Let’s just be honest, most of us grew up not caring at all about golf with, the exception of Tiger Woods or that crazy hole-in-one we’d see watching the top 10 plays on SportsCenter. Golf was the boring, swagless sport for waspy old white dudes. But not anymore.
These days, there are a number of brands popping up that are trying to make the sport more appealing for a younger and more diverse crowd. A big part of that equation is making clothing that you can wear without looking like a complete dork just to go spend an afternoon on the golf course.
There’s also a ton of big brands that have aided the cause. Nike has released classics like the Air Max 1 and collabs with Travis Scott tooled for the golf course. Aimé Leon Dore and Drake’s Nocta have released golf-themed capsules. Kith collaborated with TaylorMade. Right now, there are more options than ever for the casual fans.
Streetwear is taking over the golf world. Here are some of the brands leading the charge.
Let’s just be honest, most of us grew up not caring at all about golf with, the exception of Tiger Woods or that crazy hole-in-one we’d see watching the top 10 plays on SportsCenter. Golf was the boring, swagless sport for waspy old white dudes. But not anymore.
These days, there are a number of brands popping up that are trying to make the sport more appealing for a younger and more diverse crowd. A big part of that equation is making clothing that you can wear without looking like a complete dork just to go spend an afternoon on the golf course.
There’s also a ton of big brands that have aided the cause. Nike has released classics like the Air Max 1 and collabs with Travis Scott tooled for the golf course. Aimé Leon Dore and Drake’s Nocta have released golf-themed capsules. Kith collaborated with TaylorMade. Right now, there are more options than ever for the casual fans.
Streetwear is taking over the golf world. Here are some of the brands leading the charge.
Malbon
One Thing We Would Buy: Championship Vest ($248)
It should come as no surprise that Malbon is at the forefront of this movement taking a more fashionable approach to golf apparel. Co-founder Stephen Malbon created Frank151, a street style publication that has been around since 1999. He, along with wife Erica Malbon, have brought that expertise to the golf world. The brand has racked up an impressive list of collaborators since its inception in 2017 including Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Undefeated, Champion, and even Curb Your Enthusiasm. Malbon is also the first brand from this new lifestyle-leaning crop to sign a professional golfer to its roster. In January 2024, Australian PGA Tour pro Jason Day joined the brand as an ambassador. It’s a great indication some segments of the golf world are embracing this new wave. Expect Malbon to continue to lead the way, even if the Masters tries to stop them.
Metalwood Studio
One Thing We Would Buy: Field Work Jacket ($228)
Metalwood feels like it was ripped straight out of the ‘90s. Even its website looks like something you would log onto using a dial up connection. The inspiration of the late ‘90s and aughts is most obviously seen in its clothing, an ode to the baggier garb of golfers at the time. Casual golfers can get excited about items like roomy chinos and knit polos covered in fun prints that they can rock on the course. But what really makes Metalwood so great is that pretty much all of this stuff can be worn casually without making you look like you just got done with a round at the local country club. Honestly, you don’t even really need to like golf all that much to appreciate this brand. We’re sure most of the people wearing its popular camo cap can’t drive a ball more than 100 yards (we certainly can’t). But that’s ok. Looking good is the first step. Maybe some semblance of skill will follow.
Eastside Golf
One Thing We Would Buy: Eastside Golf x Jordan Men’s Cardigan ($160)
Even if you aren’t super in tune to the world of golf, you likely are already familiar with Eastside Golf. That’s because the brand, founded by Earl Cooper and Olajuwon Ajanaku, already has multiple collabs with Jordan Brand (fitting since its logo of a golfer with a gold chain swinging from their neck is like a golfer’s Jumpman). If you want to make the sport of golf seem interesting to the younger generation, Air Jordan 12 and Air Jordan 1s with your logo on it certainly help. But it isn’t just about the Jordan Brand collabs. The brand offers a bunch of great apparel from quilted vests to varsity jackets bearing its recognizable logo. It even entered the women’s apparel space earlier this year.
Sunlove
One Thing We Would Buy: Sun Touring Golf Jersey (app. $92)
This South Korean brand doesn’t immediately read as a golf brand when you skim through its web store. In fact, there are even soccer and football jerseys in the mix. But that’s probably why we like it so much. The brand takes cues from golf, but you don’t need to be super invested in the sport to appreciate it. Instead, you just need to appreciate great clothes. And we can certainly do that.
Devereux
One Thing We Would Buy: Checker 24 Polo ($68)
You know all of those amazing vintage soccer jerseys covered in crazy prints that you scour eBay for after a few too many beverages? Imagine that a brand made them, but for the golf course. That’s exactly what Devereux does best. They’ve effectively created a golf polo that you want to wear everywhere. They do other things well, like retro windbreakers and some fun slogan T-shirts, but the polos are the real star of the show.
Bogey Boys
One Thing We Would Buy: Diamond Button Up ($100)
Did you know Macklemore (yes, that Macklemore) owns a golf apparel brand? And yes, it’s actually really good. Macklemore started Bogey Boys to create the type of gear he wanted to wear on the course once he fell in love with the game. For him, that means pieces that harken back to the good ol’ days when golfers wore chunky knit sweaters and tasseled loafers instead of moisture-wicking polos and sneakers with spikes. Some logo T-shirts and caps round out the offering, but those don’t really tell the story of Bogey Boys. You should be going after the python print polos and striped cardigans instead. Who cares if you’re 10 strokes over if your fit is that good?
Gumtree Golf & Nature Club
One Thing We Would Buy: Just Out For A Walk Sweatpants ($135)
If golf wasn’t in the name, it might come as a shock to know that this is a golf apparel brand. That’s because Gumtree Golf & Nature Club focuses more on the lovely outdoor landscapes that you experience when you visit a course. Unfortunately, the more limited items like vintage Italian rugby shirts with floral brooches and lace shirts sell out fast. But there is still plenty here worth checking out from cozy sweats to quilted bucket hats.
Jain
One Thing We Would Buy: Jain Cap 3.0 ($42)
At the end of the day, golf is a sport. Playing a sport should be fun, right? Jain embraces that. Just look at that cute mascot. The whimsical designs might not be for everyone, but you can’t help but crack a smile when you see that smiling golf ball on a hat. Much better than a Titleist logo or some other script variation.
Whim
One Thing We Would Buy: Polartec® Loop Collar Buttondown Shirt ($128)
Unlike some other brands on this list, Whim isn’t straying too far away from the traditional golf wardrobe. Instead, it’s just making it really well. Solid-colored polos and vests are what you can expect. What Whim does do is shed all of the elitism that surrounds the sport. The brand’s ethos is meant to make the sport more inclusive for everyone. Whim’s Instagram page is also a pretty good follow if you’re in search of a good golf-inspired moodboard.
Radda
One Thing We Would Buy: Paltabor Polo ($95)
Radda knows that you don’t always want to just wear a basic polo and tan chinos every time you play golf, but still recognizes that those types of pieces are essential to have in your closet. They offer those core items, if that’s what you’re looking for. But what really piqued our interest were the more unconventional options like an olive green cheetah print polo or fire engine red pants.