fabric feels in hand, how it holds up after repeated wear and what we pride ourselves on: fit.
Sustainability plays a central role in that evolution. Our sustainability platform is grounded in four pillars: compliance, waste reduction, energy conservation and environmental excellence. That lens influences material selection and product development across the line. We’ve invested in lightweight recycled polyester blends and technical cotton hybrids that deliver stretch, breathability and durability without the synthetic hand feel golfers tend to reject. Buyers and consumers are asking smarter questions about where materials come from and how long products last. Innovation today isn’t flashy; it’s thoughtful, proven and built for repeat wear.
3 What are your limited-time statement pieces all about?
Parenti: They’re about creating urgency without risk. Limited-time styles give clubs a way to introduce trend-forward colors, fresh silhouettes or seasonal storytelling – particularly around tournaments, member-guest events and gifting – without overcommitting inventory.
From a retail standpoint, these pieces drive incremental sales rather than replacing core business. They give loyal customers a reason to come back into the shop and often become conversation starters. The key is balance: Statement pieces should feel special and intentional, not forced or gimmicky.
4 What do you have for golfers playing during the colder months?
Parenti: Our customers no longer view cold-weather golf as a niche activity; they actively anticipate and plan for this season. Our new headwear collection is designed for warmth and comfort, blending soft, fleece-lined construction with natural fabrics. Select styles now feature merino wool and merino wool sweatbands, offering superior performance through temperature regulation, moisture wicking and natural anti-odor and anti-microbial benefits. This collection delivers headwear that is intentional, thoughtfully styled and performs equally well on chilly mornings and throughout the shoulder seasons.
5 What is the most important thing on the horizon for Imperial?
Parenti: It’s continuing to strengthen Imperial’s position as the brand behind the game, while trusted, adaptable and forward-thinking. The next phase is about smarter assortments, faster response to trends and deeper collaboration with our green-grass partners. We’re investing in tools, materials and processes that help PGA of America Professionals spend less time managing product and more time creating meaningful experiences. In today’s environment, efficiency matters just as much as innovation.
