Dedicated followers of UKKO

By Dave Tindall Last updated: 13th December 2009

New British label UKKO launched in early July with a determination to "revolutionise men's golf fashion".

An instant hit, they were named Official Clothing Partner for the 2009 NEC Golf Show and that's where we at Golf365 got our first chance to see what all the fuss was about.

Read on to get our thoughts, what UKKO say themselves and also check out our gallery of their current Autumn/Winter 09 Collection.

What we say - (Golf365 editor Dave Tindall)

Having just enjoyed the thrill of playing Hoylake on a recent golf trip to The Wirral, the post-round plan was to go up to our hotel rooms, get changed and meet in the bar.

However, I ended up going to my room, flicking the TV for five minutes and then wandering back downstairs in the same clothes.

The cruel might call me lazy or even question personal hygiene but I prefer to use fashion as my explanation. I had played in my Fred Perry wool knit jumper and thought it the ideal garment to wear in the bar too.

I was also sporting Fred Perry when I came across the UKKO stand at the NEC Golf show last month and my instant reaction at seeing their clothing for the first time was: "This is just my kind of thing".

Within seconds of striking up a conversation with UKKO director Nick Hovey he clocked my laurel logo and it was immediately obvious that we were of similar mind when it came to golf clothing.

"Walk from green to bar without having to get changed," said the UKKO press release Nick gave me and having acted out those very words at Hoylake only a month previously I wanted to hear more about this new kid on the golf fashion block.

Nick explained that all UKKO's clothes are made in the UK and the first two letters of the name are a neat reminder that they're a truly British brand.

So I liked the concept and I liked the look of the clothes. All that was left now was to try some on. Nick kindly agreed to send some samples up this week and I have to say I was blown away.

My wife is quick to say yay or nay when I try on new clothes and her response was "nice... very, very nice." Two "verys" is rare praise indeed but such is the quality of UKKO's clothing that it was fully justified.

Light, beautifully made and with a real attention to detail, UKKO are a quality addition to top-end golf clothing. If you like Fred Perry and Lyle and Scott, you'll love these guys but with their distinct logo, green to bar versatility and belief in British craftsmanship they bring something fresh to the table of their own.

Get on board.

What they say

All golf crazy and fashion conscious men can breath a sigh of relief with the recent launch of new British label UKKO.

UKKO is set to revolutionise men's golf clothing with a unique approach and determination to combine sport and fashion. Working with companies and individuals based in the UK to make our clothes & accessories, UKKO is also a truly British brand.

Born out of a demand for golfers who seek function yet desire attention, UKKO is a win win fashion brand where you tee off on trend and in comfort, whilst still turning heads off the course.

We understand the needs of today's golfer, so a fusion of clean and functional design with intelligent and dynamic detailing combine to ensure you can walk from green to bar without having to get changed.

Using traditional methods to produce modern garments, some of the local businesses we work with to create our premium quality apparel and accessories are a belt workshop in the east-end of London, a professional knitting company in Wales and one of the finest wool factories in Scotland.

The Autumn/Winter 09 launch collection comprises five fresh lines including brushed cotton polos and fine merino v-necks and cardigans, all of which include contrast hand-stitch detailing and a unique titanium logo.

What others say:

Colin Brunton, CEO Golf Show Group: "This is a great match. Two premium British brands coming together and an opportunity for us to support an exciting new company. UKKO London make superb golf clothes of the highest quality and being home grown in the UK makes them the ideal partner. We can't wait to wear the kit!"

Interview with UKKO Director Nick Hovey

Q: There are lots of men's fashion brands out there. Why should we buy UKKO?

A: UKKO is unique; our clothes are functional as well as stylish - perfect for the fashion conscious golfer. And there's no need to take two wardrobes to the course; UKKO is designed to be worn from green to bar.

Q: So your clothes are designed for the course and the clubhouse?

A: Exactly. Functional and fashionable. We passionately believe you can't have one without the other. We already have three tour Pros wearing UKKO clothing and their feedback is really positive.

Q: Who will be wearing the UKKO label?

A: Any guy who appreciates quality clothing and wants to look stylish on and off the course. If that's you, then you should be wearing UKKO.

Q: Is it true your clothing and accessories are made in the UK?

A: Yes. We source and manufacture in the UK, and that's our mission. Not the easiest or cheapest method, but good for the economy and knowing who makes our clothes gives us confidence. Why go east when top class British suppliers are on our doorstep?

Q: You only launched in July this year; what have you achieved so far?

A: It's manic! A great first Autumn/Winter collection and we've been busy reaching all levels of golfer, from kitting out a youth Golf Academy to being named Official Clothing Partner of the NEC Golf Show. UKKO is a new brand, hitting the mark for all ages.

What are your ambitions for UKKO?

A: Not world domination - but we want to be the leader in high quality, designer British golf clothing. We have a loyal following and we're growing organically through word of mouth, which is what we want.

Excellent, thanks Nick. Hopefully we at Golf365 can spread the word. At the Golf Show you said you were also excited about the 2010 Spring/Summer collection:

A: Yes Dave. We anticipate this to be a great season for us. Our inaugural AW09 collection has been hugely successful with both trade & consumers taking to the brand really well. This in turn has given us the confidence to create an even bigger range for the SS10 collection than anticipated. It will include several designer t-shirts (all hand-made in Nottingham/hand-printed in London), a range of Golf & Fashion Polos (also made in Nottingham), some new knitwear styles (cardigans, tanks, v-necks) and the addition of a small trouser range, designed on Saville Row. This will be complemented by a Spring/Summer range of accessories; Summer colour Flexfit caps & visors, some new belts (hand-made in London) and a colourful range of cotton socks, all made in Leicester. Loads more in the pipeline too, including the possibility of a Bespoke service where customers can create and buy their own bespoke Polos online. One step at a time though as the brand is only five months old! We do have loads of ideas though and are always looking at ways to expand and improve the range of clothing on offer whilst sticking to our original principles as much as we can.