One unusual question is circulating among both female and male hunters as dove season approaches. What are you wearing on opening day?
Outdoorswoman Cami Rolf just snagged her opening day attire and is set from head to toe. Rolf believes it is not only important to blend in to have a successful hunt, but to also be comfortable and stylish.
“I love to hunt, but I like to always have a sense of fashion while doing it,” she said. “This year, I’ve planned to wear my new Duck Camp shorts, Chippewa snake boots, and an olive green Lululemon tank top paired with an old school camo print trucker hat.”
Rolf said she has been involved in the outdoors for as long as she can remember. No matter the hunt, Rolf said it is her passion, especially when she is doing it with friends and family.
Fashion trends in the hunting industry continue to progress each day and, according to outdoorsman Dean Meyer, it is certainly on the rise.
“I have been dove hunting since I was 5 or 6 years old,” Meyer said. “Everyone has their own way of enjoying the outdoors, but we can all agree on the positive impact it has.”
Meyer attributed the role of fashion in the hunting industry to it becoming more business related. Many businesses host dove hunts and, while for the guys it might not be about the look per se, since hunts are often a business and social event, he said you need to look presentable.
“On opening day, I have two options—my olive-green Skinny Water Culture long sleeve or Orvis camo,” Meyer said. “With the Texas heat, you can’t beat the lightweight material of Skinny Water Culture and Orvis has a great camo for dove hunting.”
“We are leaning to this idea of performance, but also the lifestyle as well,” said Grant Watson, Duck Camp’s vice president of marketing, “Our clothing can be worn on your hunts, out with friends and at the office.”
Both Meyer and Rolf agreed how social media has played a major role in enhancing outdoor fashion trends. Rolf said the right marketing team can have a successful product with the right advertising and product quality. However, the products still need to perform in the field.
As fashion options are endless, what makes these trends even more meaningful is the opportunity to wear them with the ones you love. Meyer believes being outdoors is a universal standard for mental health.
“It truly is therapeutic, and I believe it is hardwired in us as humans to enjoy the outdoors and the people that make it a lifestyle for a reason,” he said. “From runners to hikers to snowboarders — the outdoors has so much to offer, and I can’t imagine life inside all the time.”
Rolf said working indoors 24/7 can create pent-up energy and being outside does just the trick for her to clear her mind and get back on track.
“Being outdoors clears your mind,” Rolf said. “It is important because it is a healthy way to release energy, a great way to spend your days, and a great excuse to enjoy your hobbies.”
