Golf Apparel Trends: Best Outfits for Men & Women (and Kids)

It was Arnold Palmer, an icon in his day, who said it’s important to look the part on the golf course. For him, a stylish yet understated outfit was part of his swagger. Palmer felt it was a mark of respect to the game, the course and one’s fellow players to be a cut above merely presentable.

The golf apparel industry was small potatoes in Arnie’s era. Now it’s big business. According to GOLF Magazine, “research outlets put the size of the 2023 global golf apparel market at $4.2 billion, with a potential high of $5 billion by 2028.”

There’s a reason why Nike offered amateur sensation Tiger Woods a boatload of money to wear its swoosh-logoed hat, shirts and shoes when he turned pro in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, Nike remains one of the top brands on the PGA Tour, worn by the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy–and millions of weekend duffers worldwide.

Golf fashions have evolved significantly over the years, especially for women. Long gone are the days of lime green polyester skirts with a row of ducklings on the hem. As GOLF Magazine stated, “Like the colorful landscapes on which we play this game, the clothes we put on our backs as we drive, chip and putt only add to the vibrant tapestry that lures us to golf in the first place.” At the end of the day, looking good is just as enjoyable as posting a good number.

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By the way, if its top-shelf logo merch you’re after, check out the golf fashions available at the new TPC Danzante Bay Online Store, where you can browse customizable apparel and accessories for the whole family. All orders include free shipping.

Best and Most Stylish Golf Outfit Ideas for Men, Women and Children

Shirts

Let’s start with polo shirts, which were popularized by cricketers in India in the mid-1800s. Frenchman Rene Lacoste, who famously used a crocodile as a logo based on his tenacious playing style, introduced polos to the tennis world in the 1920s. By the 1940s, soft-collared shirts were de rigueur in golf. Nowadays, polos are standard attire on and off the course.

For men and women, the modern polo shirt is tapered and fitted (not bulky or baggy). Manufacturers now favor a sleeker fit through the chest, waist and shoulders. A caveat: You may need to go one size up for freedom of movement on the course.

Shorter sleeve length is a rising trend in polos

They give your biceps more exposure than the polos of the ‘90s, which featured an almost-to-the-elbow sleeve length. Overall shirt length is also shorter. There’s just enough fabric to tuck the shirt into your shorts or slacks, which gives players the option to wear it untucked off the course. Today’s polos have a shorter spread collar, which lends a contemporary look. The placket—the vertical strip of fabric that holds the shirt’s buttons—is slightly longer, which gives modern polos a retro vibe.

Now to colors and patterns

Plain, solid-color polos are a mainstay, but patterned shirts are gaining traction with players seeking to boost their style game. From subtle wallpaper-like patterns to daring polos with psychedelic florals, the sky’s the limit. Just remember: if you opt for a flashy shirt, keep it safe and simple on the bottom (and vice-versa).

Adapt Your Looks to the Climate

TPC Danzante Bay occupies a perpetually sunny subtropical desert. Comfortable, breathable clothing in light colors that absorb and hold less heat is advisable. Look for polo shirts fashioned from fast-drying, moisture-wicking synthetic fibers (vs. cotton). Treated to enhance capillary action, these fabrics move sweat from your skin to the outer layer of the garment, where it evaporates.

Top performance polos for men

Peter Millar, Greyson, Ralph Lauren RLX, Original Penguin, Dunning, Linksoul, MUNICIPAL, Holderness & Bourne, johnnie-O.

Shorts

For men and women alike, shorts are the go-to choice for golf in Loreto. (Women have a few more options, see below). GOLF Magazine’s take on this topic is spot-on. “Materials and colors aside, the length of your shorts is what really determines your look.” The publication even lays out the rules for shorts. “The taller you are, the longer your shorts should be (start with a 10-inch inseam). The more pride you have in your thighs, the more you can switch to an eight- or even six-inch inseam.” Note that some traditional clubs insist that men’s shorts be worn just above the knee.

Top golf shorts for men

Vineyard Vines, Callaway, Puma, Under Armour, Dockers, IZOD, Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Nike.

A Galaxy of Stylish Apparel for Lady Golfers

Women

Today’s styles offer ensembles to carry the fairer set through a complete day at the club: golf, drinks, dinner, etc. In addition to shorts, women can opt for skirts, skorts or dresses. As with modern polos, most women’s golf apparel is more fitted than loose. The choices, available in cool monochromes or a rainbow of colors and patterns, are endless.

Top golf apparel for women

J. Lindeberg, Lululemon, Adidas, Travis Mathew, Lily Pulitzer, Rhoback, Tail, EP New York, IBKUL, Jamie Sadock.

Children

Golf is no longer a sport only for those in their sunset years. Kids are being drawn to the game in increasing numbers. They like to look good too. The best manufacturers believe in building a legacy of style and performance that inspires the next generation of golfers (and maybe even creates brand loyalty). Be practical. Buy one size up so your girl or boy can get more than one season out of their golf togs.

Top golf apparel for children

Linksoul, Galvin Green, FootJoy, Devereux Golf, Hurley, Garb, Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Puma.

Accessories

Golf belts have come a long way in recent years. Just check out the woven leather belts and decorative buckles worn by PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players. According to GOLF Magazine, “Buying a belt in the past meant matching it to the color of your shoes. With today’s variety of styles, look for something that vibes with the colors in your whole getup.”

Baseball-style caps are the dominant choice of most golfers, but wearing a wide-brimmed, sombrero-like hat or a bucket-style hat will provide more protection from the sun’s intense rays at TPC Danzante Bay. Lightweight, moisture-wicking performance fabrics have become just as popular in hats as they have in shirts.

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