Kartel tee2green - golf clothing

Kartel is owned and distributed by the parent company John Swan Ltd, who have been in the menswear business for the past 60 years. A history that continues to be written.  

John Swan Ltd is a family owned Irish Business based in Dublin, Ireland since its foundation in 1946. John a tailor started his company in two small rooms above a pub in Dublin’s Hill Street. John began with six machinists and for many years did all of the cutting and tailoring himself. The hard work paid off and after some ten years in Hill Street the business had grown sufficiently to necessitate a larger premises. The company began making men’s Suits, Jackets and Trousers which is still the mainstay of the business.  

In 1985 Kartel was launched as the company’s flagship brand, at a party hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Mr Bertie Ahern. The Kartel brand initially was applied to readymade garments with great success. It was then extended to cover leather garments and casual jackets. The popularity among consumers of the Kartel brand grew and in 1997 the current Managing Director and founders son Alan Swan felt that the time was right to produce a leisure and casualwear collection. This comprised of polo shirts and casual sweatshirts and tops. Being an avid golfer Alan chose to target this segment of the market.  

In order to promote the Kartel brand a number of options were explored and it was felt that Sponsorship was an excellent tool to promote the brand. Kartel signed a sponsorship agreement with leading European Tour Professional Padraig Harrington. We have now been together for the past 10 years and see this to continue for the foreseeable future. 

If you have any further questions or suggestions you can contact us at info@kartel.ie