A legacy hat brand is shaping pickleball style
Last Edited
Jan 27 2025
Category
Community
You or someone you know probably has an Imperial hat somewhere in your wardrobe.
Over a century after they got their start in 1916, this Missouri-based brand dominates the greens of golf, commanding over 40% of the market share and finding its place on the heads of players at over 75% of the top 400 golf courses in the United States. And that's just one of their key markets.
Yet, to call Imperial just a golf brand would be a misread. Imperial isn’t only in the headwear business—it’s in the memory business.
Whether it's a visor commemorating a first birdie, a custom cap designed for a lifelong friend's charity event, or a bucket hat embroidered for a family reunion, Imperial holds an interesting place in the market by turning moments into keepsakes.
With seven consecutive years as the #1 headwear brand recognized by the Association of Golf Merchandisers, it’s clear the company’s influence in golf runs deep. But, as any golfer will tell you, the best shots often involve a bold pivot.
For Imperial, that pivot is pickleball.
From the green to the kitchen
America's fastest-growing sport was a natural fit for Imperial. Many of their loyal customers—golfers—have swapped their 9-irons for paddles during the week, looking for new ways to compete and connect.
Recognizing this synergy, Imperial didn’t hesitate. They became the first Official Licensed Headwear Partner of Major League Pickleball (MLP), creating a line of MLP-branded hats and pickleball-inspired designs.
From cheeky slogans like "Grateful Dill" to bold, colorful motifs that capture the sport's lively personality, Imperial is using its customization expertise to help pickleball enthusiasts wear their passion.
But the connection goes deeper than just logos and stitching. Imperial has embraced the values that pickleball players hold dear: community, accessibility, and fun.
It’s why their designs are built for versatility, offering breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that transition seamlessly from a morning match on the court to an afternoon round at the clubhouse.
Imperial's firsts
If a headwear brand can be considered an industry pioneer, Imperial is deserving of the title.
They were the first to launch the original rope cap, the Tour Visor, and their merino wool sweatband.
Just as Imperial has outfitted generations of golfers with style and performance, they’re bringing the same expertise to the pickleball court.
At its heart, Imperial is about more than just sports. It’s about the stories those sports create.
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