In Fiamme

With most major golf apparel brands going the way of techno performance, In Fiamme is one of the few companies who is still making classic golf polos. I know, “classic cotton polo” is not exactly sexy but this is not your average cotton pique (and not all of us want to be sexy anyhow). Yes, In Fiamme polos are cotton, but that is about all they have with the other duds in your closet.

Off the bat, each In Fiamme shirt is hand cut and sewn in Milan, Italy (and not in some big manufacturing plant). No, these are carefully produced in small lots such that each shirt has immaculate quality and detail. Specifically, In Fiamme polos are all constructed of double-mercerized, 100% Egyptian cotton yarns which is considered one of the finest cotton fabrics in the world.

Admittedly, I prefer a more modern fit and look but that does not mean I cannot appreciate the quality of the shirt. Moreover, the In Fiamme shirts have a certain level of class that you will never get with a performance polo. The reality is that the company understands their customers prefer substance over pizazz.

While I only wore two of the In Fiamme polos, I was able to personally see the whole apparel line in January at the PGA Merchandise show. In general, I would characterize the majority of styles as “Country Club Conservative” but they do have a number of more progressive styles as well.

What all of the styles do share, however, is a classic fit that complements a “mature” figure. In other words, if you carry a little weight, you really should avoid the sheer, thin material. What In Fiamme understands is that a more gentlemanly look can be achieved though the combination of fine cotton and complex patterns.

With that said, the shirts are not cut such that they look like the Tiger Woods shirts of 1999 where if you hold your arms up you look like a triangle of cotton. The shoulders meet at the end of your shoulders and girth of the shirt is size appropriate. I did note, however, that most of the shirt sleeves are longer than today’s modern cut. Sleeves go from mid-bicep to elbow. Again, longer than the modern cut but preferred by the more conservative gentleman.

As anyone who has worn a cotton polo knows, what is a dead give away for a cheap shirt is the buttons and collars. All In Fiamme shirts are made with laser etched genuine mother-of-pearl buttons and have double stitch hems with a lycra-infused collar to prevent curling. In other words, these shirts will look this good for a long time.

The other thing you will notice (or not notice), is that the shirts do not have a logo which is great news for those of us who prefer to not look like a walking billboard. To me, knowing that you are wearing a fine Italian garment is enough-I don’t need to have it advertised on my chest. Slightly off topic, but ever see a totally bad ass car that you know is a loaded up Audi, BMW, Porsche or Maserati but the owner has cleverly taken off ever single emblem? Yea, it makes it that much cooler. Be that guy.

You can see the whole collection of In Fiamme shirts on their website.