Carstarphen Pique Polo Shirts

Andrew Penner

Posted 2004-08-08

I don’t know about you, but when I get a fake, I’m bitter. There’s nothing more maddening than being duped, having the wool – or the cotton – pulled over your eyes. That’s why manufacturers of fine goods have to authenticate their products. Fancy logos, a certificate, a guarantee, and specific licensing agreements with carefully selected retailers are all ways it can be done. In the case of Carstarphen, makers of 100% Sea Island Cotton apparel, the stamp of authenticity is a one-of-a-kind hologram that accompanies each shirt - and sets the mind of the purchaser at ease. Those without a Masters Degree in Cotton need to know one thing before we proceed: Sea Island Cotton is the crème de la crème of cottons. Kings and queens wear the stuff. Queen Victoria would only wipe her nose with a Sea Island handkerchief (no bull). It’s known for its incredible softness, great strength, and supreme comfort. In fact, it’s so good people often mistake it for cashmere (except Sea Island Cotton is breathable, cashmere isn’t). Michael Carstarphen and his company, GulfStream Trading, buy approximately 70% of the Sea Island Cotton that is produced in the world (today it’s grown only in the West Indies). From the massive purchases, Carstarphen, unquestionably, weaves some of the finest shirts in the world. Almost every man has a favorite shirt. A very special shirt. A go to shirt. A shirt that gets the call on the final day of the club championship. An “I need some action” shirt. For me, that shirt is my Carstarphen pique polo. Why? Sea Island Cotton truly lives up to its billing. This is one textile you truly don’t mind having pulled over your eyes. Carstarphen pique polos retail for $125. www.seaislandcotton.com. Andrew Penner, a golf professional and a freelance writer living in Calgary, writes for a number of golf publications in North America. His book, titled One Flew Over The Caddyshack, is available at Amazon.com. He can be reached at andpenner@shaw.ca.