Admit it, you judge the player by how they dress. It’s an extension of ourselves, our confidence and insecurities. Sometimes you try and give them the benefit of the doubt but they prove to be true time and time again. It can burn you too.

The Clichés; the colorful patterned polo party boy, saddle shoed traditionalists, flat-brim bros, jorts, white belts, visors, and why do dudes with colorful balls always slice. You’re good yellow ball guy.

The Pretender; Some rich asshole with a [insert top brand] bag and a top-to-bottom matching set of clubs wearing $400 dollars in Nike drip who can’t even break 100.

The Underdog; The bum looking fuck in a black tee and worn out Adidas casuals that baits you into a big money game and lights your ass up. Cheddar baby, thank you, come again.

Let’s break down how we got here, what are some of the best and worst brands out there and all-time fashion disasters in pro golf history.

Golf Attire History

15th-17th century

Scottish beginnings: Golf's roots in Scotland influenced early attire. Players wore what was practical for the weather and walking long distances, which often meant kilts, woolen stockings, and sturdy shoes.

Formal attire: As golf became more popular among the aristocracy and upper classes, the attire reflected the day's formal fashion norms. Imagine sweating bullets in a three-piece suit, necktie, and top hat trying to hit a ball made of leather and feathers.

18th & 19th Century

Harry Vardon - The Sylist

It’s no secret, I’ve got a hard-on for Vardon. He influenced the game with the Vardon grip, his book “How to Play Golf”, and perhaps the first modern swing.

He was a pioneer when it came to golf attire. Popularizing plus fours (knickerbockers), custom cut tweed jackets, being durable and somewhat water-resistant and flat caps. Plus his Nascar level cookie duster was sick too.

20th Century

1920s to 1940s golf fashion became more distinctive with plus-fours, argyle socks, saddle shoes and tweed caps becoming popular. This era favored style as much as functionality, with heavy tweeds and woolen fabrics. Honestly that’s not much change in 300+ years. Production, or lack thereof, and fashion norms didn’t change much until the great wars and industrialization moved the earth.

1950s and 1960s golf attire began to simplify. The introduction of the polo shirt by players like Arnold Palmer made golf fashion more casual and comfortable. Slacks replaced plus-fours, and lighter materials became more common.

By the time of the 70s and 80s we were able to introduce more synthetic fabrics that were lighter and allowed for better movement. Golf fashion also began to reflect broader trends in casual and athletic wear, with brighter colors and bolder patterns.

The Tiger Woods Effect: The 90s were a dark time in golf fashion. Long oversized sleeves had us looking like Tony Soprano drowning in pleated pants. Even Kevin Costner looked like an average father of 4 in Tin Cup.

Thank the lawd Tiger Woods rose to fame in the late 90s and early 2000s, he brought a new level of athleticism to golf fashion. His partnership with Nike introduced moisture-wicking fabrics, performance-enhancing designs, and a more athletic look that has since dominated the sport.

21st Century

Technology and Fashion Merge: Modern golf attire is a blend of fashion and function, utilizing advanced materials that offer UV protection, moisture-wicking, and temperature control. Brands like Under Armour, Adidas, and Puma have further pushed this trend, offering golf wear that is as stylish as it is practical.

Casual and Accessible Fashion: Today, golf fashion is more inclusive and varied, with options ranging from traditional polos and slacks to more casual, streetwear-inspired looks. The introduction of spikeless golf shoes has also blurred the lines between golf footwear and casual shoes. Chicks wear leggings and some dudes wear joggers, I don’t know what’s happening.

Clothing Brand tier list

We took a poll to see what were the best and worst clothing brands. Here are the results. Do you agree?

Fashion Disaster Hall of Fame

Jesper’s Upper Decker

Honestly I like the uniqueness, but I don’t remember much about his game other than the goofy fits. Love the Upper Deck sponsorship though.

What can brown do for you?

Phil gets a lot of shit from us but come on and deliver my package already.

Color-blinded-ness

I can’t even tell you what the fuck is going here. Kind of dig the 90s jazz cup color scheme, but the black ear muffs and a brown two-tone toque are not a vibe.

I love Gooooold

Nothing says douchebag like a visor, frosted tips and being an genuine asshole in a shiny polo.

Rickie what is you doin’?

Do you remember Ricky could have gone pro in Moto-X. I’m glad he didn’t. Some loved the all orange look, but he did look like a pylon on Sunday’s though.

Contrary to me writing an entire piece on attire, I don’t really give a shit what you wear as long as you’re not a dick and you play fast. Here’s to ripping drives and heaters on the course. Zoom-zoom bitch.

Smell ya later,

Rex