Browning launches outdoor wear just for women, kids - Arms and the Woman

Shooting Industry, June, 2003 by Lisa Parsons-Wraith

Gun dealers can now offer outdoorswomen an impressive selection of functional outdoor clothing for the fall hunting season--thanks to Browning. With the introduction of its new line, the company has become a major player in the women's outdoor clothing market.

"This represents quite a commitment on our part," said Scott Grange, of Browning. "We've dabbled in women's clothing in the past, but now we're serious. We've produced some exciting products."

The clothing line, known as "Browning For Her," is extensive compared to past offerings. It ranges from hunting clothes and shooting vests to t-shirts and skirts. All of the clothing is designed specifically for women--it is not simply cut-down men's wear.

According to Grange, Browning decided to take on the challenge of outfitting women because of the increased market potential.

"The time is right. The number of women entering our sport is increasing," Grange said.

Most small firearm dealers should consider introducing the "Browning For Her" line to their customers by stocking the hunting and shooting items. The Gore-Tex portion of the line consists of two camouflage jackets, insulated bib overalls and pants, all in Mossy Oak Break Up.

"The exciting thing is this stuff is priced right," Grange said. "Gore busted their backs to make this thing happen at a competitive price."

Upland shooters weren't left out of the clothing line, either. Browning's Upland Epic pants and jacket are made of 100-percent cotton canvas that is windproof and waterproof, yet breathable. There is also a Repel-Tex Upland vest and a pair of jeans with Repel-Tex overlay for Upland game shooters. Repel-Tex is a lightweight. washable waxed-cotton product.

The "Browning For Her" line also includes two Mossy Oak Break Up camo long-sleeve shirts in different weights, a canvas shirt with Mossy Oak Break Up overlays and Mossy Oak Break Up six-pocket pants.

The Perfect Outfit For Women Shooters

Ladies who enjoy sporting clays, trap and skeet haven't been forgotten, either. Browning's lady-shooter line includes a sage double-patch shooting shirt and a classic mesh shooting vest.

The "Browning For Her" line goes beyond clothes for the shooting sports, and includes several pieces of casual wear. Women loyal to Browning firearms can wear jackets, shirts, pants and skirts, all sporting the Browning name. Several t-shirts artistically proclaim the Browning name or are emblazoned with the company's logo.

Women who shoot Browning firearms, or would like to, will love these t-shirts. The shirts also provide a great way for firearm dealers to test-market customer interest in Browning clothing. Place the t-shirts on a small rack near a cash register and see if women buy the t-shirts for themselves. You can bet men will buy them for the lady shooters in their lives.

Another nice aspect of the line is Browning recognizes women come in all shapes and sizes. Most of the clothing is available in sizes ranging from small (size 4) to XXL (size 20). This great line of clothing means women get high-quality garments that fit at an affordable price. And dealers have a woman-friendly product that adds to their profits.

Outdoor Kids Need Camo, Too

Browning didn't stop their plunge into the clothing market with women's wear. They are also offering a full line of children's clothing in their Browning Junior line. The line features the same rugged, protective materials found in the adult clothing like GoreTex and Hydro-Fleece, so kids can also be as comfortable in the field.

The Junior line has insulated parkas bib overalls and pants in Mossy Oak Break Up camo, and jackets, pants and shirts in fleece and canvas. There are also hats and gloves sized for children to ensure junior shooting sports enthusiasts are warm and comfortable in the field.

On the more whimsical side, Browning offers junior boxer shorts that sport the Browning logo, and come in a package that resembles a shot shell. These are great gifts and stocking stuffers at Christmas. Logo t-shirts and polo shirts round out the line.

Studies show that encouraging families to hunt together will protect the future of our shooting sports, and clothing that fits will make family hunting trips a lot more fun for everyone. Kids will love wearing clothes that are just like mom and dad's, and they will benefit from the Browning line's sized-for-kids fit and quality materials.

Tattle Tale Sounds Alert

Sometimes the best products are discovered by accident. Recently, I was looking for a way to keep my cats off the furniture when I came upon the Tattle Tale from K II Enterprises.

The Tattle Tale is a small vibration alarm that can be used just about anywhere. It emits a 2-second alarm when it detects a slightest vibration. There is an automatic alarm reset and a high/low sensitivity switch. The Tattle Tale is great for keeping cats off furniture, but it also has many other practical safety and security uses.

If you have customers on a fixed income who cannot afford an alarm system, Tattle Tales placed at points of entry in the home could serve as a low-budget early warning system. Any student living in a dorm where security can be minimal will feel safer with a Tattle Tale alarm by her door.