Disclaimer: My style is that of a modern gentleman. Some of my recommendations may be a little dismissive of prior generations but I must stay true to who I am.
Instead of writing my dissertation on how golfers should dress and why. I’m going to start with a simple list of Dos and Don’ts that golfers should think about when dressing themselves before heading out to the links.
As fashion is cyclical, I’m sure some of these opinions may age better than others but my aim is to always give advice that I believe should withstand the test of time. My opinion is that fashion is better when you focus on picking items that are tried and true and should age well. This allows you to be confident in your choices and, in theory, buy less stuff in the long run as your closet isn’t filled with short-term trends like the horrendous monochromatic neons that Rickie Fowler made popular in the early part of his career.
Do
- White shoes – Every golfer should own a pair of white shoes. Do your best to keep them clean.
- Black shoes – If you need a second pair of shoes, buy another pair of white ones. If you need a third, I suppose I would recommend black.
- Pants/shorts with no pleats - A flat front is always preferred to a front that looks like an accordion.
- Simple Braided belts – Braided belts are a great modern option. Keep the colors simple (black, grey, blue, etc.).
- Simple Leather belts – If you want to add a touch of class to your outfit opt for a simple brown or black belt with an understated buckle.
- White hats – See comments on white shoes.
- Black hats – See comments on black shoes.
- Matching your hat color with your shoe color – I really hope I don’t have to explain this one.
- Solid color polos – Solid colors always age better than patterns. Stick to the classics.
- Pin dot polos – A fun take on a solid color shirt.
- Thin striped polos – Try to keep the stripes thin as well as few and far between.
- Acceptable pants colors – Navy and Light Blue, Bone Khaki, Camel, Brown, Light and Dark Grey, and Black
- Acceptable polo colors – White (when in doubt where a white polo!), Navy and Light Blue, Light and Dark Grey, and Black
- Thermal compression shirts under your polo – Thermal compression shirts keep you warm in cool conditions and typically offer better range of motion than wind breakers that go over your polo. Plus if your polo looks good with the rest of your look don’t hide it! Note: I recommend limiting compression shirts to black or white.
- Minimize the flair – You only need one statement piece with your clothes (e.g. bright pants). Pair a single bright color with understated or muted colors to not look like an Easter basket.
- Copy things that Adam Scott wears – I know that he breaks some of the above and below rules I have on the Dos and Don’ts but the dude is classic. He’s definitely a first ballot hall of famer in the golf fashion hall of fame and is well in contention for the title of GOAT.
Don’t
- Brightly colored golf shoes – Studies have shown the brightly colored golf shoes can distract you when looking down to hit the ball. Golf is hard enough. Don’t make it harder.
- Bright colored shirts – My eyes would appreciate you not assaulting them every time I look at you.
- Colored hats – There’s just no need. Let’s act like this is a white and black movie and not question.
- Bucket hats – Unless you live in Phoenix and the lack of a protective hat will cause your exposed flesh to burst into flames.
- Pleated pants – What’s the deal with all of that extra fabric?
- Cargo pants/shorts – You’re playing golf, not exploring the Amazon. No one needs 10 pockets on their golf pants.
- Visors – Your endless stories of epic conquests while in the prestigious brotherhood of Phi Tau Beta aren't that cool.
- David Duval's sunglasses – See Exhibit A. You’re on the golf course not on the baseball diamond (where all sense of style is abandoned).
- White belts – It was fun in 2003 but the last time I checked it ain’t 2003 anymore.
- White pants – See comments on white belts.
- Huge patterns – For the love of god, please do not show me the shirts that were worn in the 1999 Ryder Cup ever again.
- Hideous patterns – Not even John Daly can pull off this look! Disclaimer: Please prepare your eyes before clicking the link. Its like looking at an eclipse with no protection.
- Big stripes – Just pick a shirt with an approved dominate color and then make sure your stripes aren’t thicker than a tee.
- Copy things that Phil Mickelson wears – Sorry, Phil. But we all know that you've brought this onto yourself.
- Copy things that Patrick Reed wears – Not sorry, Patrick. Cool cross. Also, I'm pretty sure you're not Tiger so lay off the red shirts. You’re the worst.
Judgment Calls
- Bright colored pants – I can’t lie. I love to rock a loud pair of pants with a white shirt, white shoes and white hat. Just be thoughtful on how loud you go. I personally don’t love Justin Thomas’ Pink Panther pink pants. You'll notice his reaction to reading this comment if you click on the link. He know's I'm right.
- Golf course logo polos – Let’s be honest, we all know that you’re wearing the polo to brag about how you played at Pebble Beach. Bragging is never in style. Be careful!
Well, that was fun. I’ll periodically update this list to add things that I’ve forgotten about. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or tell my why I’m tremendously mistaken.
