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Our History

Explore Sunderland of Scotland's rich heritage and history ever since it was founded in 1911.
In November 2009, an historic agreement between Glenmuir and Sunderland of Scotland meant Glenmuir became the official European distributor of Sunderland products.

As a business founded by a golfing family who manufactured outerwear, Sunderland has a heritage of understanding the requirements of a garment to keep you dry in all the playing conditions that the Scottish weather can deliver. These needs are reflected in the design of all Sunderland garments. Selected over the years for Ryder Cup, Curtis Cup and Solheim Cup teams, Sunderland epitomises quality and playability, ensuring end users of lasting wear and reliability.
1911 - The Sunderland family began clothing (tailoring) manufacture in Glasgow. Toby Sunderland was brought up in this tradition, and studied men's tailoring in Leeds, Northern England before joining the family tailoring business.

1966 - Toby and his wife, Ida, founded Sunderland Sportswear Ltd, which was later renamed Sunderland of Scotland, having brought to market the first ultra lightweight golf rainsuits made from Italian acrylic coated nylon.

1970 - Sunderland are the first British Company in their sector to show at the PGA Merchandise Show in Florida.

1979 - An in-house embroidery programme is introduced. The logo is redesigned to its present shape, and is embroidered on all garments.

1980 - The 'Professional' rainsuit which is soft, quiet, somewhat breathable, and completely waterproof is introduced and becomes the Tour player's favourite suit overnight.
1981 - Following a successful Ryder Cup involvement at Walton Heath, Greg Norman is signed up as Staff Tour Pro.

1982 - New 'Sharkskin' suit designed in association with Norman; lighter, softer and more flexible than anything else on the market. It becomes a huge success, both on tour and in the pro-shop.

1983 - Faldo and Lyle signed as Norman leaves Europe for US, though still on Sunderland's Tour Panel.

1984 - Sharkskin suit judged 'best in show' product at PGA Merchandise Show in Florida.

1985 - First Gore-Tex suit 'Classic' introduced, modelled by Nick Faldo.

1986 - Company moves to larger premises in Trongate, Central Glasgow.

1988 - First drop-liner golf rainsuit ever, invented by Sunderland, featuring Gore-Tex Z-Liner system.
1989 - Success of drop-liner principle (liner carries waterproof membrane-outer, can be lightweight fabric with water-resistant finish allowing softer feel and more fashionable fabrics) spawns development of Oyster rainsuit: high performance drop-liner product at affordable price.

1989 - US subsidiary, Sunderland of Scotland Inc., opened in Canoga Park, California by Paul Sunderland with Sid Freund. Company gets off to a good start selling Sharkskin, Oyster and Classic rainsuits, but is amazed at the success of Windshirts which are virtually unknown in the US at that time, but have been a staple Sunderland product in UK and Europe for years. Previous US distributer did not wish to sell these!

1992 - Dolphin suit added - the least expensive drop-liner suit in the business - High performance for everyone!

1994 - Sunderland Original Weatherbeater invented. Like a windshirt but with a waterproof drop liner. Instant success in stores on both sides of the Atlantic. Annika Sorenstam signed.

1996 - Masters Weatherbeater takes concept forward with collar and short zip for better protection than Original weatherbeater. Big on Tour.

1997 - Master Weatherbeater available with short-sleeve option.
2002 - New GT range of product designed utilising newest technologies and design concepts for manufacture in latest high-tech, Gore-Tex approved, factories in China.

2003 - Company sold by Sunderland family to Harris Watson PLC. and teamed up with Lyle & Scott© and, in Europe, Bobby Jones® Clothing.

2009 - Sunderland of Scotland and Glenmuir make historic agreement, making Glenmuir the official European distributor of Sunderland products.

2015 - Sunderland of Scotland continue to push the boundaries of research and development in fabric performance, garment design and manufacture. Sunderland have become world renowned for engineering performance golf clothing to the highest technical specifications to meet the demands of golfers to ensure they are NEVER WEATHER BEATEN.
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