Coolmax for the Cocktail Set: Dunning Sportswear's Performance Button-Downs

by Paul Rogers (RSS feed)
Apr 6th 2009 at 11:03AM

First came Coolmax running and workout gear. Then Coolmax polo shirts. Now, in the latest line from Dunning, a Canadian sportswear maker, come Coolmax button-downs designed for casual Friday at the office and cocktail parties by the shore.

Dunning's new "performance woven button-downs" ($125) are nontraditional in fabric--the lightweight cotton/poly/Coolmax blend wicks away moisture, unlike, say, Oxford and broadcloth, which retain it--but not in style. The collection hews to timeless preppy standards such as candy stripes, tattersall, mini-gingham and glen plaid. Dunning also has a new line of cotton-Coolmax shorts ($99), in both a slightly clingy "technical" fabric and a more classic poplin-like weave. I prefer the latter. Rounding out the collection are "classic prep polos" ($98) featuring a stitched crest.

The company was founded by Ontario native Ralph Dunning, a 44-year-old former Ironman competitor turned avid golfer. Dunning golf shirts (some of them in appealing retro stripes) are popping up on the PGA Tour. They're worn by Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champ, among others. The company's clothing can be purchased at department stores, country clubs and resorts as well as online at http://dunningsportswear.com.

Gallery: Dunning's New High-Tech Menswear