Golf Fashion: You Need This More Than You Think

Men’s golf fashion… a contradiction in terms? Apparently not. If Clint Eastwood, the embodiment of all that is manly and tough can create a line of golf wear, you can be man enough to admit that you care about what you wear out on the course!

Why does it matter what you wear?  Well, part of the glory of golf is respect to the traditions and history that molded the game into its modern-day form.  You want to wear something that matches your personality, and you don't want your on-course attire to state that your personality is rude, callous or disrespectful. 

When you are playing golf, be proud to be continuing this gentlemanly sport in both manner and dress.  For those of you who would like to know a little more about your options, here's a quick look at three major golf trends:

Classic:

Playing it safe is always a good bet when dealing with a sport as steeped in tradition as golf. Having said that, classic is not just safe, but distinguished, comfortable, and definitely lets you play the game with no distractions or strange looks from others on the course. If you are playing in a work-related capacity, classic golf wear is definitely the way to go. A collared shirt and golf shorts that start slightly above the knee is a great selection. Companies like Callaway, Ashworth, and Greg Norman are great choices for the classic golfer.

After speaking with golf retailers, the general consensus seems to be that the classic golfer prefers solid colours in blues, greys and reds. Stripes are a popular second choice. Golf pants and shorts are popular in cool colours like khaki.

A full-button golf shirt is a good choice if you are planning to eat dinner in the clubhouse after, since it’s a little more formal than the regular polo shirt.

Casual/Sporty:

It's not appropriate for when you are playing courses with a strict dress code, but if it’s good enough for Tiger, you should be able to pull off the mock-collar when playing at more laid-back courses. Companies like Nike and Adidas offer some of the most comfortable gear on the market, with dri-fit pieces that wick away sweat and will keep you cool through 18 holes. Athletic guys are opting for yellows, oranges, and reds, with black shorts that can be worn on the street without looking too goofy.

The absolute best thing about this category is that a lot of the golf wear can be worn to the pub or a backyard BBQ and still look like it belongs.

     Dri-Fit shirt from Nike

Dunning Golf has some high-tech wicking, ultra-light clothing and lots of colours that fit both classic and casual requirements.

Edgy:

Generally for younger golfers, and favoured by pros like Jesper Parnevik and Hank Kuehne, J. Lindeberg is the first designer that comes to mind when writing about avant-garde golf wear. Lindeberg offers slim-fitting, tighter clothes than the average golfer may be used to, but this will definitely get you attention on the course. If you want to wear bright blue pants with a hot pink belt and an orange shirt, J. Lindeberg is the man for you. His latest line offers a rainsuit that is head-to-toe mango with black details under the arms and across the back. If you think you can substitute the colour orange for mango, stop reading this. You belong in one of the other categories.

If you only want a piece of the edginess, you can pick up a cool J. Lindeberg wristband and keep the rest of your attire more traditional.

Of course, brands like Lacoste and Dunning Golf have golf shirts in loud greens, oranges and bright blues that fit into the edgy category. You can get lots of wear from them off the course, as well.

Offside:

Even if you are playing at the local par-three with your oldest friends, it’s never appropriate to wear tank tops, anything frayed, or denim. The golf course is one of the last-standing places that require good grooming and nice manners; embrace it and know that you are keeping up a tradition that has lasted centuries!

Consider yourself educated: there are no excuses for ignorance in the fashion department on the golf course. Now get reading the golf tip of the month so you can play as handsomely as you look!

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