When I’m in a rush and need to throw on something casual yet polished, but also practical, I actually go for my golf clothes.
A son of an avid golfer, I’ve been spending weekends on the course since I was old enough to walk. This means I’ve been dressing for the game long before my dexterity was developed enough to even play it.
Dress codes vary slightly from league to league and country club to country club. Still, golf’s sartorial conventions often request a bit of class on top of the pragmatic needs (mobility, comfort, sun protection, and breathability).
As such, having a few practical, good-looking golf outfits has cross-over benefits—from the links to your day to day.
This means that even if you’ve never swung a club in your life, you should still read on.
Level up with Simple Patterns
You don’t have to stray from the standard golf silhouette to make your outfit more stylish or interesting. After all, the polo-pant combination is a flattering and timeless shape. It strikes the perfect balance of comfort and structure.
The contrast collar here is reminiscent of a rugby shirt or a popover, providing a handsome yet effortless sportiness.
The thin pinstripes on the shirt complement a wide range of body types. They’re subtle but tonal with the collar and pants, adding a slight visual pop while still sitting naturally within the context of the outfit.
Finally, the black belt, baseball cap, and even the ankle socks that peak out, make the outfit look intentional but still carefree.
Bold but Classy Colors
As you can see from golfer Minwoo Lee’s lululemon Evolution Polo Shirt, red is a striking hue, but it’s not distracting or weird. Whenever I have an important meeting or interview, I always make sure to wear a red tie. It makes you memorable, but it’s not too “in your face.”
By pairing the red polo with everything else in white, he creates a compelling contrast. Red may be the star of the palette, but white serves as a competent backup singer.
Naturally, the well-fitting pants and braided belt provide a clean look and interesting topography. This way, the white color blocks are still understated but not boring. Texture is a great way to add uniqueness to neutral, monochrome combinations.
lululemon always kills it with the color options, and their golf-centric styles are no exception. This polo shirt uses special anti-odor tech to keep you feeling fresh and comfy whether you're on the golf course or just out and about.
Vintage but Timeless
Many golfers look up to Arnold Palmer’s style. In fact, anyone who wants to inject their casualwear with a country club elegance should look to Palmer.
My favorite characteristics about this outfit, and Palmer’s sartorial proclivities in general, are the fits and cuts. This combo isn’t too loose or too slim, and the lines are clean throughout. This provides a breezy, high-class, and trend-resistant silhouette.
Remember that a “timelessness” is a range. Boomers were told looser cuts are classic, while millennials like me were told slimmer fits are classic. This outfit, from the pants to the cardigan, is a truly happy medium.
That combination of light yellow and dark cobalt is also a success. It’s fun and more interesting than navy and white, but it isn’t visually boisterous or overly youthful.
Playful and Nautically Bright
If the Penguin brand and designer Thom Browne got together to design a golf outfit, it would be this dapper yet lively number.
Yes, the polo’s palette is undeniably electric. But, it’s tempered by the pieces around it. The solid yet accented collar is tonal with the slim yet laid-back trousers. And again, there are really only two colors in this combo—white and some shades of blue.
Now that’s how a grown man should incorporate a statement piece into his outfit.
It’s fun but grounded, and can be worn from the golf course to a cruise and then out on a casual date. You’d get a lot of mileage out of this combo. Plus, the textured derby shoes and bucket hat give the otherwise standard golfer silhouette a distinct but slight remix.
A Grownup Take on Primaries
I’ve been wearing primaries my whole life. I’m a man who loves my reds and blues. However, they do tend to make you look like you’re wearing an elementary school uniform.
So, if you’re the same way, here’s a hack from me to you that my stylist gave me. Go for “grown-up” versions of primaries: Burgundy or crimson over red, navy over blue, and dark mustard over yellow. Then use true primaries simply as accents.
Ian Baker-Finch’s outfit here does exactly that, and that’s why it’s sophisticated but not dull. Even more, the neutral greys temper any potential loudness from the livelier colors.
Same Shade, Different Color, or Same Color, Different Shade
Level up a simple golf outfit, in this case a combination of lululemon’s Evolution Polo and classic-fit pants, by pairing like colors or like shades.
In the first slide, he goes for two different colors but in the same shade. What this means is that the blue of his pants and the maroon of his shirt are the same level of darkness. And you can do this with any color combo (sun-faded blue with sun-faded red or deep olive with deep navy, for example).
In the second slide, he goes for two blues, but in contrasting shades. The shirt is extremely light while the pants have a deeper hue. Still, in both examples, the outfits are visually dynamic but not loud. That’s the power of tempered contrasts.
I’d also like to point out the clean, flattering fit of the outfit, and that handsome braided belt.
Subtle Contrast and Transformative Layers
If you want to look taller, subtle contrasts are your friend. As a fellow of smaller stature, let me tell you, this is a great strategy for shorter men. And even if you aren’t short, it’s never offensive when someone thinks you’re taller than you are.
Additionally, as this outfit exhibits, it’s an efficient way to incorporate more interesting hues outside of the neutrals realm. This polo is literally lavender. Nonetheless, it doesn’t look overly floral because he pairs it with light slate grays instead of stark white or black.
The other variation of this outfit, the one in which he’s thrown on an eggplant-colored lululemon Pace Breaker Jacket, shows how much a simple piece of outerwear can transform an outfit.
It’s also practical for outings in which you’ll be out all day since the weather changes.
This jacket doesn't follow the hyper-atheltic design you'd expect from water-resistant outerwear, which is exactly why it works for well for golf's dapper dress code. Whether it's worn over tees, hoodies, or a moisture-wicking golf polo, it adapts effortlessly.
Cool Grandpa
We know that the eclectic grandpa aesthetic is trending this year and that the cool dad aesthetic is officially classic. Now, let me introduce you to a style I like to call “cool grandpa,” and it’s one that’s fully conducive to golf style.
It’s when you combine elegant, contemporary neutrals with cozy textures and a structured silhouette. Exhibit A: This composed yet easygoing combination.
The button-up’s relaxed fit looks natural with its terry-like texture. Regardless, the classy colors and the shirt tucked in, cinched with a tan braided belt, are choices made by a man who has esteem for dress codes.
And I couldn’t think of anything better to partner that shirt with than linen trousers. Replace that baseball cap with a trilby or Panama, and this outfit can be taken from the golf course to a boat, beach house, or even on safari.
It’s the kind of outfit that needs a cigar as an accessory.
Off-Duty Banker
Nothing says deal-closer at Morgan Stanley the way a sporty vest does. And while it’s technically an informal piece of clothing, I’ve seen many men at my company, and on Wall Street, wear it under their suit jackets.
However, combine that vest with some golf clothes, and you’ve got an attractive and weather-versatile outfit for the weekend.
I also like how he uses the art of subtle contrasts with his long-sleeve shirt underneath and grounds the outfit with black pants. The black adds a cosmopolitan formality to the look.
The Charm of Color
Simple, straightforward, and well-fitted. I love that many techy golf quarter-zips don’t cinch the sleeves but taper them instead.
The turquoise pants and blue top are an appealing partnership.
Even more, they don’t overpower each other. It’s the dark-color version of subtle contrast, where none of the shades used becomes the star. The sum is greater.
Other combination examples include crimson and dark, cool brown or charcoal and pine green.
Chic Black and Accessories
Who said golf wear can’t be streetwear-level cool?
Urbane black grounds the entire outfit, while the gray lululemon Evolution Polo Shirt maintains the commanding, dark palette.
The gold chain, large watch, and sunglasses accent the ensemble, adding character and cool factor.
The best part about these outfits is, again, they’d wear beautifully off the course.
I’m telling you. If you play golf, consider wearing your country club clothes in your everyday life. You might find many of your sports garments can replace non-performance pieces from a fashion perspective, making your wardrobe more efficient.
If you don’t play golf, still consider the golf section of your sports store as a place to find general casualwear.
