Why Is Golf Clothing So Expensive?

Golfing is a sport that many people enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, having the right golf clothing is essential for playing your best game.

But why is it so expensive? In this article, we’ll explore why golf clothing can be pricey and how to get around paying top dollar. 

With some research and smart shopping, though, there are ways to find quality pieces at affordable prices. We’ll discuss different factors that affect pricing and offer tips on where to shop.

After reading this article, you’ll know everything you need about finding great deals on apparel!

Why Is Golf Clothing So Expensive
Tim Evanson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Understanding The Cost Of Clothing For Golf

Why is a polo shirt for golf as much as 10x the price of a “normal” polo? Well, I think if we are being honest it’s largely because golfers are seen as affluent or at least having plenty of disposable income and therefore there are plenty of companies that will offer you a “luxury” product at a top-end price.

At the end of the day if you are buying a plain cotton polo shirt then the fact it has some high-end golf company logo on it doesn’t make it perform 10x better than a cheaper one without the logo.

One of the main reasons golf clothes are so expensive is because people keep buying them. As long as companies can convince you that their golf brand will make you look the part then you will probably part with the cash.

Most people want to fit in so having the latest Hugo Boss golf shirt or Ralph Lauren pants will help you feel at home on the golf course. Particularly if you frequent upmarket establishments.

Bear in mind that companies, even ones charging $100+ per shirt might be getting their shirts made for as little as $10 each.

Reasons Why Golf Clothes Cost So Much

Ok, aside from the fact that a market exists for expensive gear there are a few reasons why clothes designed for golf might justifiably be a bit more expensive.

Reasons Why Golf Clothes Cost So Much:

  • Brand Names. Lacoste, Travis Mathew, Tommy Hilfiger, J.Lindeberg, etc have spent a fortune building up a luxury brand so they have to keep the price high to maintain the “premium” feel
  • High-quality materials. Waterproof clothing might use Gore-Tex linings to keep you dry while still being breathable. Shirts may be made of moisture-wicking fabrics.
  • Lightweight fabrics for staying cool in warm weather
  • Expensive endorsement contracts with sports stars or celebrities

While certain items of clothing will be more expensive since they require a lot more effort to manufacture and require more expensive materials like waterproof jackets most golf clothing really shouldn’t be anywhere near as expensive as it is.

Golf Dress Codes

While some golf clubs are starting to relax their dress codes somewhat it is still a good idea to play golf in the traditional outfit of a polo shirt and pants. That way you shouldn’t have any issues no matter which venue you are playing at. While having a collar on your shirt won’t actually improve your golf it signifies to the club that you take the rules and etiquette of the game seriously and likely won’t go damaging the course or attacking other players!

If you wear shorts then don’t forget your golf socks. Some clubs can be more picky than others. In the UK many golf courses may still ask you to wear knee-length socks and you may also find stipulations regarding the colors that are acceptable.

If you are a regular golfer then you will have invested in some golf shoes. Depending on the manufacturer and model these can get pretty pricey too. Fortunately, most brands bring out new models regularly so you can usually find deep discounts if you are not too attached to a particular company.

Golf Professionals Shop
CK Golf from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Popular Brands Of Golf Clothes

Popular general sports brands like Nike, Adidas and Puma offer high-quality golf gear that is designed to keep you comfortable while playing the game. It’s important to invest in good quality shirts and shorts as this will help protect against UV rays and make sure you look your best!

Tiger Woods has been wearing Nike apparel since he signed a massive contract with them just after turning professional in 1996, so it’s no surprise why his name has become synonymous with the brand.

Other popular brands include Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, FootJoy, Adidas, Under Armour and the now-defunct Ashworth. These companies have invested heavily into their design and technology to create clothing for serious players of all levels. All these brands provide great quality products at different price points which makes them suitable for everyone from beginners to professionals. With the right golf attire, you’ll be able to hit the course feeling confident and looking sharp! So if you’re looking for some new golf gear, consider investing in some of these top brands – you won’t regret it!

I personally miss Ashworth. They made great shirts and you could usually pick them up at bargain basement prices if you brought models from previous years!

A very unscientific comparison

Ways To Save Money On Golf Clothing

Golf clothing can be ridiculously expensive. It’s usually not easy to find great golf apparel without paying a high price. 

There are some ways you can save money when looking for clothes to play a round of golf. Look for sales and discounts at big box stores like Walmart or Target. You might be surprised by all the options available! TJ Maxx often had some great offers on golf polos.

Always check out online retailers and websites specializing in selling golf apparel – they often have great deals on items. Remember that manufacturers probably have new lines twice a year so there is always a ready supply of old stock they need to shift. I’ve picked up a few bargains down the years on eBay.

If you aren’t as bothered about your image then of course you can go for unbranded or less fashionable manufacturers which should save you a packet compared with the most expensive golf shirt companies.

If you are really hard up then you could consider buying pre-owned items from thrift shops or secondhand markets – these usually come with significant price reductions.

No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of ways to get quality golf gear while still saving money! With a bit of patience and research, you’ll definitely be able to find some good deals.

Why Is Golf Clothing So Expensive: Summary

Golf clothing can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Shopping for more affordable brands and buying used items are great options for those who want to stick to a budget. If you absolutely must have a fashionable logo on your shirt then look for discontinued lines. 

It’s important to remember that the dress code is still in effect when picking out golf clothes – even if you don’t pay top dollar for them!

When it comes down to it, looking good on the course isn’t worth breaking your bank account over.

Understanding what goes into the price of golf apparel will help you make an educated decision about where you get your gear. You don’t want to be one of those golfers with all the gear but no idea!

Would you rather spend money on a shirt or a green fee?

Tips on how to save a few bucks on golf.

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