« Ensconced In Hollas »

Chapeau Noir has been fortunate to put a number of brands to the test this spring, the last of which, but certainly not the least of which, is Hollas, as worn on the PGA Tour by Rory Sabbatini and Bryce Molder among others.

The Toronto-based Hollas brand shares management with AHEAD and the Mike Weir apparel range under the Second Skin umbrella, and was kind enough to forward two ultra-fine items from its Spring 2010 lineup - a white Engineered Stripe polo and the tan Glen Check trouser.

Both the shirt and the trousers employ Hollas' XFC technology, which promotes moisture transmission and diffusion through its waffle-like textured fabric which reduces skin contact, helping us stay dry and comfortable on even the hottest, most humid days that that Ottawa valley area has to offer.

Engineered Stripe Polo

The Engineered Stripe polo is amongst the very lightest of shirts Chapeau Noir has ever worn. Just as he likes to keep his lettuce tight, Chapeau Noir likes to keep his golf apparel tight. So, for sizing, although he has been wearing a medium, there is more than enough room to make the 6-foot 170-pound Chapeau Noir think a small would do nicely when purchasing his next Hollas shirt.

Engineered Stripe polo in white, from Hollas. Click to shop.

An anecdotal point regarding care - the Engineered Stripe is 91% nylon (and 9% spandex), which leaves this polo looking markedly more wrinkled coming out of the washing machine than most other technical shirts who tend to employ polyester as its base material.

Admittedly flustered by this laundry room-based conundrum, Chapeau Noir turned to the fine folks at Hollas, who were quick to provide the much-needed moral support, instructing that two options were available to make rid of the wrinkles. First, one should feel confident that you can toss this polo in the dryer, even on high if that is your wont to do, and then hang overnight for a flawlessly smooth finish. Or, second, promptly remove the Engineered Stripe from the wash and hang immediately to dry.

Happily, keeping an ear out for the end of that final spin cycle has always been a source of pride for Chapeau Noir, so this will be the method of choice.

Glen Check Trousers

Glen Check trouser in tan, vapor, and white, from Hollas. Click to shop.Moving south, the Hollas Glen Check trousers in tan, vapor and white are a 96% poly / 4% spandex mix that, when paired with the waffle texture and XFC technology, create what could be the finest feeling trousers, despite a slight Constanza-like swoosh that is only evident when quickly making one's way down a deserted office corridor.

As with the polo, Chapeau Noir could have sized down from a 34 to the 32 waist, but being forever a 'tweener, Chapeau Noir consistently errs with the larger size, simply because the local tailor can always size you down.

Setting size aside, the Glen Check is a trouser that makes us wonder how tour players endured heat before modern technology found its way into golf apparel, particularly the trouser.

To this day, Chapeau Noir tees it up with friends who profusely sweat at even the mildest sign of humidity, envoking what is colloquially known in these parts as The Faucet, or Wettus. Whatever your term for it may be, the lower back sweat that reveals its presence on the upper part of the trouser is not a pleasant sight.

The Glen Check and its XFC technology is equal to the task, helping even the most manly men among us avoid an extended trip to the locker room prior to post-round commiseration in the grill room.

Introducing the 'WWCN Do?' Rating System

For this review, Chapeau Noir is introducing a new rating system known as 'What Would Chapeau Noir Do?', that will either be maintained, adjusted, or discontinued for reviews going forward based on your feedback

'WWCN Do?' offers a four-pronged approach that will make it easier for CNG readers to make a buying decision. Without further adieu, here is the inaugural 'WWCN Do?', for Hollas.

Would Chapeau Noir wear it on the course?

But of course!

While it won't necessarily set the fashion runway on fire, Hollas is an extremely finely crafted range with a European influence in the spirit of a roomier J Lindeberg, and will give you a polished look that your game might be missing. Your conservative buddies will think you look great and will be asking after the brand by the time you reach the second tee.

Would Chapeau Noir wear it to work?

Definitely.

Conservative enough to blend in, Hollas will keep the modern desk jockey cool and comfortable when on tight deadlines and sweat free when explaining your way out of that team lunch. No one will suspect you're skinning out early to squeeze in a 'quick' 27.

Would Chapeau Noir wear it out for a night on the town with Mrs. Chapeau Noir?

Maybe, and maybe not, as it would all depend on the venue.

Would Chapeau Noir make Hollas a preferred choice at his pro shop?

Provided he can size himself down, yes!