2016 iGR Fall Apparel Preview

This past August, iGR had the opportunity to attend the PGA Fashion and Demo Experience in Las Vegas.  This event represents one of two industry trade shows presented by the PGA of America.  The primary focus of the Las Vegas show is on golf apparel.  Hosted by The Venetian, the Las Vegas show is much more intimate and laid back than the behemoth in Orlando.

As I walked the show floor, I began to formulate the looks and brands I wanted to present in our biannual “LookBook” here on iGR.  There were a few prevalent trends observed that will become an adopted staple in golf apparel.  There were other fads that might not make it past 2017.

There is a clear trend among both established brands as well as the younger brands to “lifestyle” their selections.  The theory behind this concept is to make one universal look that functions well both on and off the golf course.  The idea that you can make one apparel purchase with broad spectrum application, work, dinner, and oh yeah, golf too.  More often than not, brands are departing from the “golfer” look.  While I do not see this trending on the men’s professional tours yet, I definitely see the concepts making their way to my home club.

While there are some brands that maintain a tailor fit look and style, many of the brands are seemingly getting larger.  For example, the new medium seems to be the old large, and so on.  Some call it a “gentleman’s cut” and others call it an “American cut”.  Regardless of what it’s called, don’t be surprised if you’re buying a size smaller in 2017.

More often, when I have a look at the tag of a shirt, I am seeing blend construction rather than 100% of anything.  The movement away from 100% “tech fabric” or polyester is because it really only looks right on the golf course.  The blend trend coincides with the lifestyle movement that continues to evolve in golf apparel.  Getting the blends and fabrics just right seems to be the art in creating a performance piece that still has the look as well as the feel of soft cotton.

A trend for 2017 that I see dying a slow death is the incorporation of floral patterns or large artistic designs.  Some brands do it rather well and mute it down, but others have the Hawaiian shirt flavor to them.  Regardless, it will be interesting to see how the trend plays itself out and to see whether consumers adopt the style.

This fall, six brands round out our bi-annual LookBook.  The apparel selections were chosen by the manufacturers based on what they wanted to present for their fall/winter looks.  As in previous editions, I am the representative model because quite frankly, I have never met anyone better for the job.  I hope you enjoy seeing the selections as much as I enjoy presenting them to you.  A special thank you to Beth Coburn from BC Fotos as well at the Eagle Valley Golf Course for hosting us again this fall.

You can get many of these clothes and brands in a monthly subscription box from Short Par 4 if you are interested in that sort of this! Let’s get started.

Greg Norman
Greg Norman seems to be a brand that is reinventing itself this year.  Gone are the days of the boldly conservative look and fit.  The have added to their portfolio with an “Attack Life” subcategory of apparel that is billed as performance infused lifewear.  It’s the marriage of athletic and leisure wear that is casually designed for the gym, shopping, and yes, even the golf course.  The “athleisure” movement is sustained in our culture and Greg Norman is the next to bring the concept to life.  They have done a nice job in their designs, fabric, and construction.

ML75 Micro Lux Solid Shirt (Patriot Blue): $59
Attack Life Rain Repellant Shorts (Black): $69
Heathered 1/4 Zip Mock Pullover (Grey): $69

Attack Life Self Collared Polo (Grey): $65
Attack Life Pullover Hoodie: (Black): $79
ML 75 Micro Lux Flat Front Pants (Black): $69

Bradley Allan

Bradley Allan was created by a PGA of Canada Assistant Pro, Brad Franklin.  Franklin departed from the pro shop to apparel design having previously worked for Dunning, Tommy Hilfiger, and AUR Golf.  Now, Franklin operates a label under his own namesake, that focuses heavily on the aesthetics of fit as well as function.  Bradley Allan’s tailor fit, premium construction, and conservative sophistication have lead to one of golf newest luxury golf clothiers. ​

Stripe Polo (Lunar): $89
Stretch Gabardine Pant (Black): $94

Oxford Pique Pocket Polo (Pilot): $89
Stretch Gabardine Short (Cadet): $79

Columbia Golf

The respected outerwear company is making its way onto the golf landscape.  Columbia is incorporating much of what they have learned in creating performance fabrics designed to tackle the elements into their golf specific apparel. Columbia brought over some of the best technology in the industry to keep you both warm when its cold, and cool when its hot.  I have often said that some of the mountain outwear brands should focus more in the golf segment because of their designs and performance technology.  Columbia has done it and has left me impressed with their initial offerings.

Omni-Wick Alignment Polo (Navy): $75
Omni-Wick Stableford Pant (Khaki): $70

Omni-Wick Fairway Polo (Forged Iron): $59
Omni-Wick Zinger 1/4 Zip (Black): $80
Omni-Wick Tee Up Short (Heathered Forged Iron): $70

Travis Mathew

The Huntington Beach, California based brand continues to dominate in brining the  sophistically casual Southern California feel into golf.  Images from Mark Wahlberg playing the Madison Club in Palm Springs are always head to toe, Travis Mathew.  It’s a brand of bold style, yet with muted colors and undertones.  It’s just cool, casual, and always something that can be worn across venues.  Travis Mathew was probably one of the first brands to capture the lifestyle movement in golf apparel and continues to be one of the best at it today.  Travis Mathew recently introduced their RED fitness and athleisure apparel that can compete with some of the top workout gear in the marketplace.

Mame Polo (Black): $84
Hough Pants (Black): $105
Stone Sweater (Quiet Shade): $115

Callaway Golf

News from the guys on Rutherford Road usually dominates golf equipment stories.  But make no mistake, Callaway Golf is very much in the soft lines game, and produces one of the most comprehensive lines in golf for both men and women alike.  The brand is licensed by Perry Ellis, and comparatively speaking, some of the most modestly priced apparel in golf.  In 2017, their shoes are taking a new direction and being designed by one of the most comfortable athletic shoes made, New Balance.  Callaway consistently brings bold colorways, technical fabrics, and quality craftsmanship that’s reasonably priced, line after line. 

Color Block Polo (Highrise Heather): $40
Flat Front Feather Weight Tech Pant (Caviar): $50

Men’s Rugby Striped Polo (Caviar): $50
​Men’s 1/4″ Zip Waffle Fleece Pullover (Highrise Heather): $40
Flat Front Feather Weight Tech Pant (Caviar): $50

Galvin Green

Few would disagree that Galvin Green is the undisputed king of the golf outerwear hill.  It remains one of the top choices for iGR staff, and is the official outerwear for the European Ryder Cup team.  From its unconventional tailored fit, colorways, freedom of movement, elasticity of the fabric, to raw technical performance, Galvin Green remains the gold standard in waterproof outerwear.  The 2017 line continues in their tradition of excellence, and numerous offerings so players have just the right gear for the elements they face.  Planning a trip to Bandon Dunes, or the home of golf?  Galvin Green should be on the top of your consideration list.

Action Paclite Half-Zip Jacket: ($450)
August Paclite Trousers: ($405)