Athletic and Sportswear

Nike Inc. says it can make a golf shirt that could replicate what a coach does. The world's largest maker of sporting goods obtained about a dozen patents on Aug. 27, including one invention with the potential to irk golf pros.

"A coach or trainer can greatly improve an athlete's form or body positioning, which can result in improved athletic performances," Nike said in a patent filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. "For most people, however, a coach or trainer is not always available" and there isn't an easy way to check positioning on your own, Nike said.

Duality. Utility. Form meets fashion. Isn't that how many of our sportswear trends are developing these days? Shirts that work. Jackets that move. And now we have colors that captivate and catapult us out of harm's way.

There are a slew of fitness fashions that make ludicrous claims, like toning shoes that have lost million-dollar advertising lawsuits, bracelets that claim to improve balance and strength, and clothes that manufacturers swear will help melt fat. While it’s true that a new workout outfit can add some pep to your reps and help motivate you to actually go work out, nothing you put on can actually improve your performance. Clothes can, however, do more for your workouts than make you look good.

Barry Lipsett, president and CEO of Boston-based apparel manufacturer Charles River Apparel, recently made good on a friendly wager with a long-time Charles River customer, Kevin Flynn of TBK Promotions in Chicago, Ill. The friendly wager was made based on which hometown team would win the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs—the Boston Bruins or the Chicago Blackhawks.

Last week, Sean Norris wrote a piece about Nike's Carolina Panthers' shirt misprint. Here's how to avoid similar mistakes in your sports team programs.

Promotion ideas for rugged workers or recreational outdoorsmen.

The University of Nebraska and adidas unveiled alternative TECHFIT football uniforms the Cornhuskers will wear on September 14 when they host UCLA at Memorial Stadium for adidas' annual Unrivaled Game.

Take it from the perpetually last-to-be-picked-at-dodgeball sideliner, you can be a winner at selling athletic wear, but you've got to learn the lingo.

Nike outfits tennis stars for Wimbledon. Here's how to use the styles in your next tennis promotion.

May is National Bike Month. Here are five bike-friendly products and apparel to purvey for the next two weeks.