You know what they say: look good, play good.
If you're reading this, you've probably seen that golf has seen a bit of a boom during the past few years. Starting in June 2020, courses across the country saw a huge surge in rounds played. According to the National Golf Foundation, golf courses across the country saw a 22.8 percent increase in rounds played through the first six months of 2021 when compared to 2020. That is a lot of golf. In 2023, that number is only going up. If you're new to the course, headed back after some time off or just want some new duds, the best golf apparel will keep you looking fresh while you play.
When it comes to hitting the links, it is almost just as fun to dress for the occasion as it is to actually play a full 18 holes. Golf clothes have traditionally been defined by the ill-fitting golf shirts and baggy pleated golf pants of the '80s and '90s, but the past decade or so has seen a recommitment to the sartorial side of the game. (Rickie Fowler's head-to-toe orange outfit notwithstanding.)
While we haven't returned to the knee-high knickers of the early 20th century, we are seeing brands choose to work with a combination of traditional and technical materials, leaving you with a bunch of excellent options to choose from. Hell, even buying gifts for your golf-playing friends is easier now thanks to the sheer multitude of brands doing big things.
The golf apparel landscape is more robust than ever — virtually anyone can find something that suits their style both on and off the course, from hoodies and tees to classics like slim chinos and performance polos. Brands are collaborating and there is more cross-pollination than ever, meaning if you want a sweater with some streetwear vibes, you can have it. If you want a classic polo freaked with '8os graphics, you can have that, too. If you just want some shorts made with extra pockets and a webbing belt instead of classic chino shorts, you can have that too.
Since the brands in the space are all so different, it's hard to identify exactly what to look for, because there's no unifying set of standards that make golf apparel appropriate for the course anymore. We can, however, provide a couple of guidelines.
Since the brands are more diverse than ever, the fits follow suit. Some brands still make slim straight pants, while others make billowy pleated pants or tapered joggers. Some polos are performance-fit, while others remind us of the shirts of yesteryear: boxy and made with pique cotton. You can choose what you want, but just be sure to double check the measurements and product descriptions before you check out, lest you end up in some skinny pants when you were looking for an athletic fit.
Much like fit, materials in golf clothes are all over the place, but not in a bad way. If you prefer 100 percent cotton, you can have it, but even streetwear-inspired stuff can be made with performance materials. One trend we do love to see, though, is recycled and post-consumer materials making their way into the golf world. With climate change in full force, some question the place of golf courses in today's world. Golf brands understand this and are putting their money where their mouth is, working behind the scenes to make it so you can feel a bit better stepping on the golf course.
