Golf has earned a reputation for being a costly sport. You need to buy the clubs, balls, and sometimes a membership to a course. But one of the most controversial elements is the price of the apparel. This has led many to ask why golf clothes are so expensive?
There are a few reasons why they are so costly. First, you might be paying a premium for a well-known brand name. Also, you will need to make sure that you are getting a high-quality item. These clothes will need to meet the standards set by the golf courses, which have strict rules around what is deemed appropriate.
Before hitting the course, you need to get the right apparel. Keep reading to learn why golf clothes are so expensive and what you can do about it.
Why Golf Clothes Cost So Much
There are a few reasons why golf clothes are so expensive. One of the biggest reasons is the brand name attached to these products. This adds to their prestige and allows them to charge a premium for their products.
Another element to consider is the fabric. When you are paying for golf clothes, you want to get the best possible materials. This is often cotton. It’s also important to check the stitching, making sure that it will last for a long time. However, this quality can add to the price.
If you are paying full price for these items, you will need to have a generous budget. You will often need to set aside between $300 to $400.
Finding Reasonably Priced Golf Gear
While many players think that golf gear is too expensive, there are a few ways to avoid overpaying for your gear. First, you can try some products that aren’t made by popular brands. While they might not have the logo, they will often be a fraction of the price. You just need to make sure that they are high quality.
Another popular option is to purchase clothing when it goes on sale. This is a good way of getting brand-name products for a fraction of the normal price. Some golfers report up to 40 percent off. The best time to look for deals is during October. This is when the popularity of golf starts to wane in the northern states. Even if the golf season is year-round, you should still be able to find some good deals throughout the year.
Finally, don’t be afraid to shop around. You’ll often be able to find the same item of clothing for sale in another retailer for a discounted price.
Dress Code For Golf
Golf is a sport that will often insist on a dress code. For the exact specifications, you’ll need to check with your local club. Generally, though, these are the guidelines for men;
- Collared shirts are the standard. Though you might also be able to use a turtleneck style.
- Long pants, traditionally these will be made from cotton. Though, on hot days you can wear golf shorts.
- You won’t be able to wear denim jeans
- Baseball or straw hats are allowed.
- Golf shoes
There are also clothing standards that females should be expected to follow. These include the following;
- Collared shirts.
- Long cotton pants. Alternatively, you can wear a golf skirt. This will often be skorts.
- On hot days, you will be able to wear shorts.
- Activewear or yoga pants won’t be acceptable.
- Baseball or straw hats
- Golf shoes
Why Are There Such Strict Dress Standards?
One of the biggest debates in golf is why the dress codes are so strict. Some people say that it is elitist, stopping people from playing in what makes them comfortable. Those who are in this camp believe that these codes could be holding the sport back. If the codes were relaxed, it could encourage more people to give golf a try.
On the other side of the debate, some argue that preserving a strict code will honor the tradition of golf. According to those in this camp, it is a good way to make sure that everyone on the green looks as professional as possible.
Ultimately, where you sit in this spectrum will depend on you. However, there is evidence that the golf dress codes are beginning to change. For example, some clubs allow you to wear jeans or cargo pants. However, this is a slow process so for now it’s best to stock up on golf clothes.
Do You Need Golf Clothes?
When faced with the high price point, some people question whether they need to purchase specialized golf clothes. However, there are a few reasons why they will often be worth spending a little extra money.
First, golf clothes will be designed specifically to cope with the needs of golfers. This means that you will get a lot of freedom of movement. You don’t want anything that constricts your motion, as it will be harder to get an accurate shot.
Another benefit is that these clothes are breathable. You don’t want to be walking around the course when you are sweating.
One of the most important pieces of golf apparel is the shoes. These are designed to give you more grip on the course. This is especially important when the ground is wet, as you don’t want to risk slipping mid-swing.
Best Golf Clothing Brands
There are plenty of golf clothes available for you to choose from. To help you narrow down the search, you might want to consider the brand name. Some of the ones that have built a reputation for quality include;
- Adidas
- Nike
- Puma
- Ralph Lauren
- Galvin Green
- Wolsey
- Peak Performance
- Under Armor
- Dunning Golf
- BOSS
How to Find Good Golf Clothes
While the brand name is important, it isn’t the only thing that you should be looking for when choosing your golf clothes. First, you’ll want to make sure that you are getting something that feels comfortable. Make sure that it isn’t too tight, restricting your movements. You also don’t want something too large, as it will make you look unprofessional.
If you are getting golf shorts, check how long they are. You don’t want anything that will go above the knee. This will be viewed as unprofessional. In some clubs, you might not even be allowed onto the course. On the other hand, if they are too far below the knee it can start to affect your swing.
When it comes to choosing golf shirts, you want to find something that will be breathable. This ensures that you won’t be overheating on the course. It’s also a good idea to look for something that offers UV protection. This will stop you from getting sunburnt.
When you are buying golf shoes, you should try them on first. This ensures that they will fit properly. You want them to be comfortable. There are two types of golf shoes. You can get spiked ones, which will give you better traction on the course. Or you can get spikeless which are similar to sneakers, though they have been designed to give you a better grip.
Lastly, you want to consider the color of the clothing. After all, you want to make sure that you are looking on the green. Traditional colors like white, khaki and blue tend to be the most popular options.
Final Thoughts
Many people are shocked when they see the price tags attached to golf clothes. However, there are a few reasons why they are so pricey. This is often because of the manufacturing costs and the brand names that are attached to these products. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, try getting more generic products. You can also try waiting until they go on sale.