We’ve all been there.  On the first tee and wishing you had done a few more crunches that morning or the day before, just in case your top creeps up and shows your belly to the foursome, or worse yet, the gallery.

Three friends had similar nightmares of muffin tops and decided to do something about it by adding a compression layer, or shapewear, to women’s tennis and golf apparel.  “We wanted to look as good as we feel when we play,” says Kelly Daugherty, Managing Partner at Smashing Golf & Tennis.   “We didn’t want to be worried about how we looked on the course, we just wanted to concentrate on our game.”  Sound familiar?

Once they had the general idea for the company, they did a lot of market research and came up with some surprising results – most women can actually find clothes they like, it’s the fit that doesn’t work.  “While everyone wants updated looks, the number one complaint was that clothes didn’t fit their bodies right.  This wasn’t a ‘plus size’ problem.  Many women sized 4-8 also complained how after kids they have a “little muffin top” that other brands only made worse.  They want to look good when they are on the course.”

Smashing was born to solve these issues and has not surprisingly quickly grown a strong band of followers.  Their secret is the performance fabric they use that wicks, keeps your muscles warm (helping with performance and recovery) as well as slimming your figure.  “They are all poly/spandex blends.  The inner layer of compression is an actual technical fabric.  Many people in the industry talk of ‘compression’ when all they mean is spandex that has a tight or compression-like feel.  Ours is a technical fabric that provides performance benefits as well,” explains Kelly.

All three founders are in Chicago and were committed to having the clothes made in the US.  They were able to find higher quality fabrics and production in the Chicago area than overseas as well as helping to revive Chicago’s fashion scene.

Smashing’s line includes two dresses to flatter a longer or shorter torso that retail for $169.  The tanks and sleeveless polos are ruched to show off your curves while the tops with sleeves are seamed to slim your shape (in addition to the amazing fabric).

Although the fabrics and designs do a lot for your middle, the skorts are a little short since they are meant to cross over to tennis.  So be warned that while you can skip the crunches, some squats or leggings might be necessary.  2012 however will bring a “slightly straighter and longer skort” as well as a low-rise skort.

Come out to the Chicago Signature Golf Event on June 11, 2012  at Bolingbrook Golf Club.  Meet the designers and try on the apparel to see the difference for yourself!   http://www.womenoncourse.com/events/chicago_golf.php

I love coats because when they are well done, they finish a great outfit, or on a not so stylish day, hide the evidence.  Finding a good-looking golf jacket can be likened to searching for a needle in a haystack, but not today.  Here are my favorite winter golfing jackets that don’t skimp on functionality or style.

Le Romantique 

This coat wasn’t necessarily designed for golf, but it is so brilliant that it’s perfect for our favorite game.  Le Romantique  is rain, water, and windproof, made from a lightweight eco-friendly fabric that wicks.  Inside are a few surprises…Your phone has it’s own pocket (that protects you from microwaves and radiation but doesn’t interfere with reception)  and so does your lip gloss and cash, hidden within the sleeve.  And to make sure no one is left out in the cold, your fingers have little reflective warmers as well.  It also has a hood, a two-way zipper and a very flattering silhouette with a slightly longer back to keep your backside dry while swinging.  It comes in four colors:  midnight, latte, noir, and turmeric.  If they aren’t savvy enough for you thus far, these coats are also the official outerwear of the Royal Danish Ballet.  $695 at WrapHabillement.com

Sunice’s Amberley 

Sunice was originally a skiwear company but they delved into golf outerwear in 1992.  As the official outwear sponsor for the 2012 Ryder Cup team, they are making their way into the mainstream.  Their waterproof clothes have a lifetime guarantee and are crafted to stand up to the elements.  The Amberley Jacket is ultra-lightweight in addition to being water and windproof.  With an interior waist-cinching system and well-placed princess seams, this jacket will look good as well as keep you dry. Comes in white or black. $300 at Golf4Her.com

LIJA’s Wind Force Jacket 

LIJA’s Wind Force Jacket is not only cute but stands up to the elements.  The gathered waist will look good on nearly anyone and the off-white color is a nice change from black.  Made of nylon, this compact jacket is wind and water-resistant.  $130 at LIJA.com

Abacus’ Formby Jacket 

Based in Sweden and supplier to the European Ryder & Solheim Cup teams, Abacus has  a classic style with modern functionality.  Their Formby  Softshell jacket has a fleece interior for an extra layer of warmth and is wind and waterproof.  It has a sleeve pocket for cash and ID as well as two front pockets.  There’s even a soft liner on the inside of the neck so you don’t get makeup on the collar.  Also has coordinating pants.  $150 at Golf4Her.com

Elizabeth Noblitt is the founder of Shi Shi Putter™ an online resource for women golfers who play like their style depends on it—on & off the golf course.