INTRODUCING PEARLY GATES ESSENTIAL
Crafted in Japan!
This polo shirt is the next-level evolution of classic style, born from our deep passion and crafted in a well-established factory.
Pearly Gates has been committed to top-notch craftsmanship in Japan since its inception. Once again, we bring that excellence to golf enthusiasts through PEARLY GATES ESSENTIAL.
Our Ura Kanoko polo is crafted from the finest Supima cotton, which has been enhanced for even greater comfort with advanced high-performance materials and innovative weaving techniques.
Polo shirts are the quintessential golf wear, and while they may be traditional, creating something truly "new" is no easy feat. Our pursuit of an evolved polo shirt that aligns with modern needs while staying true to tradition is possible because of technology, but more importantly, because of the solid bonds we've built with factories that have been with us since the beginning.
In search of the ultimate new "basic"
Polo shirts are the “face” of golf wear. They have transcended the golf scene, gaining popularity as everyday wear and even making a mark in business settings for their neat and relaxed feel. For that reason, Pearly Gates feels the call to create products that stand the test of time and continue to be loved.Yet, creating the perfect polo shirt is no easy feat. The basics are well-established, making it a challenge to express individuality without losing the timeless essence. It's a constant dilemma – how do we innovate without compromising Pearly Gates' commitment to tradition? This question has been both a hurdle and a driving force in our creative journey.\\
In pursuit of answers, we found inspiration in unexpected places, and climate change emerged as a significant factor. Golf, being an outdoor sport, faces new challenges like rising temperatures and intensified UV rays. These issues are more pressing now than they were two decades ago and are significantly impacting players.
We realized there's now only about a month each year where players can comfortably enjoy the game without extra precautions. This realization sparked a fresh perspective, pushing us to find innovative solutions without compromising the timeless charm that defines Pearly Gates.
Adapting to Modern Needs
Traditionally, polo shirts have been crafted from cotton using pique knitting. However, in today's conditions, 100% cotton polos tend to trap sweat, making them uncomfortable for an active game of golf. That's why Pearly Gates Essential has reimagined polo shirts by blending cotton and polyester, offering a smooth feel and outstanding functionality unique to natural fibers.
To shield golfers' skin from direct sunlight and harmful UV rays, we've incorporated Aloft® *1, a high-performance yarn with exceptional UV-shielding properties, into the polyester weave. Developed by Toray, Aloft® boasts a core-sheath structure where polyester is coated with a concentrated layer of ceramic particles to effectively block light transmission. This innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing the UV protection of our polo shirts, demonstrating a key evolution in our pursuit of functional and stylish golf apparel.
A New Era of Comfort and Innovation.
Redefining comfort with our latest creation, "Urakanoko".
Shimada Textile, located in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a factory that has been knitting Pearly Gates polo shirt fabric for 30 years. With a rich legacy of 68 years, they're an integral part of our story. Our collaboration is direct, ensuring a seamless process from concept to creation, without unnecessary intermediaries. This unique partnership has empowered us to introduce cutting-edge fabrics to the market.
Our essential polo shirts are a result of deep knowledge, unwavering support, and trust nurtured over the years with partners like Shimada Textile. Together, we've crafted a polo shirt that not only boasts functionality but also radiates beauty, perfectly aligned with the needs of today's lifestyle. Get ready for a new standard of comfort and style.
“We create products according to Pearly Gates' specifications, and we are exceptionally meticulous in our planning—a level of attention that sets us apart from other brands. How do we achieve the precise colors and textures requested? Pearly Gates approaches these challenges uniquely, always striving to create something better. As a creator, there's a special connection I feel with it," shared Seiichi Shimada, CEO of Shimada Textile.
“As we prepared for the upcoming collection, a remarkable fabric named "Ura Kanoko" took center stage. This pique-knitted fabric is a blend of two polyester types: the high UV-shielding Aloft® and the eco-friendly recycled fiber &+®, as well as cotton. Using a machine custom-made for Pearly Gates, we meticulously knit the threads, bringing this innovative fabric to life.”
"Ura Kanoko" flips the traditional concept by exposing the polyester, typically hidden at the back, and placing cotton on the reverse side. This approach ensures that the parts in direct contact with the skin are crafted from natural materials, offering a superior feel against the skin. The surfaces exposed to direct sunlight utilize high-performance yarn like Aloft®, maximizing functional aspects such as ultraviolet shielding.
“Additionally, through thoughtful design considerations, including yarn choice, blending ratio, fabric thickness, and knitting structure, Pearly Gates achieved characteristics perfectly suited for polo shirts. Notably, despite being white, the fabric remains resistant to see-through.
Kazuma Matsuo from Toray Industries' Long Fiber Division:"I think it's a well-thought-out and interesting idea."
A blend of top-tier Supima cotton and polyester
Challenges conventional norms, achieving a perfect balance of premium texture and functionality.
Mr. Shimada suggested incorporating ultra-long staple cotton, specifically Supima cotton, a rare and prized material, as the cotton component. Typically, high-quality extra-long cotton is seldom combined with polyester. However, this unique fusion enhances the overall quality. Unlike regular cotton that tends to become fluffy and stiff with frequent washes, extra-long cotton exhibits less deterioration, making it a genuinely sustainable product.
Craftsmanship at its best, perfected over time.
Pearly Gates Essential polo shirt is meticulously crafted by Seikou Co., Ltd. in Togane City, Chiba Prefecture, a sewing factory integral to the brand since day one.
"In the end, it's about the art of making things. My greatest joy comes from earning people's trust," shares Seikou's CEO, Makoto Omi. “We were pioneers in introducing the TOYOTA sewing system in the Tokyo area, achieving both highly efficient and top-quality production.”
Elevating sophistication with a three-dimensional collar.
The Pearly Gates Essential polo shirt isn't just for golf; it's perfect for formal occasions too. Despite its minimalist design, it exudes a notable presence and dignity, highlighted by the luxurious original fabric and a distinctive "three-dimensional collar."
Pearly Gates polo shirts have a rich history of meticulous tailoring at Seiko. Utilizing advanced sewing technology and TOYOTA's innovative production method, also known as the "standing sewing machine method," the typically time-consuming process of attaching a collar is executed swiftly and with precision. The result? A standing collar that embodies one of the finest-quality products crafted in Japan.
"Pearly Gates' manufacturing style is to never cut corners," emphasizes Koichi Sato, an executive officer at Seikou. Over his 23-year tenure overseeing Pearly Gates, he's been a dedicated partner supporting the brand.
"Due to our commitment to top-notch raw materials, costs are higher, and the demands and challenges are substantial. I sense their strong dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction, and that's what sets them apart. Ultimately, the completed product reflects a remarkably high level of satisfaction.”
The creation of high-quality Pearly Gates polo shirts is a result of years of accumulated knowledge and a foundation of trust. It's a unique manufacturing process that can't be replicated or deceived.
The Pearly Gates Essential polo shirt—a symbol of golf wear that seamlessly blends top-notch quality with functionality.
Crafted with care and reliability from different corners of Japan, this is the essence of the new PEARLY GATES ESSENTIAL.