Official Pro Sports Adds Fall Line Up of MMA Clothing, UFC Gear plus Fight & Sports Apparel

Official Pro Sports, a leading retailer of professional sports apparel and equipment today announced the additions of numerous MMA clothing lines, new NFL apparel items as well as NCAA merchandise, providing hundreds of items for sports fans and athletes alike.

"With the increased following of mixed martial arts, we understand that the growing demand for MMA clothing and UFC gear is not just spurred by another trend or fad sport," stated Keoki Kaine, spokesperson for Official Pro Sports "Our mission is to bring competitive prices and top brands for MMA clothing to mainstream consumers as well as competitive athletes. In addition, our five dollar domestic shipping promotion provides even greater value, especially with recent changes in the national economy," Kaine concluded.

Highlighted this month are featured fighters UFC Champion BJ Penn, WEC Champion Urijah Faber, and the Legendary Iceman Chuck Liddell. Shoppers can get their official signature or blast shirts or picture shirts online at www.OfficialProSports.com.

The very nature of mixed martial arts brings a new audience to the rapidly growing sport. By combining various fighting techniques such as the standing moves of boxing, striking and kicking to on the ground grappling moves performed in jiu jitsu and wrestling, MMA athletes and fans have grown in international popularity like no other sport in recent years.

Official Pro Sports brings a full line of top brands of MMA clothing and UFC gear including leaders like: Punishment, Sinister, Cage Fighter, Triumph, Toe 2 Toe, and Soldier among others. As a full contact combat sport, its important to have quality fight gear and clothing that will withstand intense competition, look good on both fans and fighters. From gloves, shorts, and head gear to t-shirts, caps and more, Official Pro Sports provides everything you need to "keep it official" in the cage, ring or walking down the street.

Featuring premier MMA clothing companies for mixed martial arts and UFC gear, Official Pro Sports brings MMA fans and fighters the very best and highest quality MMA gear available. As an added bonus, Official Pro Sports offers five dollar shipping on all United States orders and seven dollar shipping to all Canadian orders. With new brands added regularly, inventory represents the sports apparel and equipment that drives the sport of mixed martial arts from a niche sport to mainstream competition. For more information on Official Pro Sports, please visit http://www.officialprosports.com.

Orlando Magic's New Uniforms

The long wait is now over and we finally got the new uniforms of Orlando Magic. September 23, as Orlando celebrates its 23rd anniversary season, was the day of its launch. These new uniforms, which were designed in partnership by the Orlando Magic, Adidas and the National Basketball Association, celebrate the past by returning to pinstripes.

They were unveiled by Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw. As part of the ceremony, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer presented Howard with a key to the city in recognition of him winning a gold medal as part of Team USA at the Beijing Olympics.

As you can see, it looks like their previous uniforms. The main thing that is noticeable is its tapered pinstripes. Also, the arm-hole detail borders were removed. The road uniform is the same vivacious blue and white remains to their home jerseys with Magic as their front text.

Oakley's Gretchen Bleiler Signature Series Collection

Oakley, the global leader in sport performance optics including premium sunglasses, goggles, and prescription eyewear, has revealed its snowboard apparel line.

"Predictably, we wanted more. Style. Attitude. Function. More – across the board – that couldn’t simply be explained by conventional mechanisms of cause. The effect? The Gretchen Bleiler Signature Series Collection."

The collection will include women's technical outerwear, lifestyle apparel and accessories, available from this fall. Based on the company, this is the first time for Oakley to release an apparel series inspired by a single athlete.

This also puts an edge on classic styling by blending subtle lines with bold details. Bridging the gap between form and function, every detail in the line embodies Gretchen's spirit. From the most desirable technical outerwear to the lightest organic cotton tees, there's a sense of rhythm that mirrors a smooth ride down the mountain. Antique brass hardware adds personality to functionality, but the line is still highly technical with up to 20,000mm breathable waterproofing in performance pieces.


For more information including pricing of the new Gretchen Bleiler Signature Series Collection, visit www.oakley.com/women/gbcollection..

Y-3 Adidas Spring Summer Collection 2009

Sport, simplicity, comfort and ease of dressing were the key themes of the Y-3 Adidas clothing collection. Another successful release for Adidas and designer Yohji Yamamoto - the 2009 Spring/Summer collection - as Adidas waves its 60th years in sportswear industry.

This season saw simplicity and low key definition. Yohji Yamamoto paid subtle tribute to the 3 stripes which popped up throughout the collection on clothing and footwear. Yohji reinterpreted the 3 stripes through various graphics for both men and women, our favorites being on the sports shoes.

Shrunken black vests were paired with slouchy trackie-bottoms, easy nylon anorak coats with running shorts and hooded robes with jogging pants or pencil skirts.

Another thumbs up for Adidas... Another way to look sharp yet sporty and casual.

Lacoste Spring 2009 Clothing Collection

Check out Lacoste Spring 2009 collection showcased at the New York’s Fashion week!

The runway was invaded by arrogant models in catsuits or shorts with hoods in aggressive reds, oranges, yellows and apple green, as if the house’s crocodile logo was prepared to use its jaws to conquer a bigger share of the wealthy 18-21 market.

Blonde model twins, body suits and checkerboard bikinis - Lacoste's crocodile had a good day. These designs are inspired by chirping, olive tress, cool breezes and couples by the pool and a creation of designer Christophe Lemaire. Think dusty pink and clay-colored maxi-striped menswear-style button down shirts, fabric Grecian sandals, white cotton pants with white short-sleeve tunics topped off with rolled turbinettes.

It looks great, bold and viciously sporty. A clothing collection thumbs up for me.

Cole Haan to Launch New Sports Clothing Collection With Maria Sharapova

Cole Haan, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc., announced Maria Sharapova as a lead collaborator and the face of Cole Haan Sporting, a new sports clothing collection for Spring 2009, rooted in sport and remixed with fashion.

Cole Haan Sporting stakes out fresh territory with a new, dynamic pairing of Cole Haan's authentic craftsmanship and Nike's sports innovation. The collection introduces new technologies like Flywire which build on the successful Nike Air franchise by recasting them into fashion-forward designs.

The Spring 2009 global launch of Cole Haan Sporting includes men's and women's footwear and accessories, and features international tennis champion Maria Sharapova. This lifestyle fashion collection will encompass day to evening silhouettes in both the footwear and accessories categories.

"Maria Sharapova embodies the blend of fashion and sport that makes Cole Haan Sporting unique," said Cole Haan Chief Executive Officer James Seuss. "We created this collection as the foundation to a dynamic lifestyle - weaving Cole Haan's history of craftsmanship with Nike's tradition of high-performance innovation."

Maria Sharapova, 21, is a triple Grand Slam winner who has a longstanding passion for style. She will step into the role of collaborator for the Fall 2009 season.

"Cole Haan Sporting proves that fashion and technology can work together to change the way women think about and wear sport-inspired product," said Sharapova. "I look forward to working with Cole Haan to bring new innovations to this leading fashion brand with such a rich history."

For Spring 2009, Cole Haan Sporting will embody sport style with a collection inspired by nautical, court, track, and golf. The women's footwear collection includes elevated wedges, chic flats and sleek sandals. Signature men's styles include the brand's iconic boat shoe and edgy lace-ups in bold color palettes paired with classic neutrals.

This new sports clothing collection will continue to showcase Nike Air, an innovation that has enabled Cole Haan to redefine luxurious style and comfort. Outside, the styles are pure Cole Haan, luxurious and fashion-forward; inside, they share Nike's innovative technology that debuted in Beijing.

The accessory collection encompasses a range of silhouettes from a tennis racquet bag to a versatile duffle. Continuing to weave style with innovation, the accessories will be created from recycled plastic bottles and will be trimmed in vegetable chrome-free leather. Cole Haan Sporting will be sold at Cole Haan boutiques worldwide, luxury department stores and on colehaan.com. Price points range from $115 to $200 (footwear) and $225 to $550 (accessories).

Success of the Olympics Sparks Sports Clothing Sales

The Olympics has sparked sports clothing sales despite a sagging economy. The British Olympic team success has inspired consumers to purchase sports and fitness clothing and equipment. Households have been cutting back on spending and only purchasing necessities which has resulted in declining retail sales for durable goods and non-essential house wares. But the Olympics have reversed a downward trend that has lasted for 3 months.

The Experian national retail footfall index actually rose in August by 3.9% when compared to July. The 3.9% reflects an increase of .4% for the prior 12 months. Consumers have been purchasing equipment such as bicycles and exercise equipment. They have also been purchasing fitness clothing including t-shirts, shorts,polo shirts and sweatshirts. Much of the buying has been done online. Online purchases for all purchases have increased by 3.5% from this same time last year compared to this year, whereas sports and fitness online purchases increased 36%.

This increase was welcomed by fitness equipment and clothing retailers who are now hoping the trend continues. An event such as cycling, which was handily won by the British cycling team, has inspired consumers to purchase bicycles. The sales of the BMX are up. Robin Goad of Hitwise said, "It is likely that shopping visits to out-of-town locations were helped by the resurgent interest in sports and fitness products."

There is speculation that retail sales in general will continue to fall as a result of economic conditions. But sports and fitness retailers are hoping the spirit of the Olympics will live on in terms of increased sales in fitness equipment and clothing. Many sports clothing items are inexpensive and so are not as subject to consumer spending cutbacks. Retailers will be anxiously watching to see how consumers respond to credit crunches over the next 12 months.

Serena and Sharapova US Open Clothing Collection by Nike

The US Open attracts a large number of tennis lovers every year to the heart of Queens NY. Whether it be homegrown New Yorkers or Hollywood’s finest…everyone falls victim to the lavish green court of the US Open. Nike athletes Maria Sharapova & Serena Williams have developed new fresh looks for this years U.S. Open. Sharapova’s "Day & Night" dresses feature key materials that we chosen for moisture management, comfort, and strength. The Sharapova U.S. Night Dress is made up of two layers, which feature a sleek & yet body forming lightweight jersey. Leaving the outer layer, permanently pleated and features a Dri-FIT premium lightweight jersey, allowing the dress to be fluid with controlled movement. Taking cues from the red carpet and the runway, Maria’s color palette for the night dress is black adorned with gold accents.

As for the Sharapova U.S. Day Dress, it provides world-class support with a bodice fitted top, black stretch velvet waist details, sheer conchord fabric overlay in the skirt to add depth and movement, and a black seamless short, letting female tennis athletes elevate their game without sacrificing freedom of movement or fashion. The Sharapova U.S. Day Dress is currently available for $95 and the U.S. Night Dress is also available for $110.

Sharapova Day Dress

Sharapova Night Dress

As for my girl Serena Williams, her ensembles during the US Open are always a topic for discussion in my camp. Seeing as though Serena is a "show stopper" in every sense of the word her U.S. Open Collection is nothing to play games with! Especially the Serena Court Day Dress which is currently available for around $100, features the same Dri-Fit material and is perfect for any athlete.

Serena Day Dress

All of these are available at Nikestore.com

Sears Sports Clothing Collection - US Army inspired

Retail giant Sears is set to launch a new collection of men's, women's and boys' sports clothing inspired by the US Army's First Infantry Division.

The October debut of the All American Army Brand sportswear collection in 550 Sears stores across the US and on Sears.com marks the first time that the US Army has officially licensed the use of its marks and insignias.

The First Infantry Division collection, which Sears said was "inspired by the oldest division of the US Army", includes T-shirts, hoodies, denim and outerwear, with prices ranging from US$11.99-119.99.

"Embracing the diversity of the US Army through various Divisions, each Army Brand sports clothing collection will be comprised of authentic lifestyle reinterpretations of the supreme fit, classic design and rugged performance of regulation uniforms and military issued gear," said Robert McGuinness, a Sears executive.

The licence fee paid by Army Brand is used to support programmes that benefit the well-being of troops and their families.

"Over the years, military-inspired clothing has played a distinct role in shaping fashion trends," said Craig Israel, president of Sears Apparel. "We are now able to exclusively offer a line that is pure to the origins of that inspiration."

The brand is set to take a prominent role in Sears' Fall Forward fashion exhibit, held on 10 September during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. A range of related marketing campaigns will follow, added Israel.