Golf Fashion Links Form and Function
By Wendi Winters
There’s millions of golfers out on the links today – they’ve all got to wear something.
Styles popular on the streets can be found in golf fashions, too – hoodies, tailored shorts and sleeveless vests for both sexes. For women, there’s retro “Jackie O” looks with ladylike details, capris, lightweight twin sets and jumpers.
It’s not enough to just look good, though. These designers are betting the bank on a slew of new performance fibers and fabrics developed for extreme sports and outdoor lifestyles.
Many fabrics feature fibers or finishes that provide wind-resistance, are water repellent, provide UV protection, have anti-microbial benefits or reduce odors. Some shirts have been “enriched” with Vitamin C – in case you forget to take your One-A-Day. High performance fibers are used to “wick” moisture away from the body, carrying it to the fabric’s surface where it can evaporate.
Fabrics that are “breathable” or anti-static are incorporated into some golfwear collections and one company, Cutter & Buck, is using Cocona, a brand name for a fiber that manages moisture and eliminates odor. It is made from carbonized (burnt) coconut shells and suspended in polymers – polyester fibers – that are spun into yarns. The fabric is then woven or knitted using these innovative yarns. Cocona works a little like that carbon filter in your bottled water cooler. This infusion of technology may help to improve your own performance on the links so read all the labels and hangtags if you are looking for a specific feature.
Bright, bold color is back in hues from a soft Santa Fe sunset to a neon rainbow. Spring grass green is used with pale purple; bold electric colors are combined in a palette that Mondrian would have approved. Classic navy, khaki and white still look fresh and black, the favored color of fashionistas everywhere, is having an impact.
One company, keri golf, created a line of feminine golf bags and accessories in a series of fun, punchy color combinations in bold prints and optical geometics. One print looks a lot like striped Neapolitan ice cream. The eye-catching golf bag can be accented with matching or color coordinated headcovers.
The styling in the Jack Nicklaus collection for men, for example, is traditional with a twist – bold, vivid colors that are intended to evoke memories of Nicklaus’ 18 major championships and golf courses he’s designed. The palette conjures up the warm, sun-drenched tones of the Southwest and the clear tropical colors of the Caribbean.
The vast improvement on the style-front are fun, functional and, even, chic golf togs that you can wear from the links to a casual business meeting or to lunch in an upscale restaurant.
Carter Humphey’s designer and founder, Leigh Humphrey, noted the big trend in women’s golfwear this season is the dress. Her chic, short, belted “Onsie,” a short-sleeved jumper, comes in a stretch gabardine that offers a little extra freedom of movement and sheds wrinkles easily.
In her collections for Titania Golf, designer Vonnie Collison is not shy about detailing her women’s styles with lace, ruffles and even rhinestones – Swarovski crystals.
“We don't have time to change outfits several times a day,” she pointed out. Meanwhile, Linda Hipp, designer for LIJA, a women’s golfwear line, talked about the collection, but could be speaking for the industry: “Our fashionably functional apparel and performance-based outerwear are designed to be worn on and off the course.” She added: “Our mandate is to create pieces that work for all aspects of a woman’s busy and active life. The clothes are meant to be an extension of who you are to help you achieve your personal best in all that you do.”
Functionality is also built into the way the garments are made specifically for golf. For men and women both, many designs offer pockets sized for tees, golf balls or score cards. This careful design extends even to golf bags that now provide insulated containers to keep food and drinks chilled and storage for shoes, cell phones, wallets and umbrellas.
It won’t be long before they figure out a compartment to hold your laptop and satellite receiver.
Making a Great Impression
Whether this is your first time on the golf course or you’re an old pro looking to update your look, how you look is part of the game. Here’s a few pointers:
- You must feel and look comfortable. Your outfit should let you move, twist and swing your arms without making you look constrained. On the other hand, the golf course is no place for crummy, work-around-the-house scrubs.
- Yes, comfort is key, but don’t overdo it with oversized, baggy shirts and pants. If you want to look sleek, a close-to-the-body silhouette does the trick.
- Protection from the sun should be worked into your fashion statement – protective visors or headwear, sunglasses and sunblock. Dress for the weather – there is attractive golf gear for rainy and chilly weather, too.
- You don’t have to match, but don’t cause pain, either.
- Before each trip to the course, check your footwear and the equipment in your bag. Clean them up and condition them. Dirty golf shoes and dinged up, rusty or chipped clubs take the shine off your look and your game.
- A retired New York designer, Morton Myles, used to declare: “A three-way mirror is a woman’s best friend.” Sorry Morty, it’s also a man’s best friend. Take an honest look before you leave the house.
- Lastly, ask yourself: WWTWW? What would Tiger Woods wear? Check out the outfits on the golf athletes you admire. What do they wear and why?
How Many People are Playing?
According to a report released last year by the National Golf Foundation, Americans in increasing numbers are playing golf. The number of core golfers is now estimated at 15.0 million nationwide. “Core” means they played eight or more rounds a year – all 18 holes, about four hours each time. At least 2.5 million of them are women – and the women’s numbers are growing at a faster pace than the men’s.
The number of junior golfers who played at least one round a year – kids six to 17 – is 4.8 million. That statistic guarantees golfwear and golf accessory designers are working overtime to inject a youthful accent into a sport that defined “fuddy-duddy” for generations.
Overall, about 28.7 million Americans hit the links last year.