SWINGING THREADS
Hill Country entrepreneur launches new golf brand built for Texas heat
Juniper & James says its clothes keep golfers five degrees cooler.
A new Hill Country sportswear company wants to keep golfers cooler when hitting the links. New Braunfels-based brand Juniper & James promises its proprietary jersey fabric can keep players’ skin five degrees cooler while putting in the often-brutal Texas heat.
Juniper & James leans into the idea that golf apparel should be stylish but still functional, taking cues from contemporary hunting and fishing gear. Their shorts include a removable microfiber cloth in the back pocket for wiping sunglasses or balls, plus a patch loop for holding a glove and a gripper waistband that keeps shirts tucked. The brand’s polos offer UPF50+ sun protection, active wicking, and rapid drying qualities — details locals will appreciate once summer rages again.
Founder & CEO James Elledge launched Juniper & James out of necessity. After struggling to find golf shirts that held up to 100-degree-plus temps, he dreamt up the brand. The jump to commerce was nothing new for the self-described “startup junkie.” He previously helped with the launches of Deep Eddy Vodka, Epic Western, and King Ranch and founded the hunting and fishing line Duck Camp.
“We are golf sickos who love the game and its ability to bring people closer,” explains Elledge in a release. “We strive to make goods that respect the game and help people who love golf, hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors to play better golf and have more fun doing it.”
Fittingly, the garment patterns Juniper & James borrow from nature, using motifs from lakes, marshland, and the ocean. The colors reflect Texas’ diverse terrains, tossing aside Vineyard Vines-style pastels for sunset reds, grassy greens, and limestone khakis.
In addition to the clothing, the brand produces t-shirts emblazoned with a blue egret logo and accessories like meshback caps and a belt made in collaboration with Austin-based Zilker belts. Juniper & James also offers custom embroidery for golf tournament swag bags and company merch.
Juniper & James is available online and at Gruene Outfitters at The Station (1206 Gruene Rd # 103), its first retail partnership. Now that New Braunfels' first Topgolf has opened, locals are sure to see a few of the styles out and about in the town.
Start with your favorite Wrangler cut-offs. H. Yturria Ranch Mercantile will do the rest.Photo courtesy of H. Yturria Ranch Mercantile