5 Brands That Prove Golf Is Changing
Say goodbye to the eyesore golf apparel of yesteryear.
The secret is out. Golf, once thought of as a sport reserved for Ivy League bros with trust funds, is flat out fun, so why shouldn’t anyone get to enjoy it? Yes, golf remains expensive and exclusive in some circles, but there are now more entry points for young people looking to take up the sport thanks to modern venues such as TopGolf and rising lifestyle golf brands like Metalwood Studio, Malbon, Quiet Golf, MANORS and plenty others.
However, up until the last few years, unless you were into wearing boxy T-shirts and hoodies this new wave of golf style was mostly reserved for men. But that’s starting to change now too, as a number of brands have popped up that aim to give women alternatives to the overly technical, overly patterned dresses, polos and skirts that dominate the racks at golf shops and big box retailers across the country. Moreover, these newcomers make the game more appealing to those who have never picked up a club in the first place, because what better way is there to start a new sport than dressed in a clean fit.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five up-and-coming women’s golf apparel brands that you should have on your radar.
Fore All
Fore All was co-founded by Michelle Money, a name you may recognize as a former Bachelor contestant, and an experienced leader in the fashion business named Jen Clyde. Aiming to break down the barriers for women in golf, the brand’s signature touch is its green and white checker which flourishes on vintage-inspired pieces like sweater vests and bucket hats. Overall, the Fore All wardrobe presents a mix of preppy knits you can sport at the country club and functional essentials designed with versatility and movement in mind.
Sydney James
Sydney James was started as a love letter to founder Julie’s father, who introduced her to golf and taught her to master the fundamentals. The brand is based in New York City and positions itself as a community, bringing people together for meetups at local pitch and putt courses and indoor venues. The Sydney James wardrobe is relaxed and low key, opting for simple branding on oversized cotton crewneck sweaters, t-shirts and long sleeves. The brand only just celebrated its first anniversary, so stay tuned to see what’s coming in the pipeline.
A. Putnam
A. Putnam’s resort wear philosophy is built around transition pieces that take you from the golf course, to the poolside and then back. Although there are a few patterned pieces in its lineup, A. Putnam prefers solid neutrals with subtle touches of playfulness like tulip shaped sleeves and keyhole back yoke openings. Also central to the brand’s identity is its 100% ethically made promise.
Sierra Madre
Based in Austin, Texas, Sierra Madre looks to bring a southeastern attitude to stale golf apparel. One of its most recent collections was shot at Butler Pitch and Putt, a par-3 course in downtown Austin that has fast become one of the coolest and most laid back golf hangouts in the entire country. Sierra Madre’s essentials are understated, aiming to stand out through functional details rather than flashy patterns.
Malbon Women
Building off the success of Malbon Golf, the LA-based brand founded by couple Stephen and Erica Malbon, Malbon Women launched last year aiming to refine the brand’s aesthetic for women. Instead of the oversized, graphic-heavy pieces that define the men’s line, Malbon Women opts for elegance and functionality across golf, tennis, pickleball and other country club sports. It’s tenniscore taken to the next level.
